A slice of France on Guernsey's High Street

Thursday, 16 October 2025 11:30

Improved sea and trade links with France prompt a Guernsey businesswoman to expand into selling French produce.

The benefits of Guernsey's contract with Brittany Ferries have been a consistent theme of the summer, with multiple reports of passenger numbers on the increase.

Trade too is on the up, with the Normandy Market making a return to Guernsey in early October and the Co-Op stocking an increased range of French food.

Just this week, agreements have been renewed between the islands and the French department of Ille-et-Vilaine.

It is these factors that persuaded businesswoman Natalia Silvester to use the front section of her Crepe Mason cafe as a shop selling French and Guernsey artisan goods.

"The route with Brittany and the consistency of shipments between France and Guernsey will make this sustainable.

"This was always my idea but it was difficult, now I feel we're in a different era."

Natalia says she is considering importing fresh fruit and veg and she bought goods from the Normandy Market before they left Guernsey.

She says Chamber helped her find French suppliers and its executive director, Alice Gill, is pleased about the venture:

“This is a perfect example of how improved connectivity translates into tangible opportunities for local enterprise.

"Silvester Group’s new offering captures the momentum of the French Market and builds it into something sustainable that will benefit our retail, hospitality, and wider business community.

"Chamber is committed to supporting members in making the most of these ferry links, and this is a fantastic early success story.”