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Les Minquiers
Les Minquiers are a group of small, uninhabited islands located about 9 miles south of Jersey. They are known as the ‘Minkies’ in local English and are made up of a group of islets and rocks. The largest of the islands is known as Maîtresse Île, and is about 50 m long by 20 m wide.
A collection of stone buildings can be found here, which are mainly used by fishermen and local hut owners. No permanent residents live on the islands, and they are therefore quite beautiful in their remoteness.
Interestingly, the rocky shelf which surrounds Les Minquiers actually has a larger surface area than Jersey – the largest of the Channel Islands. However, rising sea levels have long since submerged every part of the shelf besides the islands and rocks which now remain. They can be a great place to visit during the summer months and are popular amongst yachtsmen and kayakers.
Things to See and Do in Les Minquiers
Maîtresse Île
Les Maisons
Le Niêsant
Les Faucheurs
La Haute Grune
Minquiers Toilet
Dolphin/Seal Watching
Birdwatching
Snorkelling/Swimming
Typical Costs When Travelling
Accommodation – There is no accommodation on Les Minquiers. Therefore, your best option is to stay on Jersey and travel to Les Minquiers from there. Jersey’s capital, St. Helier, is a good base, as the majority of boat tours sail from here. There is a range of accommodation available in St. Helier, with many hotels and BnBs. Hotel rooms during summer can be booked for as little as £70 per night, while BnBs can be more budget friendly, with prices from around £50.
Food – There are no places to eat on Les Minquiers, with St. Helier being the closest source of restaurants and other eateries. Luckily, the town has some great dining opportunities, with fantastic seafood restaurants and quaint little cafes. A meal with a drink at a typical restaurant in St. Helier will cost you around £17, though it is easy to find cheaper options if you search around.
Transportation – Les Minquiers is only accessible by boat. You can charter your own, although the seas around the islands can be dangerous due to the shallow waters and jagged rocks. Alternatively, there are several companies which offer tours to the islands. For example, Jersey Seafaris offer 2.5 hour trips, which cost £49.99 for adults and £45 for U16s.
Suggested daily budget : 105 – 116 EUR / 127 – 142 USD / 90 – 100 GBP
(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Money Saving Tips
1
Use Price Comparison Sites
Shopping around to get the best deals on accommodation can be a great way to keep your travel costs down.
2
Walk Where Possible
If you're staying in St. Helier while visiting Les Minquiers, it is very easy to travel on foot within the town and it is small enough to get around quickly. Public transport is of course available, but walking can save you money.
3
Book in Advance
Booking things such as accommodation in advance of your trip can be a great way to save on costs. Last minute bookings are often far more expensive.
4
Buy Locally-Produced Food
There is a great range of local produce available in Jersey. This can provide you with an authentic taste of the island, while also being better value than imported goods.
Unforgettable adventures await on the Channel Islands!
What else to expect from Les Minquiers?
The Minquiers toilet – located on Maîtresse Île – may not sound like a glamorous destination, however it takes the crown as the most southerly toilet in the entire British Isles. It is therefore something of a tourist destination. The toilet is formed of a stone shack and is quite possibly one of the most peaceful places to go to the bathroom anywhere in the world.
Les Minquiers is mentioned on several occasions in Victor Hugo’s novel, Ninety-Three, where he notes how treacherous the waters around the islands can be. The French writer spent a large part of his life in the Channel Islands and was very appreciative of the islands’ beauty.
In 1950, The UK and France entered into a dispute over which country Les Minquiers should belong to. Although the French fished in the surrounding waters, Jersey exercised administrative control of the islands and was therefore awarded the islands.
Related articles
Jersey – La Motte, Les Dirouilles, Les Minquiers, Les Pierres de Lecq
Jersey is another of The Channel Islands that is dependent on the British Crown, although it is an autonomous territory of the United Kingdom. It is located about 100 miles off the coast of Great Britain.
Exploring the Channel Islands
The Channel Islands are an English Channel archipelago off the coast of France. It is a popular destination for tourists that is well-known for its relaxed atmosphere, natural beauty, and wildlife diversity.
The Channel Islands: A haven for writers and readers
When we hear the name The Channel Islands, the first thing that comes to mind is nature, beach, sea, tourism and landscapes. Being a group of small islands, the last thing that would come to mind is literature.
September 21, 2018
