WELCOME to Jersey - the most southerly island of the British Isles.

Located some 100 miles (160 km) south of mainland Britain yet only 14 miles from the coast of France, Jersey provides the visitor with a kaleidoscope of sensory stimuli.

Despite its small size - Jersey measures just nine miles by five - all your senses are made to work overtime in this tiny island.

It might be thought that an area of 45 square miles with a permanent population of something over 85,000 would have little but buildings to explore. But approach the island by air and you see lush valleys, well-kept fields and an unspoilt coastline.

Arrive by sea and the rocky grandeur of La Corbiere, the sweep of St. Aubin's Bay and picturesque Elizabeth Castle set the scene for a grand encounter with a small but delightful island whose variety of scenery, wealth of history and sheer beauty compete with much larger and, perhaps, better-known destinations.

Some 450 miles of roadway (comprising a mix of fast roads and small country lanes) create endless opportunities to explore and discover the unexpected and impressive.

Jersey also has a network of over 46 miles of Green Lanes where a speed limit of 15 mph is imposed and priority to given to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

The sea dominates the landscape with views of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean accessible from virtually every point on the island. The coastline also offers infinite variety - majestic cliffs, exposed bays, sandy beaches and rocky coves are all immediately accessible by road or on foot and just a few minutes' drive from any community.

Due to Jersey's position in the Bay of St. Malo the island grows and shrinks twice a day as the tide ebbs and flows in excess of 40 feet - one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.