Get Behind the Geo-scenes
Jersey Island Geopark isn’t a single destination-it’s the entire Island. From rugged cliffs and hidden coves to sweeping dunes and winding trails, every corner of Jersey reveals a chapter in a story of survival, transformation, and deep connection to nature. Each stone and shoreline is a witness to ancient volcanic fires, shifting continents, and the relentless power of the sea. Explore the Geosites that inspired 'A Symphony of Creation' and imagine walking on granite forged in the heart of the Earth, gazing out over waters that have sculpted the Island’s shores. Here, every tide whispers a story, every breeze carries the promise of adventure. Step behind the geo-scenes and discover Jersey’s dramatic birth for yourself-where nature and history collide in spectacular fashion.
Le Pulec (Stinky Bay)
Locally known as ‘Stinky Bay’, Le Pulec’s distinctive cove shape traps seaweed, creating the unmistakable aroma that gives the bay its nickname. For generations, local farmers have braved the smell to collect vraic (seaweed) at low tide, using it as a natural fertiliser for their fields. Historic slipways, built with raked cobbles, made it easier for carts and horses to access the shore-today, you might spot tractors and trailers continuing this tradition. Beyond the seaweed, Le Pulec is a geologist’s treasure trove, where the Island’s oldest bedrock meets northwest granite. Take the footpath up to Les Landes Ecological Site of Special Interest for sweeping views of L’Étacq and St Ouen’s Bay. You might bump into Nicky Mansell one of the Geopark’s Guides exploring.
Le Couperon
At Jersey’s eastern tip in St Martin, Le Couperon reveals Rozel Conglomerate known as ‘pudding stone’ – sculpted over hundreds of millions of years ago by erosion and ancient rivers flooding. The site is also home to a rare Neolithic gallery grave built around 4,850 years ago, with a short passage leading to a circular chamber. Le Couperon invites visitors to ponder the mysteries of Jersey’s prehistoric past. Why not see the Geopark from a different view and book a North Coast RIB tour with Geopark Ambassador Josh Dearing from Jersey Seafaris?
Sand Dunes (Les Blanches Banques)
Stretching across St Ouen’s Bay and at the heart of the Jersey National Park, Les Blanches Banques are among Europe’s most important sand dune systems. Designated as a Site of Special Interest, the dunes are rich in zoological, botanical, archaeological, and historical features. Evidence of Neolithic settlers – including flint scatters, menhirs, and a burial chamber called the Ossuary – can still be found. Over the centuries, the dunes have served as grazing land, seaweed drying grounds, and even a First World War prison camp. The Five Mile Road and granite sea defences, built in the late 1800s, transformed much of the area into productive farmland, but the dunes remain a living link to Jersey’s layered history.
Devil’s Hole
Descend the winding path to Devil’s Hole, an awe-inspiring blowhole carved into the coastline over millennia. This natural crater, about 100 feet across and plunging 200 feet deep, was formed when the sea eroded a cave roof, causing it to collapse. The site’s dramatic name dates to the 19th century, inspired by a shipwreck whose figurehead was transformed into a wooden devil – today, a metal replica stands sentinel on the approach to the crater, adding to the site’s supernatural allure.
Plémont
Plémont Bay is a secluded cove famed for its gentle waterfall and a network of sea-carved caves beneath the cliffs. These caves, ranging from small nooks to vast caverns, showcase the Island’s geological evolution. Here, tectonic collisions melted underground rocks, forming a magma chamber that cooled to create granite, gabbro, and diorite. The size and texture of the minerals within these rocks reveal the pace of their cooling, offering a hands-on lesson in Earth’s processes. The headland above has been restored by the National Trust for Jersey to create a safe environment for nature to thrive including the Atlantic Puffin.
Le Pinacle
Rising dramatically from the cliffs of St Ouen’s Bay, Le Pinacle is one of Jersey’s most iconic natural landmarks. This granite pinnacle is not only a breathtaking feature but also an archaeological treasure. Excavations have uncovered evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman activity, including flints, stone tools, metal arrowheads, pottery, and even a Roman coin. Le Pinacle stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between people and the land.
Inspired to Explore?
Jersey’s geosites are more than scenic destinations-they are living classrooms and cultural touchstones. Whether you’re exploring the shoreline, walking cliff paths, or cycling through green lanes, each site offers a new perspective on the island’s rich geological and human history. To plan your adventure, visit the Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark Visitor Centre at the Jersey Museum & Art Gallery in St Helier. Here, you can discover more about the island’s geological heritage, explore interactive exhibits, and get tips for exploring Jersey’s diverse landscapes.