Gorgeous island an hour from UK with £50 flights - and it's loved by the French (2024)

Guernsey is a Channel Island off the coast of France (Image: Getty)

The gorgeous island just an hour from UK with £50 flights - and it's loved by the French.

Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands, just off the coast of France. It is not a part of the UK but is a self-governing dependency of the British Crown.

The only town on the island, St Peter Port, consists of steep narrow streets and steps on the overlooking slopes. It is filled with independent shops and restaurants to enjoy.

There is also lots of history to explore on the island, with it having been invaded by the Nazis during the Second World War. The Channel Islands were the only places in the British Isles occupied by Germany during the period.

Guernsey is popular among the French due to its proximity. Prior to Brexit, they only required their national ID to enter the country but now need to show a passport.

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Guernsey is popular among both British and French tourists (Image: Getty)

A scheme was introduced last summer that allowed day-trippers from France to visit with just their national ID, which sent tourism numbers rocketing.

And a direct flight from Paris launched earlier this year, showing the French’s love for the little Channel Island.

Guernsey is also beloved among Victor Hugo fans. The author of Notre-Dame de Paris and Les Misérables is “god-like” in the French public consciousness and he lived on the island. There are Victor Hugo tours and a Victor Hugo museum to explore.

But Brits make up half of the visitors to Guernsey, with hiking, biking and wild swimming being big among tourists.

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There are many hiking routes around the island and a number of natural pools and tidal Bathing Pools.

Remnants of the occupation are still visible across the islands with fortifications dotted along the coastline and unique museums documenting this important part of their past.

Those wishing to travel to Guernsey can do so via 40-minute flights or three-hour ferries. There are a number of places to stay including hotels and holiday lets.

While there, people can also explore Guernsey’s sister islands, Jersey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm.

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