The view seawards from Moulin Huet Bay in Guernsey has been immortalised on many an artist’s canvass, including Pierre Auguste Renoir whose work is highlighted by a sign at the bay itself. He painted the scene fifteen times during a month long stay in 1883. The jagged outcrops that feature in the picture are the Pea Stacks (which are sea stacks) carved by wave action into the Pea Stack Gneiss rock on the very tip of the Jerbourg Peninsula. This metamorphic rock differs in appearance and origin from the Icart Gneiss of Moulin Huet Bay and the Doyle Gneiss that makes up the main part of the peninsula.
Jessica's Nature Blog 
Thanks for including the Renoir sign!
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These posts are reminding me of a visit to Guernsey a long time ago, and places I’d forgotten! Nice to read more about the geology. I’m sure I recognise this bay!
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That’s OK. I hadn’t forgotten my promise.
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I visited Guersnsey several times decades ago but this time I saw the island with fresh eyes and a geological agenda – so it all seemed new and twice as delightful.
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Amazingly dramatic sea stacks. Love the silhouette.
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Thank you, Aidy. The views were spectacular on such a lovely sunny autumn day.
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What is the etymology of “Pea Stacks” ?
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I really do not know – but there is an on-line reference to the folklore associated with the Pea Stacks. Maybe the common name for these rocks is somehow derived from the French saying that is mentioned “Andriou, tape tout,” which may be translated “Andriou, watch over all”
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