St. Martin: A Hidden Gem in Guernsey

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seal voo pleh/duh ree-uhn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen/ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kahrt, seal voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seal voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh sek-oor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-ay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shtay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tun ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees urz ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [ka-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nerf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

The parish of St. Martin in Guernsey has a rich history dating back to the early medieval period. The area was initially settled by seafaring tribes, and evidence of their presence can be found in the dolmens and menhirs scattered throughout the parish. One of the most notable is the 'La Gran'mère du Chimquière,' an ancient Neolithic statue-menhir situated at the entrance of the St. Martin's Parish Church. The church itself, dating back to the 12th century, stands as a testament to the enduring significance of this area through the centuries.

Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, Guernsey, including St. Martin, became part of the Duchy of Normandy. This period saw the establishment of the feudal system and the construction of defensive structures to protect against invaders. St. Martin's Church became a focal point for the community, and the surrounding lands were divided among Norman lords. The parish's strategic location made it an important site for both defense and administration during the feudal era.

The Reformation brought significant religious changes to St. Martin, as it did to the rest of Guernsey. The parish, which had been predominantly Catholic, saw the establishment of Protestantism under the influence of the English Crown. This transition was not without conflict, as evidenced by the tragic burning of the Guernsey Martyrs in 1556. These events left a lasting impact on the religious landscape of St. Martin and are commemorated in local history.

During the English Civil War (1642-1651), Guernsey was a divided territory, with St. Martin serving as a Royalist stronghold. The island's strategic position made it a valuable asset, and St. Martin's residents found themselves in the midst of the conflict. Fortifications were strengthened, and the parish played a key role in the Royalist defense against Parliamentary forces. The legacy of this period is still evident in the parish's historical sites and local traditions.

The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) brought renewed attention to the defense of Guernsey, including St. Martin. Coastal fortifications were enhanced to protect against potential French invasions. Fort Grey, also known as the 'Cup and Saucer,' is a notable example of these efforts. Built in 1804, it served as a crucial lookout and defense point on the island's western coast. Today, Fort Grey houses a maritime museum that delves into the history of the island's coastal defenses and shipwrecks.

One of the most significant periods in St. Martin's history was the German occupation during World War II (1940-1945). Guernsey was the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by German forces. The impact on St. Martin was profound, with fortifications, bunkers, and tunnels constructed throughout the parish. The occupation brought hardship and resilience to the local population, and remnants of this period can be explored at sites like the German Underground Hospital at La Vassalerie, which now serves as a museum.

After the liberation in 1945, St. Martin, like the rest of Guernsey, underwent a period of recovery and rebuilding. The post-war years saw the development of infrastructure, housing, and community facilities. St. Martin transformed from a primarily rural parish to a more suburban and residential area, while still preserving its historical charm and natural beauty. Today, it is a vibrant community known for its picturesque landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage.

St. Martin in Guernsey can be reached primarily via air or ferry. The nearest airport is Guernsey Airport (GCI), which has regular flights from various UK cities and European destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or public bus to St. Martin. Alternatively, ferries operate from the UK and France to St. Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey. From there, St. Martin is a short taxi or bus ride away.

St. Martin is well-served by public buses that connect it to other parts of Guernsey. Buses are frequent and affordable. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, rental cars and bicycles are available. St. Martin is also pedestrian-friendly, making walking a viable option for getting around.

The official currency in Guernsey is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of technical issues with card machines. ATMs are available throughout St. Martin and the rest of Guernsey.

St. Martin is generally a safe area for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but vigilance is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are located in nearby St. Peter Port. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in St. Martin for minor health issues, and staff are generally helpful in advising on over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Smart-casual attire is generally acceptable. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do have the exact fare ready when boarding buses, and avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good day'. Shaking hands is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like fresh seafood and Guernsey dairy products. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience St. Martin like a local, visit the weekly farmers' market where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with residents, as they are friendly and often willing to share insights about the area. Don't miss walking the scenic cliff paths for stunning coastal views. For a unique experience, visit the Little Chapel, a charming miniature church decorated with seashells and broken china.