Once you’ve watched the new Bergerac series on U or U&Drama, you’ll soon realise that there are not one, but two stars of the show. Damien Molony is the beguiling lead actor, but Jersey’s stunning landscapes and unique personality shine just as brightly, providing a breathtaking backdrop for drama and intrigue in the new series.

You’ll no doubt be itching to find out more about the idyllic island you’ve seen on screen. To help you get to know our slice of paradise a bit better, we’ve rounded up some of the most frequently asked questions about our island – along with some surprising facts. You’ll find out a few reasons why you might just decide to embark on your very own Bergerac-inspired adventure!

Discover Bergerac

1. Where is Jersey?

First off, you’d probably like to know where to find us! Nestled just 14 miles off the coast of France, some say we’re one of the best kept secrets in the British Islands. Our island is surprisingly easy to reach, with over 20 UK departure points. With flight times of around an hour or less, you could be exploring Jersey, the home of Bergerac, in no time at all! You can also hop on the ferry from Poole or Portsmouth with day and overnight crossings available.

Plan your trip

2. What is Jersey known for?

With a rich history and culture, stunning natural landscapes and a vibrant foodie scene, the charming island of Jersey – as seen on screen in the new series of Bergerac – has so much to offer.  From our iconic Jersey cows to majestic castles like Mont Orgueil and Elizabeth Castle, beautiful beaches like St. Brelade’s Bay to sumptuous seafood that showcases the best of our crystal-clear waters – there are so many things that make our island worth shouting about.

Jersey cows

Our gorgeous Jersey girls make some of the most delicious dairy in the world. Just like the island itself, Jersey cows are small in size, but pack a real punch when it comes to their milk. Celebrated for its high butterfat content, this delicious dairy is perfect for crafting cheese, cream – and ice-cream of course (best enjoyed with a side of Jersey’s stunning sea views!). When you’re strolling through Jersey’s lush countryside, keep an eye out for these special creatures as they graze the fields.

Meet a Jersey cow

Fresh seafood

Our Jersey seafood is served from sea to plate in the time it takes the tide to rise. We’ve heard that a certain Bergerac star (we’re looking at you, Damien Molony!) is a diehard fan of our Jersey oysters, which he first tasted when filming the new series. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love these moreish delights? Washed clean by our gigantic tides, they’re an island treat like no other. Our lobsters and crabs are caught daily by local fishermen and seasonal fish like bass and bream add variety to our plates. Whether you’re tucking in at a casual beachside café or a fine-dining gem, Jersey’s seafood promises an unforgettable culinary experience.

Tuck in!

Beautiful beaches

Jersey has over 24 breathtaking beaches to discover, you might even spot a few of them in the new series of Bergerac. From the expansive sands of St. Ouen’s Bay, where surfers and thrill-seekers revel in the Atlantic waves, to secluded gems like Beauport Bay with its crystal-clear waters and soaring cliffs, every beach has its own story to tell. You might even spot a few of them on the new series of Bergerac… Whether you’re exploring Portelet Bay’s sheltered haven or discovering the lunar landscapes of the Royal Bay of Grouville at low tide, there are so many secrets to unearth along Jersey’s diverse coastline…

Dive in

 

Jersey Royals

Jersey is renowned for its culinary treasures, and none more so than the celebrated Jersey Royal potatoes. These small, kidney-shaped spuds are a symbol of our rich cultural heritage and have become synonymous with quality and taste. Jersey Royals are set apart by their sweet, earthy, and subtly nutty flavour—attributed to the island’s mild climate and fertile soil. Enjoyed best when freshly harvested during spring through early summer, Jersey Royals are typically boiled in saltwater and served with butter—a simple yet delightful way to appreciate their full flavor. Experiencing Jersey Royals is a must for anyone who loves good food and appreciates the authentic charm of our beautiful island.

Get stuck in

 

3. What’s makes Jersey so unique?

Jersey’s unique charm captivated audiences when the original Bergerac series launched in the 1980s, showcasing the island’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Jersey’s natural beauty, historical significance and warm hospitality made Jersey an obvious holiday destination for fans of Bergerac and travellers alike. Now, as the ‘modern reimagining’ of Bergerac launches, with Jersey providing the stunning backdrop to the show, new audiences will discover the magic of Jersey and wondering ‘so, what does make Jersey so unique?’.

Our friendly locals

One thing visitors love about coming to the island is its warm and welcoming community. Islanders are known for their friendly nature, making visitors feel at home from the moment they arrive. Whether you’re strolling along St. Aubin’s charming harbour, sipping a local ale at a friendly seaside pub or exploring historical sites like Mont Orgueil Castle, you’ll often find yourself chatting with locals who are eager to share stories about their island.

 

Nine by five miles of adventure

Here in Jersey, you’re only ever ten minutes from a beach (yes, you read that right!). In fact, nowhere on this idyllic island of nine miles by five is really that far away at all – which means that everything is within easy reach. Whether you’re travelling by bus, bike, car or on foot, all the sights and delights of Jersey are just a stone’s throw away. This means that you can pack as much (or as little!) as you like into an island escape.

Getting around Jersey

A fascinating history

There’s an incredible 250,000 years of history packed into our island. Jersey’s story spans from the Ice Age to World War II, with tales of pirates, smugglers and kings in exile. Visit a neolithic burial chamber older than the pyramids at La Hougue Bie, explore the Jersey War Tunnels and the many WWII bunkers that pepper the island’s landscapes or capture one of the island’s castles – from majestic Mont Orgueil in the east, to Elizabeth Castle in the south and the mysterious ruins of Grosnez in the north.

 

Giant tides

Jersey is a natural playground where even a wrong turn leads to a beach. With over 24 stunning bays to choose from, your only problem will be deciding which one to head to first. Our tidal range is one of the largest in the world, doubling the island in size when the tide is out – so there’s twice as much to explore! Discover hidden bays revealed at low tide or take an exhilarating RIB ride toJersey’s otherworldly offshore reefs of Les Écréhous and Les Minquiers where you might spot friendly bottle-nose dolphins playing in the boat’s wake.

Island hopping

Space to breathe

How many places can you reach so easily from the UK, where you can feel free to just ‘be’? As soon as you land on our shores, there’s a sense that you’re on island time. Let your troubles melt away as you disconnect, immerse yourself in nature and switch off. Our tranquil island sanctuary is a place you can escape the daily grind, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Why Jersey? 

4. What are some surprising facts about Jersey?

Independent spirit

Jersey embodies a unique blend of independence and cultural heritage, drawing from both British and French influences. As a Crown Dependency, Jersey is not part of the UK but remains closely tied to it while maintaining its own distinct identity. This self-governing status allows the island to preserve its traditions and laws, many of which date back to Norman times.

The island’s connection with England began in 1066 when William the Conqueror led the Norman invasion. However, when England lost Normandy in 1204, Jersey pledged allegiance to King John of England—a bond that has endured despite retaining many Norman customs.

Jersey has its own currency

Jersey proudly issues its own unique version of Pound Sterling, featuring iconic landmarks and even the occasional smiling portrait of Queen Elizabeth II—a rare sight on British notes. Take a closer look at our banknotes, and you might spot the subtle image of a Jersey cow in the watermark. This distinctive currency is your ticket to unforgettable experiences that can only be found on our enchanting island – but card payments are (of course!) accepted too.

Jersey has its own language – Jèrriais

The island’s proximity to France—just 14 miles away—has shaped the island’s culture, evident in French-inspired road names and place names spoken in Jèrriais, our unique local language. Closely related to Norman French, Jèrriais has been spoken on our shores for over 1,000 years. During the German Occupation in WWII, islanders used the language to communicate in secret. Whilst not widely spoken today, it is recognised as an official language, alongside English and French, and is taught in schools across the island.

 

 

 

Hopefully you’re getting to know our special island a little better now. Whether you’ve fallen under the island’s spell, after watching Bergerac, or are discovering the island another way, Jersey’s captivating blend of history, incredible natural beauty and delicious food means that there really is something for everyone to enjoy here.

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