St. Ouen's Beach

Fine, gold sand covering almost 5 miles of the west coast of JERSEY , with the Atlantic waves providing some of the best surfing in Europe.Because the beach is exposed it's not so good for sunbathing. But if you enjoy beach activities this is the best beach in Jersey.

Food & Drink

There are plenty of cafes and beach kiosks all along the bay.However, our recommendation is The Line Up , a mobile van, opposite the golf course, serving good cheap sandwiches, burgers and drinks. In the summer they do a BBQ so you can take your freshly barbecued food and eat it on the beach just yards away.

Parking

There are plenty of public car parks along the length of the bay, as well as roadside parking when they fill up.

Surfing

St. Ouen's Bay has some strong rip tides and currents, so take notice of the flags and warning signs and don't swim in the restricted areas. Whether you are an experienced surfer or would like to try it for the first time the first contact should be The Jersey Surfboard Club who will be pleased to advise you on local conditions and recommend surf schools. There also many more activities other to surfing such as sandbuggy racing and wakeboarding for example

Swimming

At all times be aware of the flags and warning signs and don't swim in the restricted areas or in isolated parts of the bay. During summer months the beach is patrolled by life-guards, if in doubt ask. That's why they are there.

La Mielles Nature Reserve

The nature reserve at La Mielles de Morville supports a wide diversity of flora and fauna. In addition to the large number of native plants, some more exotic vegetation exists, a legacy of the time of the dumping of garden waste when the area was a rubbish tip. Many of these introduced plants have now become naturalised in the area


Throughout the bay, the green lizard Lacerta biliniata resides in the warm sandy areas. During the winter months these animals hibernate in burrows, but during warm spring days and throughout the summer they can be seen basking in clearings at the edge of vegetation or at the sides of paths. Well camouflaged in their black speckled, iridescent green skins, you often only hear a rustle as they scurry off at your approach. With some patience however, you may well be rewarded with a good view.


Although very seldom spotted, the grass snake Natrix natrix is also present.
During the spring there is a wonderful display of Narcissus spp. and many varieties continue to thrive having been introduced with garden waste many years ago. Over 25 different types of daffodils have so far been counted throughout the area.


Along the footpaths during the summer months it is possible to see the deep pink pyramidal orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis in flower.


Les Mielles is being used as a ‘safe haven ’ for threatened species of plant such as the Jersey pink Dianthus gallicus and the longleaf Falcaria vulgaris . Compounds have been constructed for these plants to ensure their safety and subsequent survival.

Recommended Reading if this is of interest to you:
La Mielles Nature Reserve Walk

Events in Jersey 2007

Sunday 28th January – Sunday 4th February - LTA International Tennis TournamentTop ranking tennis players visit Jersey this year for this professional tennis tournament.
Monday 12th – Sunday 18th March - Textile ShowcaseShowcasing contemporary, innovative, exciting and historical textile art from the UK, France and the Channel Islands.www.mnlg.com

Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th March - Spring Flower ShowThe Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society invite you to their springtime show, featuring displays, demonstrations and competitions.www.royaljersey.co.uk

Friday 4th – Sunday 6th May - Jersey Open Petanque CompetitionJoin in the fun and test your skill at the Jersey Open Petanque Competition.

Friday 4th – Monday 7th May - Jersey MG Owners Club 'Silver Jubilee' Spring RallyEvery year more and more visiting cars attend this prestigious rally, set against the beautiful backdrop of Jersey. Several motoring activities are planned for this exciting annual event. An absolute must for any car-enthusiast.http://www.jerseymg.com

Saturday 26th – Monday 28th May - Foire de Jersey Jersey’s traditional country fayre combines with the Jersey Rose and Flower Show and Island Spring Cattle Show to promise a full entertainment programme for all the family. Activities include cattle shows, a craft show, ring-events, food tasting, traditional country games and floral displays, demonstrations and competitions. http://www.royaljersey.co.uk

Sunday 5th August - Seaside FestivalEnjoy a day of traditional seaside fun at Havre des Pas. The sea front and outdoor swimming pool will be jam packed with beach games, al fresco dining and entertainment.

Thursday 9th – Friday 10th August - Battle of Flowers CarnivalUndoubtedly one of the most spectacular carnivals in Europe. Enjoy the spectacle of flower festooned floats, musicians, dancers and entertainers providing a tremendous atmosphere for one of the highlights in our summer events calendar.www.battleofflowers.com

Thursday 16th August - Gorey FêteSet in the picturesque harbour of Gorey, enjoy fun for all the family, including beach events, Crown and Anchor and the famous yard of ale and spaghetti eating competitions. Sample Al Fresco eating all day.

Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th August - Summer Flower ShowThe Royal Jersey Horticultural Society hosts this colourful show full of dahlias, roses and vegetable displays, inviting all gardening and flower enthusiasts to step into the hall to view the marvellous floral displays and exhibits. There will also be a poultry and small animal display.www.royaljersey.co.uk

Saturday 1st September - Jersey Live Music FestivalExpect to see a full line up of cutting edge International and UK Acts at the biggest little ‘Indie rock’ festival in the British Isleswww.jerseylive.org.uk

Thursday 13th September - International Air DisplayThe skies above Jersey come alive to the sights and sounds of arguably one of the largest free air displays in Europe. Part of the Battle of Britain fundraising week.www.jerseyairdisplay.org.uk

Saturday 15th – Saturday 22nd September - Autumn Walking WeekExperience the wonderful autumnal colours of Jersey and join in a full free programme of unique countryside, coastal and history walks with some of the Island’s most experienced guides. Highlight of the week includes the ‘Around Island Walk’.http://www.jersey.com/walking

Sunday 30th September - Jersey ‘Round Island’ Team ChallengeTeams of 2 people compete in this 'round the island' team challenge. Disciplines include kayaking, cycling, and cross country running.http://www.209events.com

Friday 12th – Saturday 13th October - Jersey RallyDrivers and navigators skills are tested to the limit through the lanes of Jersey. Vehicles range from Mini's to World Rally cars, all of them providing superb entertainment for the thousands of spectators attending each year.http://www.jerseymotorsport.com

Thursday 25th – Saturday 27th October - Black Butter MakingJoin the National Trust for Jersey as they make this delicious local delicacy from the Island’s apple harvest.
Saturday 27th – Sunday 28th October - La Faisie d’Cidre (Cider Festival)Celebrate the cider of today and yesterday with a variety of activities and tastings at Hamptonne Country Life Museum.

Saturday 1st to Sunday 23rd December - La Fête dé NouéThe Island is ‘lit up’ this week with a full programme of activities arranged to complement the lead up to the festive period. Meander through the streets of St. Helier, under a canopy of brilliant white lights and experience late night shopping and street entertainment. Enchantment awaits you as Jersey's harbour towns twinkle under the stars. Partake in guided walks covering the Islands history and natural environment or perhaps, join the Ghost of Christmas Past on late night ghoulish walks around the Island's historic castles, dark country lanes and old graveyards! Highlights of this Christmas festival is the Spirit of Christmas market in Jersey’s Royal Square.