GOREY

The picturesque small harbour town of Gorey is just 30 kilometers from the coast of the Cotentin Peninsula as the crow flies, and as such was right in the line of fire during the wave of invasions by the French. This is surely the reason for the building of the impressive castle of Mont Orgueil which towers above the town, and which has served as protection for the island since the early 13th century. The site had in fact already been fortified long before that, since prehistoric times. The main part of the town, nestling at the foot of the castle, forms a row of harbourside buildings in an attractive palette of pastels, many housing enticing restaurants, pubs and hotels.

Each year in August, Gorey hosts one of the biggest events in Jersey, the Gorey Fête, which is a merry whirl of live music, beach-based games and competitions, eating and drinking, fireworks and a funfair. Another popular festival, for seafood fans, is the Fête de la Mer in May, while in June there is a regatta.

Map of the area.

Gorey Jersey Mount Orgueil and Harbour. Photo by Unukorno, via Wikimedia Commons.