Jersey lies off the north coast of France and is the largest of the Channel Islands which include Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm and Brecquou. Although they are part of Britain, there is a totally unique blend of influences both English and French because Jersey at one time belonged to France; to this day the majority of the place names are in French. The island is 45 square miles in size, much of it unspoilt. Strict planning laws mean that development is severely restricted.

Living on Jersey means you are never far from the sea and there is a good sense of community among the locals. House prices are very high but the Jersey government has created a 2-tier system meaning that local people are able to purchase at favourable prices houses which are prohibited from sale to outsiders.

The climate on Jersey is mild and when the rest of the country has snow, Jersey usually escapes. Life is lived at a slower pace on Jersey. There is no sense of urgency and the islanders know that they are lucky to live here and to be able to enjoy their beautiful island.

Working in Jersey can mean many things. It is well known as a flourishing banking centre. Excellent high-class retail shops abound, particularly in St Helier, the capital. Here, major High Street brands vie with individual shops and prices are often cheaper than in mainland Britain because there is no VAT. Shops are stylish and chic and there are many jewellery shops for which Jersey is famous. Jersey residents need all the usual services; plumbers, electricians, roofers, carpenters and so forth so there is plenty of work if you live on the island.

Living on Jersey means you have the bonus of being able to travel easily to northern France. High-speed ferries leave from the terminal at St Helier for a short hop across the Channel. Day trips provide you with plenty of time to shop, eat and buy souvenirs and generally enjoy a pleasant excursion.

Jersey is a high class island, proudly boasting hundreds of stylish restaurants and bars. However, there are plenty of places in which to get away from it all. The beaches are superb and many are quiet even in summer. Residents of Jersey are blessed with wonderful scenery on the island with cliffs on the northern part and sandy beaches on the south. In between the two coasts are green fields with many land-based activities. Three 18-hole golf courses provide entertainment for the sports enthusiast and walkers can explore lanes and cliff paths. Residents of the island know they will never get to see them all as there are so many, the island really is a walker's paradise. Many Jersey residents cycle as the island has almost 100 miles of cycle routes. These routes are known as the green lanes and cars are only allowed to drive at 15mph along them. Priority is given to horse riders, walkers and cyclists allowing people to explore the island in a relaxed fashion.

Walking is popular on Jersey and there are guided moon walks to Seymour Tower when the tide is low. You can walk almost 2 miles out to sea and witness what appears to be a lunar landscape left behind by the retreating sea. This part of the coast has been designated a Ramsar site which means it is of immense scientific interest.

Almost every interest and hobby is catered for on the island. For lovers of horse racing, Les Landes Race Course is situated on the top of cliffs on the north west of the island looking out towards other Channel Islands and has probably the best setting and views of any race course in Europe. Jersey enjoys spectacular sunsets which can be viewed from here and from many other parts of the island.

Nobody ever gets bored on Jersey. For a small island, it really packs a punch. Varied events take place throughout the year. In the spring, many restaurants compete to show off their culinary skills with unique set-price menus. The Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society holds an event in March. The Jersey Boat Show is held in May and Liberation Day is on 9th May when the residents of the island celebrate their liberation from occupying forces in World War 2. Also in May is Gorey Fete de la Mer, a festival celebrating the seafood of the island. Other festivals include the Cheese Festival, the Festival of Motoring and the Summer Flower Show. But the highlight of Jersey's year has always been its Battle of Flowers Carnival, undoubtedly the most spectacular carnival in the whole of Europe. Entertainers, dancers, musicians and flower-festooned carnival floats combine to make this Jersey's jewel in the crown.

There is no time to be bored in Jersey. For a small island it certainly does cram a lot in. Ask the people who live there. Most of them would live nowhere else!