english channel cruise
Transcription
english channel cruise
ENGLISH CHANNEL CRUISE 2013 Exploring the French Coast English Channel Cruise THE ENGLISH CHANNEL CRUISE EXPLORING THE FRENCH COAST FOREWORD For 2013 we have prepared several new cruise destinations. Cruising in the Northern part of Europe is a guarantee for culture and historical adventures. In this brochure we like to give an insight in the history of the France coast on the English Channel. From the Dutch coast we sail via Belgium to the French coast on the English Channel and explore interesting and famous cities and sites. The cruise will finish in the beautiful town of Saint Malo. We have tried to give this English Channel Cruise an exploring character and are open for any desired changes in schedule or sailing plan. In the following paragraphs we describe the open sailing plan and try to give you an insight in attractions and activities in the cruising region. We hope you will enjoy reading about this beautiful region and may it give you holiday feelings! With Regards, Arnold Timmer Nauticon Yacht Services BV Pagina 1 English Channel Cruise Sailing plan overview Day 1 Antwerp Antwerp Day 2 Antwerp Nieuwpoort Day 3 Nieuwpoort Boulogne sur mer Day 4 Sightseeing Boulogne sur mer Day 5 Boulogne sur mer Dieppe Day 6 Dieppe Ouistreham Day 7 Sightseeing Caen Day 8 D-Day Beaches & Museum Day 9 Ouistreham Day 10 Sightseeing Cherbourg Day 11 Cherbourg Jersey – St. Helier Day 12 Sightseeing Jersey – St. Helier Saint Malo Day 13 Sightseeing Saint Malo Sightseeing Mont Saint Michel Day 14 Saint Malo Return flight Cherbourg During this cruise around 400 nautical miles will be covered. Pagina 2 English Channel Cruise ANTWERP The cruise will start from the city of Antwerp. Antwerp, daughter of the River Scheldt and second largest city of Belgium.. The 500.000 inhabitants call it the 'Metropolis' (Antwerpians are known in Belgium for not being too modest). This city has so many different facets that it takes a while before one gets to know it thoroughly. It is the second largest harbour of Europe (after Rotterdam). Moreover, Antwerp is a splendid city with numerous architectural highlights, most of which date from the 16th (the golden era of Antwerp) and the 17th century. The destructions of the Second World War, unfortunately, has scarred somehow the fair face of the old town. Still there are enough monuments left for those who like monument-hopping to spend a few days admiring them. The past is also represented by the numerous paintings of Peter Paul Rubens who lived in the Antwerp of the early 17th century. Antwerp, the diamond centre of the World. If diamonds really are a girl's best friend, than a lot of ladies will not leave out a visit to the diamond district around the Railway Station. This area is also the Jewish part of the city. The presence of many 'Chassidic' Jewish people gives the city a flair that cannot be found in other Belgian cities. Antwerp, however, does not only live from the past. Nowadays, Antwerp has earned a place among the fashion cities of the world thanks to the efforts of numerous young Flemish fashion designers. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN ANTWERP The house of Rubens In a side-street (named 'Wapper') of the Meir avenue stands the former house of Peter Paul Rubens, the greatest and most famous of all the Antwerp painters. Rubens bought an existing 16th century house here, after he had returned from his stay in Italy (1600-1608). He lived in the house from 1616 onwards and died here in 1640. Castle The Steen Steen' is the Dutch word for 'stone'. In Antwerp the 'Steen' is the name of the little castle that can be seen at the entrance of the city centre, on the border of the river Scheldt. The castle is called that way because it was one of the earliest buildings in Antwerp constructed with stones (at a time when most houses were still built with wood). The name 'Steen' can be found in other cities too. It always refers to a Pagina 3 English Channel Cruise castle-like fortification (e.g.: the castle of the counts of Flanders in the city of Gent is also called 'Graven-steen', or (stone) Castle of the Counts). The Antwerp Steen has been renovated numerous times. It was probably built as a part of the fortification around the city in the 13th century. In 1520, during the reign of Charles V, the castle was renovated by the architects Keldermans and De Waghemakere. The chapel which forms a loggia above the entrance dates from this period. It bears the motto of Charles V 'Plus Outre'. The Steen was used as a prison from 1549 until 1823. As from 1862 it was used as the Archaeological Museum. It was again renovated in 1889-1890 and a Neo-gothic wing was added to the building. Since 1952 The National Navigation Museum is housed here. Next to the castle are the large storage halls of the 19th century harbour. Here can be seen numerous vessels and boats which belong to the Maritime Museum. The Zurenborg District Zurenborg is the name of a district, consisting of a few streets in the Antwerp suburb of Berchem. The district is situated near the railway station of Berchem. What you can see here is absolutely unique in Belgium, or perhaps in Europe. An incredible mixture of architectural styles unfolds itself before the eyes of the visitor. Nowhere else can such a panoply of neo-styles be admired (or ridiculed, according to some). The district is not really very large, so the best way to visit it is by taking a stroll through the different streets. In Belgium the district is also sometimes referred to as the 'COGELS-OSY lei.', which is the name of its main street. DINING AND WINING IN ANTWERP 't Zilte (2 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Viki Geunes Hanzestedenplaats 5 Antwerpen +3232834040 info@tzilte.be www.tzilte.be Closing: Monday lunch, Saturday, Sunday. This establishment has moved to the top floor of the MAS, so the location is now at the same level as the food! The urban gastronomy here is indeed top flight, a magnificent blend of craftsmanship and creativity - in one of the loveliest spots in town overlooking the harbour. Pagina 4 English Channel Cruise t Fornuis Very (1 star Michelin restaurant) Johan Segers Reyndersstraat 24 Antwerpen +3232336270 fornuis@skynet.be Closing: 22 July - 16 August, Saturday, Sunday. Fine classic cuisine and quality wines are served in this rustic restaurant housed in an old building. The owner/chef introduces the menu in person. He has been running the show since 1976 and was awarded his first Michelin star in 1986. Miniature stoves exhibited downstairs. Het Gebaar (1 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Roger van Damme Leopoldstraat 24 B Antwerpen +3232323710 info@hetgebaar.be www.hetgebaar.be Closing: Sunday This restaurant is located in an elegant building on the edge of the botanical park. Luxury tea room cuisine, which the chef enriches with modern twists; mouth-watering desserts! Non-stop service until 6pm. NIEUWPOORT The town of Nieuwpoort lies on the river IJzer, 3km (2miles) from where it flows into the North Sea. It is divided into Nieuwpoort Bad and Nieuwpoort Stad laying a little further inland, and is an important fishing port. The importance of tourism, which is in first place concentrated in Nieuwpoort Bad, can be seen from the extensive yacht harbour, one of the largest in the North Sea. History In the past, Nieuwpoort was almost exclusively a fishing port and was during certain period’s one of the most important ones of the Belgian coast. At the end of the 16th century Nieuwpoort was a famous or even notorious Spanish pirate nest. The town situated at the North Sea was the first front city on Belgian Pagina 5 English Channel Cruise soil. It was above all a battlefield for four nations and this historical fact, together with the important facts like the flooding, makes the role of Nieuwpoort during the Great War unique. DINING AND WINING IN NIEUWPOORT Hostellerie Le Fox (2 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Stephane Buyens Walckierstraat 2 B - De Panne +3258412855 info@hotelfox.be www.hotelfox.be Opening times Closing: 15 April - 23 April, 01 July - 09 July, 29 September - 15 October, Monday, Tuesday. This intimate restaurant offers a delicious range of classic, regional dishes with a modern twist. Prestigious wine list and original appetisers. Good choice of sweet treats to round off your meal with a coffee. Smart rooms for a gourmet stopover. Ten Bogaerde (1 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Iain Wittevrongel Ten Bogaerdelaan 10, Koksijde +3258620000 info@tenbogaerde.be www.tenbogaerde.be Opening times Closing: 30 June - 01 July, Monday, Sunday. A 12C abbey farmhouse that has often been remodelled. It is now converted into a restaurant with both a historical and modern setting. Banquets in the chapel and a fine summer terrace. DUNKIRK Well known throughout the world as the scene for Operation Dynamo in 1940, Dunkirk is one of the few places in Europe that seamlessly combines a wealth of history with fabulous boutique shops, hypermarkets, delightful restaurants, a stunning golf course and miles of sweeping sandy beaches at the seaside resort of Malo-les-Bains. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND DUNKIRK There are a number of places for visitors to take a look through a window into the past including the Battle of Dunkirk museum (Mémorial du souvenir) which houses a collection of war time relics and moving photographs. There have also been a number of memorials erected over the years to including The British Memorial, The Fort des Dunes and The memorial to the battles of May and June 1940 are all located within easy walking distance and pay tribute to all those that fought at Dunkirk. Pagina 6 English Channel Cruise Discover Dunkirk’s maritime history at the Port Museum and on board the Duchesse Anne, a stunning schooner dating from 1901. Curious as to how ports work nowadays ? Take the boat trip on board « le Texel » through the impressive landscape of France’s third biggest port. Dunkirk and French flanders is also home to the prestigious Lieu d’Art et Action Contemporaine (LAAC) which houses an eclectic mix of contemporary art from the 1950s through to the present day. The rich collection of the Fine Arts Museum includes paintings and sculpture from Flemish, French, Dutch and Italian masters. In the Chapel of light, created by British sculptor Sir Anthony Caro, this impressive work of art, a stunning group of 15 sculptures laid out over 450m2, forms part of the project to restore the choir of the church of Saint John the Baptist at Bourbourg. The peaceful walled town of Gravelines was left surprisingly unspoilt during the great wars and still retains a great deal of French architecture to savour. Bergues is still contained within ramparts for over five kilometres. Surrounded by greenery, these walls provide a walk that is as magnificent as it is instructive. There is no doubt you will be won over by the attractive traditional old houses and private mansions. DINING AND WINING IN DUNKIRK Le Soubise (3 forks Michelin restaurant) 49 rte de Bergues, Coudekerque-Branche +328646600 restaurant.soubise@wanadoo.fr www.restaurant-soubise.com Opening times Closing: 21 April - 30 April, 27 July - 20 August, Saturday, Sunday. The chef at this 18C coaching inn celebrated his golden anniversary in the job in 2010! He continues to valiantly rustle up tasty and generous traditional fare. Le Flore (2 forks Michelin restaurant) Duinkerkelaan 19b B - 8660 De Panne +3258412248 info@leflore.be www.leflore.be Opening times Closing: Tuesday. Contact the establishment to check this information. This Flora is Mediterranean, and grew from a good seed, inspired by the Colonna-Césari couple and nurtured by a creative young chef. It has excellent food and wine pairings, an Art Deco setting and attentive service to boot. Pagina 7 English Channel Cruise Boulogne-sur-Mer is the largest fishing port in France and so the emphasis, as you would expect, is very much on seafood and all things connected with the sea. Apart from the stalls along the edge of the port, there is also Capécure, the commercial port where the fish is auctioned, frozen, salted, smoked and generally processed. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES BOULOGNE-SUR-MER Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogne The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogne is a minor basilica located in Boulogne-sur-Mer in the Pas-de-Calais département of northern France. The basilica was built between 1827 and 1875 on the site of Boulogne's medieval cathedral with its 101 metre high dome. The basilica is still known locally as the "cathedral", despite the present church never having held that status. Notre-Dame was built to a new design and was inspired by both classical and renaissance styles, and bears many similarities to St Paul's Cathedral. The area beneath the dome was initially designed to form the complete church, but additional funding allowed the expansion to the nave and transept that form a Latin cross. This gives the finished building the unusual internal appearance of being formed by two distinct churches. Château-Museé 2 rue Bernet Boulogne +33321100220 Open: Daily except Tuesday 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm Located on the ramparts that tops the upper town, there is so much to see in this medieval castle and in its museum you may well run out of time! The castle was originally built by the Count of Boulogne and his wife Mahaut and was the first castle to be built without a keep in the history of military architecture. Part of the moat has been refilled with water and the drawbridge has been restored. You can walk through the vaults and underground passages of this listed building including the chapel and the baronial hall. Do not miss the magnificent gothic Salle Barbière (armoury) adjoining the old prison. Pagina 8 English Channel Cruise DINING AND WINING BOULOGNE-SUR-MER La Matelote (1 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Tony Lestienne 80 bd Ste Beuve Boulogne-sur-Mer +33321301797 tony.lestienne@la-matelote.com www.la-matelote.com Closing: Thursday lunch An elegantly refined restaurant in red and gold hues with a fine summer terrace. Superbly prepared seafood cuisine. Épicure (1 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Philippe Carrée 1 r. Pompidou F - 62930 Wimereux +33321832183 Closing: 30 August - 13 September, Wednesday diner, Sunday. You could easily miss this discreet little restaurant in the town centre. It has a hushed and intimate atmosphere and an appealing contemporary menu, which is principally devoted to seafood. DIEPPE Dieppe is the nearest beach to Paris, lively all year round. It is well-known for a failed landing operation by predominantly Canadian Allied forces during WW2, on the 19th of August 1942. You won't find a French flag flying in Dieppe without a Canadian flag alongside it. Dieppe has a long and interesting history, having been an important port linking William the Conquerer's English kingdom with his Normandy Dukedom in the 11th century, and having endured centuries of conflict right up until 1944. Today, it's an important ferry and fishing port, and a pleasant seaside resort. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES DIEPPE Chateau Museum Chemin de la Citadelle, Dieppe +332 35841976 This museum is situated within the old chateau that overlooks the town of Dieppe to the west. A beautiful structure, it has a long and interesting history associated with the people of the town. The museum is dedicated to models of ships and ivory carvings that have been collected from across the world and beautifully displayed in this most gentile of environments. The museum offer wonderful views across the town from the cliffs and across the town. Pagina 9 English Channel Cruise City of the Sea 37 Rue de l’Asile Thomas, Dieppe +33235069320 This large sea life centre is without a doubt one of the most popular visitor attractions in the town of Dieppe. Situated close to the main docks, the centre explores the close link that the town has always shared with the sea and the animals that live in it. The centre is filled with large tanks and aquariums that contain an exciting variety of fish and other animals of the sea, for the entertainment of visitors and to help with research and conservation projects. St. Jacques Church Place St. Jacques, Dieppe This is the largest and most prominent church in Dieppe, situated close to the port and the old town streets. It is an imposing Norman Gothic ecclesiastical structure that has acted as the centrepiece of the area for many centuries. It is thought that the first stones were laid in around the early 13th Century, but there have been several major overhauls of the building since that time, making it a well maintained and extremely charming church to visit. DINING AND WINING IN DIEPPE Les Voiles d' Or (1 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Tristan Arhan 2 chemin de la Falaise Dieppe +33235841684 www.lesvoilesdor.fr Closing: Monday, Tuesday, Sunday diner. This establishment perched atop the Pollet cliffs has a chef who is passionate about his ingredients. His fish, for example, is quite superb! Dishes are prepared with distinct refinement, simply and wisely making the most of fine flavours. Le Colombier (2 forks Michelin restaurant) r. Loucheur F - 76550 Offranville +33235854850 lecourski@wanadoo.fr www.restaurant-normandie-offranville-colombier.over-blog.com Closing: 18 February - 07 March, Wednesday, Sunday diner. This venerable 16C Norman residence retains its monumental fireplace, offset by a backdrop of appealing contemporary decor. Scallops in pear compote, local fish, tatin-style apples... Fine cuisine that is harmonious and agreeably original. Pagina 10 English Channel Cruise OUISTREHAM AND CAEN The name Ouistreham derives from ouistre - 'oyster' and Saxon ham= 'village'. It has been a trading port since the Middle Ages. The harbour is now a part of "Port de Caen-Ouistreham". Ouistreham is pronounced Wee-ss-tram. Since the beginning of the 20th century, it is a bathing beach on the "Riva Bella". On 6 June 1944, No. 4 Commando landed at Ouistreham (Sword Beach) and fought their way to Pegasus Bridge, with the 177 Free French of the No. 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando given the honour of spearheading the advance. The assault on Ouistreham was featured in the movie The Longest Day, although the film location for Ouistreham was actually at Port-en-Bessin. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND OUISTREHAM Le Grand Bunker Musee du Mur de l'Atlantique Avenue du 6 Juin, Ouistreham +3323197286 Located at a stone’s throw from the beach and the Ferry terminal, the Atlantic Wall Museum is inside the old German headquarter which was in charge of the batteries covering the entrance of the river Orne and the canal. The 52ft high concrete tower has been fully restored to make it look how it was on the 6th of June 1944. On six June, intrigued by this unforeseen obstacle, the Franco British Commandos attempted to approach the tower, but were repulsed by machine-gun fire and stick- grenades being thrown from the top. They were content to skirt the bunker, which remained a permanent threat during the following days. Musee du Debarquement no. 4 Commando Place Alfred Thomas, 14150 Ouistreham +330231966310 During our stay in Ouistreham we will make a full day sightseeing tour along all D-day beaches and sites of historical interest. During this sightseeing tour we will visit the Allied Memorial Field in Colleville-surMer. Pagina 11 English Channel Cruise Pegasus Bridge Pegasus Bridge is a bascule bridge (a type of movable bridge), built in 1934, that crossed the Caen Canal, between Caen and Ouistreham. Also known as the Bénouville Bridge after the neighbouring village, it was, with the nearby Ranville Bridge over the river Orne, a major objective of Operation Deadstick, part of Operation Tonga in the opening minutes of the invasion of Normandy. A glider borne unit of the British 6th Airborne Division, commanded by Major John Howard, was to land, take the bridges intact and hold them until relieved. The successful taking of the bridges played an important role in limiting the effectiveness of a German counter-attack in the days and weeks following the invasion. In 1944 it was renamed Pegasus Bridge in honour of the operation. The name is derived from the shoulder emblem worn by the British airborne forces, which is the flying horse Pegasus. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND CAEN Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there, and for the Battle for Caen—heavy fighting that took place in and around Caen during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, destroying much of the city. As the city of William the Conqueror, the city has a long and complex history. In the Second World War, it was a key site of the Battle of Normandy, and suffered considerable destruction. The city has preserved the memory by erecting a memorial for peace. Caen Castle The castle was built c. 1060 by William the Conqueror, who successfully conquered England in 1066. His son Henry I then built the Saint Georges church, a keep (1123) and a large hall for the Duke Court. At Christmas 1182, a royal court celebration for Christmas in the aula of Caen Castle brought together Henry II and his sons, Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland, receiving more than a thousand knights. Caen Castle, along with all of Normandy, was handed over to the French Crown in 1204. Philip II reinforced the fortifications. The castle saw several engagements during the Hundred Years' War (1346, 1417, 1450). The keep was pulled down in 1793 during the French Revolution, by order of the National Convention. The castle, which was used as a barracks during World War II. Church of Saint-Pierre The construction of the present building took place between the early 13th and the 16th centuries. The spire was destroyed in 1944, and has since been rebuilt. The eastern apse of the church was built by Hector Sohier between 1518 and 1545. The interior choir and the exterior apse display an architecture that embodies the transition from Gothic to Renaissance. Until around the mid 19th century, the eastern end of the church faced onto a canal that was then covered and replaced by a road. Pagina 12 English Channel Cruise Abbaye-aux-Dames and Abbaye-aux-Hommes Caen’s two standout must-see attractions are a duo of late 11th century abbeys built on the orders of William the Conqueror and his wife, Matilda of Flanders. The Abbaye-aux-Dames was fully restored in the early 1990s and is a remarkable, dramatic Caen landmark. The same hyperbole is equally apt with the Benedictine Abbaye-aux-Hommes. Awesome and extraordinarily photogenic, the abbey was the ultimate burial place for both William and Matilda. Both Caen abbeys rank as pinnacle milestones of Romanesque architecture in the world. DINING AND WINING IN OUISTREHAM AND CAEN Restaurant Incognito (1 star Michelin restaurant) Chef: Stéphane Carbone 14 r. de Courtonne Caen +33231283660 reservation@stephanecarbone.fr www.stephanecarbone.fr Closing: Saturday lunch, Sunday. In his fine contemporary restaurant near the bassin StPierre, Stéphane Carbone‘s cuisine is creative, elegant and harmonious. From one section, diners can see him hard at work... a pleasure in itself! A Contre Sens (1 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Anthony Caillot 8 r. des Croisiers F Caen +33231974448 acontresenscaen@orange.fr www.acontresenscaen.fr Closing: 01 August - 31 August, Monday, Sunday. Pagina 13 English Channel Cruise In tune with the gastronomy of today! The chef at this cosy bistro - not far from the château - draws in food lovers with his personal, inventive cooking. All at a reasonable price so it is best to reserve. Ivan Vautier (1 star Michelin restaurant) 3 av. Henry-Chéron Caen +33231733271 info@ivanvautier.com www.ivanvautier.com Closing: Monday, Sunday diner. This elegantly simple contemporary restaurant offers clarity, precision and mastery. It serves stylish dishes without compromising the authenticity or flavour of the ingredients. Ivan Vautier is a talented chef as his seasonal cuisine amply demonstrates! CHERBOURG Cherbourg's centre is surprisingly green with many beautiful parks and gardens. The most notable is the Emmanuel Liais, with an oasis and over 400 rare plants and trees. Adjacent to the garden is the famous Museum du Parc Liais, where you can learn more about the species of fauna and flora. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND CHERBOURG La Cité de la Mer Gare Maritime Transatlantique. 50100 Cherbourg-Octeville +33233202669 Walk through a new 2,500-square-metre permanent exhibition where you will relive the Titanic’s call at Cherbourg and her transatlantic crossing. a unique collection of manned craft, epitomising deep-sea diving…The unique collection of sub marines is on display in the entrance hall of the Transatlantic liners’ Terminal. As soon as you arrive, you will be plunged into the epic journeys of the oceanauts who went down thousands of metres in these wonderful machines! Musee de la Liberation Fort du Roule, Cherbourg-Octeville +33233201412 The musée de la Libération proudly stands at the top of the Roule mountain, over Cherbourg, 117 meters over the ocean’s level. It was set up in a former fort from the Second Empire, taken over by the German army during the Second World War. Its resumption by the Allied troops, on June 25 Pagina 14 English Channel Cruise 1944, is one of the symbols of Cherbourg’s liberation. The museum relates the role played by Cherbourg – first port freed from the occupation – during the Second World War, emphasizing on the everyday life of the civilians and the militaries. Inside the fort, an educational and theatrical itinerary ends with an amazing panoramic view on the Cherbourg harbour. DINING AND WINING IN CHERBOURG Le Pily (1 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Pierre Marion 39 Gde Rue Cherbourg +33233101929 www.le-pily.com Closing: 01 May - 21 May, Wednesday, Saturday lunch, Sunday diner. The ‘Pily‘ stands for Pierre in the kitchen and Lydie at front of house - and this restaurant really does benefit from the great partnership of this young couple. A nice modern restaurant totally focused on the quality of the ingredients to produce poetically delicious cuisine. Café de Paris (2 forks Michelin restaurant) 40 quai Caligny Cherbourg +33233431236 cafedeparis.res@wanadoo.fr www.restaurantcafedeparis.com Closing: Monday lunch, Sunday. A real seaside brasserie. Oyster bar on the ground floor and port views from upstairs. From this upper floor enjoy the spectacle of trawlers returning to harbour full to the brim with fish and shellfish. Delicious seafood cuisine. THE CHANNEL ISLAND JERSEY The island of Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands. Although the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey are often referred to collectively as 'the Channel Islands', they are not a constitutional or political unit. Jersey has a separate relationship to the British Crown from the other Crown Dependencies of Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It is not part of the United Kingdom, and has an international identity separate from that of the UK but the United Kingdom is constitutionally responsible for the defence of Jersey. Jersey is not a part of the European Union but has a special relationship with it, being treated as part of the European Community for the purposes of free trade in goods. Pagina 15 English Channel Cruise It is thought that the site of St. Helier was settled at the time of the Roman control of Gaul. The medieval hagiographies of Helier, the patron saint martyred in Jersey and after whom the parish and town are named, suggest a picture of a small fishing village on the dunes between the marshy land behind and the high-water mark. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND ST.HELIER Elizabeth Castle Built on a rocky islet in St Aubin's Bay, Elizabeth Castle has defended Jersey for more than 300 years. The castle is accessible at low tide by foot, or, at both low and high tide, the Castle Ferry, which will transport you across the bay to and from the Castle. Elizabeth Castle is the perfect place to spend a day exploring Jersey's history. Work began on the castle in the 1590s and it was home to Sir Walter Raleigh while he was Governor of Jersey, from 1600 until 1603. The future King Charles II also sought refuge at Elizabeth Castle during the English Civil War and during the German Occupation the castle was refortified and used as one of the strong points commanding the sea approaches to St Helier. Climb the battlements, explore the turrets and bunkers and discover the Hermitage where St Helier is thought to have lived around 550 A.D. Visit the exhibitions which explain the role of the Castle in Jersey’s history and share the experience of the soldiers who were garrisoned there. Mont Orgueil Castle History comes to life at Mont Orgueil Castle, which for over 600 years protected Jersey against French invasion. Explore the network of staircases, towers and secret rooms to discover hidden treasures. Mont Orgueil Castle is an exciting place to visit. Every time you visit you'll discover a staircase you've not seen before opening up into a room where you'll find something new. Discover Hidden artwork commissioned to tell the story of the castle, climb the turrets to find the medieval ‘wheel of urine’, and descend into the cellar to experience the 'witchcraft' exhibit. Life-size wooden soldiers guard the castle from attack and 'the wounded man' statue shows the fate that could befall those fighting to save the castle from invasion. Pallot Steam, Motor & General Museum An absorbing evocation of times past. There is something to excite the interest of everyone in this fascinating collection of steam and so much more. This fascinating Museum is managed by a Trust which was established by its founder, Pagina 16 English Channel Cruise the late Don Pallot, with the object of promoting the permanent preservation of the Island's mechanical heritage. Don spent his early days as a trainee engineer with the old Jersey Railway. Later on, working as an agricultural and contracting engineer, he began collecting what he could of our mechanical heritage. There is no doubt that but for his steady interest, maintained over many years, much that is on view today would have been lost forever. DINING AND WINING IN ST.HELIER Bohemia (1 star Michelin restaurant) Green St - Saint Helier +441534880588 bohemia@huggler.com www.bohemiajersey.com Closed 24-30 December Marble-fronted restaurant with a chic lounge-bar and a stylish dining room with soft banquettes and a chef‘s table. Cooking is classically based with modern twists and uses top quality island produce; dishes are visually appealing and often contain many elements. Attentive, formal service. Tassili (1 star Michelin restaurant) The Esplanade - Saint Helier +441534722301 reservations@grandjersey.com www.grandjersey.com Closed 25 December, 1 January, Sunday and Monday Small hotel restaurant with an intimate atmosphere, vibrant artwork and a TV showing footage from the kitchen hotplate. Accomplished, innovative modern cooking uses local island produce in precisely executed, interesting and visually impressive combinations. Service is proud and knowledgeable. Pagina 17 English Channel Cruise Ocean (1 star Michelin restaurant) Le Mont de la Pulente - La Pulente +441534744101 info@theatlantichotel.com www.theatlantichotel.com Closed 3 -31 January Elegant, well-run dining room with a fresh, understated feel, set in a stunning position overlooking St Ouen‘s Bay. Delicious, wellcrafted dishes make use of fine ingredients from the island and display a real understanding of flavour. Smooth, professional service and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. SAINT MALO St Malo is named after the Welsh monk Mac Low, became in the sixth century bishop of Alet, ancient cradle of the modern city, founded in the mid-twelfth century, on a rocky island neighbour. From the thirteenth century, inhabitants of Saint-Malo captured enemies’ ships. In 1308, they had a sworn town, and then, from 1395 to 1415, they give the King of France, Charles VI, who granted them with portuary franchises. In the late fifteenth century, Anne de Bretagne, by his successive marriages with Charles VIII and Louis XII, annexed the Duchy of Brittany to the Kingdom of France. The wealth of traders is not expressed better than in the buildings they left behind. If the half-timbered houses with stained glass, like rear-castles of ships, have almost all but disappeared (The House of Poets and Writers), the old stone buildings are still numerous enough to witness the richness of Saint-Malo as this period (The Asfeld Mansion). Pagina 18 English Channel Cruise ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND SAINT MALO Holland Bastion Constructed 1675 – 1689, transformed at the time of the first expansion of the city 1708, it was built to protect the city from an attack from the Dutch fleet. Holland Bastion was armed with 24 cannon. In 1696, the Count of Toulouse replaced them with larger pieces: 12 of 36 calibre and 12 of 48 calibre. This gift rewarded inhabitants of St Malo for their courage and successful defence during the 1696 attacks. In 1684, the guard-dog “Les Chiens du Guet” kennel was re-sited to Porte St Pierre, the gate under this Bastion. Bull dogs were used for centuries to defend the port and strands. Noguette, the Curfew Bell, was rung at 10 pm to fore-warn that the city gates were closing and the dogs let loose. Fort de la Conchée Using the plans of defence established by Vauban, the engineer Garangeau built this island fortress following the contours of Conchée Rock which was half-covered by the sea at high tide. This “rock-warship" (1692-1695) is considered one of the masterpieces of Vauban and he himself wrote “Nothing will be better built, nor stronger than the vaults of Conchée”. Grand’Porte and Saint Vincent Gate The Grand'Porte is composed of two towers and an artillery platform, typical of the second half of the 15th century. The first stone quays were located just outside this gate where goods from the South Seas, China and Arabia, et.cet. were off-loaded to be traded via the entrepots of the St Malo ship-owners. Saint Vincent Gate, this gate was built in 1708. The original cove is filled with sea and the city is connected with a sandbank called "Le Sillon". At high tide, it is an island and Pagina 19 English Channel Cruise at low tide, a peninsula. The current dyke made of granite dates from 1733. The 2 Coats of Arms appear on the front gate : On the left, the Coats of Arms of the City. On the right, it symbolizes the Coat of Arms of the Duchy of Brittany. Mont Saint Michel Le Mont-St-Michel was used in the 6th and 7th centuries as a stronghold of Romano-British culture and power until it was sacked by the Franks; thus ending the trans-channel culture that had stood since the departure of the Romans in 459 AD. Before the construction of the first monastic establishment in the 8th century, the island was called Mont Tombe. According to legend, the archangel Michael appeared to St. Aubert, bishop of Avranches, in 708 and instructed him to build a church on the rocky islet. But Aubert repeatedly ignored the angel's instruction until Michael burned a hole in the bishop's skull with his finger. That did the trick. The dedication to St Michael occurred on October 16, 708. The mount gained strategic significance in 933 when the Normans annexed the Cotentin Peninsula, thereby placing the mount on the new frontier with Brittany. It is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, which commemorates the 1066 Norman conquest of England. Ducal and royal patronage financed the spectacular Norman architecture of the abbey in subsequent centuries. Legend has it that the Archangel Michael appeared to Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, inspiring him to build an oratory on what was then called Mont Tombe. Mont-Saint-Michel is connected to the mainland via a thin natural land bridge, which before modernization was covered at high tide and revealed at low tide, giving the mount a mystical quality. However, the insular character of the mount has been compromised by several developments. The Couesnon River has been canalized, reducing the flow of water and Pagina 20 English Channel Cruise thereby encouraging a silting-up of the bay. In 1879, the land bridge was fortified into a true causeway. This prevented the tide from scouring the silt round the mount. Now there are plans to remove the causeway and replace it with a bridge and shuttle. The tides in the area shift quickly, and has been described by Victor Hugo as à la vitesse d'un cheval au galop, "as swiftly as a galloping horse." The tide actually comes in at 1 meter per second. Popularly nicknamed "St. Michael in Peril of the Sea" by medieval pilgrims making their way across the tidal flats, the mount can still pose dangers for visitors who avoid the causeway and attempt the hazardous walk across the sands from the neighbouring coast. The dangers from the tides and quick sands continue to claim lives. DINING AND WINING IN SAINT MALO Le Chalut (1 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Jean-Philippe Foucat 8 r. de la Corne-de-Cerf Saint-Malo +33299567158 lechalutstmalo@aol.com Closing: Monday Fishing nets, buoys, fish tank: here, seafood unsurprisingly takes pride of place. Refined cuisine with a lobster menu for those so inclined. Quite a catch! Le St-Placide (1 star Michelin restaurant) Chef : Luc Mobihan 6 pl. du Poncel Saint-Servan-sur-Mer +33299817073 imobihan@wanadoo.fr www.st-placide.com Closing: Tuesday In the contemporary setting of his pocket-sized restaurant, the chef unleashes his imagination, conjuring up original modern cuisine. Professional service. Pagina 21 English Channel Cruise Maison Tirel-Guérin (1 star Michelin restaurant) à la gare F - 35350 La Gouesnière +33299891046 info@tirelguerin.com www.tirelguerin.com Closing: 23 December - 01 February There is no need to impress at this eatery - just enjoy yourself! Breton restaurant that uses the finest seasonal ingredients. Classic and very comfortable environment. Pagina 22 English Channel Cruise CLOSURE We hope we have given you an idea about the sailing regions. The program and harbours may vary depending on your wishes and the weather. This indicated planning is based upon a travel time of 14 days. It is possible to arrange tours and/or bus tours more inland and specified to your wishes. NAUTICON YACHT SERVICES BV Keizersveer 3A 4941 TA Raamsdonksveer The Netherlands tel: +31 (0)650 434414 NAUTICON YACHT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT BV fax: +31 (0)162 522469 Paardeweide 24A 4824 EH Breda The Netherlands tel: +31 (0)650 434414 CONTACT INFORMATION tel: +31 (0)76 8885306 info@nauticon.org nauticon.yachtservices@gmail.com skype: Nauticonservices twitter: @nauticon1 www.nauticon.org Pagina 23