Go: Self-Guided Tour of The Isle of Guernsey
The Isle of Guernsey is one of the beautiful Channel Islands located off the coast of Normandy, France. When you visit, you can easily cover the tiny island in just a day or two. The coastal drives are drop dead gorgeous! But having read the book and watched the movie, you’ll want to linger longer to explore some of the lovely, interesting, and historically important places mentioned in the book. You can book a Guernsey Literary Society tour with an official tour guide, or like me, you’ll want to do your own self-guided tour at your own leisurely pace.
Here are a few places worth seeing and learning more about from the book.
Fort Saumarez - This is an example of one of Guernsey's massive fortifications. Hitler ordered hundreds of bunkers, arms and bomb depots, miles and miles of underground tunnels, and an underground hospital.
Corbiere - Along the South Coast Cliffs there are several little fishing harbors. Corbiere was noted in the book.
Little Chapel - This is possibly the smallest chapel in the world where Dawsey took Juliet, “every inch of which is a mosaic of broken china and smashed pottery.”
Fermain Cliff Path - this is where the society “all walked together into St. Peter’s Port. It’s a beautiful rugged path that wanders up and around the headlands.”
Dawsey’s address - “I live on my farm in St Martin.” Les Vaux Laurens, La Bouvee, St. Martin.
Sir Ambrose’s Home - on the cliff tops near La Bouvee
Le Grand Havre - Peter lives in a nursing home near here. It’s Guernsey’s largest natural harbor.
Grange Lodge Hotel - “ All Jews report to the Grange Lodge Hotel.” During the German Occupation it was used as the headquarters for the German Field Lieutenant.
Saumarez Street - The Germans’ Brothel was here
The Crown Hotel - in the film, this is where Juliet first spots Dawsey, heaving slates for the Crown Hotel’s new roof. It is now a British pub in St. Peter’s Port.
Guernsey Market in St. Peter’s Port
Fountain Street - “Oh, there were hundreds of German soldiers - and they were Shopping! Arm-in-arm they went strolling along Fountain Street.” This is Guernsey’s central shopping District
St. Peter’s Port Harbor - this is the jewel of the Channel Islands
Dehus Dolmen - “Guernsey is very beautiful in all its variety - fields, woods, hedgerows, dells, manors, dolmens, wild cliffs, witches corners, Tudor Houses, and Norman stone cottages.” Dehus Dolmen is one of the best-preserved burial chambers in Europe.
Besides its spectacular beauty, Guernsey has always been considered a ‘magical’ island. Several houses still have special seats for witches and it is believed to once have been invaded by fairies.
At the Island’s western extremity you will find a mysterious circle. Folklore suggests by just walking around the fairy ring three times and making a wish will actually make your wish…..well, you’ll just have to GO and see what happens!
Bon voyage!
Want to enhance your travel experience? This post bundles with:
READ: The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, spoiler-free review!
WATCH: Netflix Film review, ‘The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society’
