Bordeaux Harbour

Landmarks

Vale Castle, first mentioned in the early sixteenth century, overlooks the bay, and the Bordeaux Kiosk is nearby. There is cromlech of note near the harbour, known as "L'Autel de Dehus" (altar of the devil). It has been described as "consisting of two immense flat stones lying north-east and south-west, inclining towards the former direction, and supported by a number of smaller ones". The harbour area is also noted for its birdlife, and attracts zoologists.

Quarry

A quarry of the same name as the harbour was operated close to the port for over 100 years, and allegedly produced 3.5 million tons of blue diorite over the years. It was damaged during World War II, when it was flooded with water and silt, and despite a restoration in the post-War period it later closed.

Just off the bay are the Houmets islets, mentioned by Victor Hugo who described Les Houmets, in his work The Toilers of the Sea (Les Travailleurs de la mer).

A small battery built in the 18th-century existed at Bordeaux until all trace of the site vanished due to quarrying.

References

References

1. (1907). "Guernsey: Pictured and Described by a Wayfarer". Arnold Fairbairns.
2. Bennett, Amanda. (2014). "Guernsey Through Time". Amberley Publishing Limited.
3. (28 January 2016). "Lunch with a view in Guernsey". Visit Guernsey.
4. Ansted, David Thomas. (1866). "Black's Guide to Guernsey, St. Peter Port, and places of interest, including Alderney and Serk".
5. Lane, Louisa. (1841). "Redstone's Guernsey guide, or, The stranger's companion for ... Guernsey, by the author of 'Recollections of Sark'.".
6. Bennett, Amanda. (2015). "Secret Guernsey". The Priaulx Museum, Amberley Publishing Limited.
7. (1987). "The Channel Islands". M. Joseph.
8. (1985). "Promenades dans l'archipel de la Manche, avec un guide nommé Victor Hugo". Editions C. Corlet.