St. Aubin: The Coastal Gem of Jersey

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-war]
• YesOui
  [we]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
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• Thank youMerci
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• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kyoo-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen/eh twah]
• 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 le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-noo/seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [san-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
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• Help!Au secours!
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  [al-ay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
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• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
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• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
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• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
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• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
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• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
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• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
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• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
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• Half past (10)Dix et demi
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• MorningMatin
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• AfternoonAprès-midi
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• EveningSoir
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• YesterdayHier
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• TodayAujourd'hui
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• TomorrowDemain
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• 1Un
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• 5Cinq
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• 7Sept
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• 8Huit
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• 10Dix
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• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
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• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn/bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
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St. Aubin, located on the southwestern coast of Jersey, owes its name to St. Aubin of Angers, a 6th-century bishop. The village began as a small fishing community and gradually expanded due to its strategic location and natural harbor.

St. Aubin's Fort was constructed in the 1540s during the reign of Henry VIII to defend the island against potential French invasions. Situated on a tidal island, the fort has played a crucial role in protecting the harbor and the village from various threats over the centuries.

During the English Civil War (1642–1651), Jersey was a Royalist stronghold. St. Aubin's strategic significance led to its use as a defensive point against Parliamentary forces. The village became a focal point of military activity and saw the construction of additional fortifications.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, St. Aubin flourished as a hub for privateering. Local sailors, sanctioned by the Crown, attacked enemy merchant ships, bringing wealth and prosperity to the village. The harbor was bustling with activity, and many of the elegant Georgian houses seen today were built during this period.

During the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), St. Aubin's strategic importance was once again highlighted. The village served as a base for British naval operations, and its fortifications were strengthened to counter the threat of French invasion. The period also saw the construction of military barracks and other defensive structures.

From 1940 to 1945, during World War II, Jersey was occupied by German forces. St. Aubin's Fort and the surrounding area were heavily fortified, and forced labor was used to build bunkers and gun emplacements. The occupation left a lasting impact on the village and its inhabitants, a history that is still remembered and commemorated today.

After World War II, St. Aubin underwent significant redevelopment. The village transformed into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its charming harbor, historic sites, and scenic beauty. The legacy of its rich history is preserved in the well-maintained buildings and cultural landmarks that continue to draw tourists from around the world.

St. Aubin is located on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands. The nearest airport is Jersey Airport (JER), which is approximately 5 kilometers away. Direct flights are available from several major cities in the UK and Europe. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a local bus to St. Aubin. Alternatively, ferries operate from the UK and France to St. Helier, Jersey's capital, from where you can take a short bus or taxi ride to St. Aubin.

St. Aubin is a compact village that is best explored on foot. For longer journeys, the local bus network operated by LibertyBus is efficient and covers the entire island. Taxis are readily available, but they can be expensive. Renting a bicycle is a popular option, offering a flexible and scenic way to explore. For those wishing to drive, car rental services are available at the airport and in St. Helier.

The currency used in Jersey 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 and local markets. ATMs are available throughout St. Aubin and the island.

St. Aubin is generally a safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying alert and aware of your surroundings is recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 or 999 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities in St. Helier are accessible and well-equipped. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in St. Aubin where over-the-counter medications can be purchased.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing. Avoid overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'good morning'. A handshake is common for more formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like seafood and Jersey cream. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience St. Aubin like a local, visit the St. Aubin’s Harbour and enjoy the picturesque views and charming cafés. Engage with locals at the weekly markets where fresh produce and local goods are sold. Don't miss the opportunity to walk or cycle along the Railway Walk, a scenic path that stretches from St. Aubin to Corbière. For a unique local experience, attend a performance at the Jersey Opera House or explore the island's historical sites such as Elizabeth Castle.