Crossing the English Channel

The small city of Chichester is picture postcard perfect. The Georgian architectural style evokes the city's zenith in the 18th century. The roads leading from the market cross still follow the original Roman tracks. The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum just 7km north of the town is a collection of 40 historic buildings from the 15th century that were taken down, restored and rebuilt in a wonderful open air park. Opened in 1967, this is a quintessentially English museum. 

Some would say that this moorland was created only for grazing ponies and sheep. A tortured land dotted with waterfalls and standing stones, stone crosses and ancient ruins: It is the realm of walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders. A wonderful backdrop dominated by the tors – large granite outcrops –, Dartmoor was the inspiration for Conan Doyle's novel The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Lyme Regis is known as 'The Pearl of Dorset.' This small seaside town has retained its Georgian appearance and utterly charming atmosphere. Writer Jane Austen set her novel Persuasion here, and this coastal town also featured in scenes from The French Lieutenant's Woman, starring American actress Meryl Streep. Make time to enjoy lunch here in the restaurant run by Mark Hix, a celebrated chef and native son. Also savor the establishment's wonderful view over the old harbour and the pier – the famous Cobb.

In Jersey, although the sea is never far away, the coastal paths allow you to discover extremely varied landscapes: the long sandy beaches of the south give way to the protected dunes of the Jersey National Park to the west. To the north, the paths follow impressive cliff tops among which small coves and other bays hide. Finally, to the east, the pretty rural landscapes give way to scenery that, depending on the tide, may seem lunar..

Walking between Cancale and Pointe du Grouin, is an escape with your eyes always focused on the coast. Although this part of the GR34® is only 7 kilometers long, it offers a total change of scenery above the shoreline. Panoramic views of the bay of Mont Saint-Michel and Mont Dol accompany the walker. On this easily accessible coastal path, the flora seems even richer than a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle.