Saint Pierre and Miquelon is not your typical destination. It’s a little slice of France just off the coast of North America. Most people have no idea this place even exists, but that’s part of what makes it so special. You’re likely to have the place almost to yourself. It’s remote, quiet, and completely unique. If you want to experience French culture without needing to fly all the way to Europe, this is the spot.
Overview of Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a small French territory made up of several islands, located just south of Newfoundland, Canada. It’s the last remaining vestige of France’s colonial empire in North America. While most of the islands are uninhabited, the main ones are Saint Pierre (with the territory’s capital, also called Saint Pierre) and Miquelon-Langlade.
The total population is only about 6,000 people, making it a close-knit, quiet destination. French is the official language, and while most locals do speak some English, you’ll have a much easier time if you speak a bit of French. The currency is the Euro (€), but credit cards are widely accepted, and you won’t need too much cash as the place is small.
The Capital: Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre, the capital city, is the heart of the archipelago. It’s where you’ll find most of the merchants, cafes, museums, and hotels. It’s a charmingly French town, with brightly colored houses, small bakeries, and narrow winding streets. The vibe is laid-back, and you can easily explore the entire town on foot.
Highlights in Saint Pierre include the harbor, where fishing boats line the docks, and you can feel that connection to the island’s maritime history. There’s also the Saint Pierre Cathedral, a beautiful stone church rebuilt after a fire in the early 20th century.
Miquelon and Langlade
North of Saint Pierre lies the larger island of Miquelon. This island is less populated, with around 600 inhabitants, most of whom live in the small village of Miquelon. The rest of the island is wild and gorgeous, perfect for those who love hiking and nature.
Connected to Miquelon by a sand isthmus is Langlade. This is where people come to relax at the beach in the summer. It has long, sandy stretches that are perfect for walking, sunbathing, or having a picnic. Be prepared: even in summer, the water is chilly, so swimming isn’t on everyone’s agenda!
A Mix of French and North American Culture
As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the place doesn’t feel like anywhere else in North America. French customs and norms dominate the culture. People greet each other with a “Bonjour,” stop for fresh croissants at a boulangerie in the morning, and spend hours having leisurely meals.
Yet, the proximity to Canada gives the islands some North American flair. In many ways, it’s like a small French village, transplanted onto Canadian soil—with all the quirks that come with that blend. You can’t quite get a vibe like this anywhere else.
What Makes the History Here So Fascinating?
The history of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is pretty wild. It was first settled by the French in the 17th century, but it changed hands between the French and the British several times before finally becoming a permanent French territory. Over the centuries, it’s been a haven for everything from fishing fleets to bootleggers during Prohibition in the U.S.
During World War II, Saint Pierre and Miquelon even saw some action. The islands were loyal to Free France under Charles de Gaulle, while much of mainland France was under Nazi occupation. The islands became a fascinating part of the larger story of the French Resistance.
Today, the people here are proud of their French heritage, but also deeply connected to their island roots. You’ll hear stories of pirates, fishermen, and even the role of the island in smuggling alcohol to the U.S. during the 1920s. It’s not often you get this mix of European heritage and frontier history in one place.
Nature and Wildlife
One of the biggest reasons to visit Saint Pierre and Miquelon is to enjoy its natural beauty. The islands are rugged, with rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and wild coastlines. Hiking is a popular activity, especially in Miquelon-Langlade, where you can explore bogs, beaches, and forests.
For wildlife lovers, this is a prime spot for bird watching, especially in the summer. Puffins, auklets, and bald eagles are common sights. Miquelon is also known for its wild horses that roam freely across the island. If you’re lucky, you might spot seals or even whales just off the shores of the islands.
Getting Around
The islands are small, and you won’t need a car to explore Saint Pierre. In fact, walking is the best way to experience the town as everything is within easy reach. There are some taxis, but they’re not always available on-demand like in big cities, so planning ahead is a good idea.
If you want to explore Miquelon or the surrounding areas, renting a car is a better option. There are ferries and small planes that connect the main islands, but don’t expect anything like the efficient public transport of Europe. Things move slow out here, and that’s part of the charm.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Saint Pierre and Miquelon is during the summer, from June to September. The weather is warmer, although it rarely gets hot—the average summer temperature is around 60°F (15°C). Even then, you’ll want to pack layers as the weather can change fast.
In the winter, the islands get cold and windy, with frequent fog. While it’s quiet and there are fewer tourists, most of the outdoor activities will be tricky due to the weather. Unless you’re a fan of winter sports, the colder months can be tough for visitors.
Food and Drink
As you would expect from a French outpost, the food in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is excellent. You’ll find fresh bread, pastries, and cheese just like you would in France. Despite the island’s small size, there’s a surprisingly good selection of places to eat.
Seafood is, of course, a big deal here. From fresh cod to scallops, the seafood is some of the freshest you’ll find. Be sure to try the traditional French dishes, but also keep an eye out for local specialties like the “galette des rois” during January.
For drinks, French wine is common, and don’t be surprised if you’re offered a local gin or Calvados—both are popular in this part of the world.
How to Get There
Getting to Saint Pierre and Miquelon isn’t as difficult as you might think, though it requires a bit of planning. The easiest way is to fly from Halifax or St. John’s in Canada. There are also seasonal flights from Montreal. It’s a short ride over to the island (just about an hour or less), but keep in mind that the flights are not daily, so plan accordingly.
Alternatively, there’s a ferry that runs from Fortune, Newfoundland to Saint Pierre. The ferry ride takes about an hour and a half. Keep in mind that weather can sometimes delay the boats, especially in the foggy, cooler months.
Final Thoughts
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is one of those places that’s unlike anywhere else. It’s quiet, remote, and full of history and natural beauty. You shouldn’t come here expecting nonstop action. Instead, come here to unplug, take in the island life, and appreciate a small bit of France in a completely unexpected place.
Whether you’re wandering the streets of Saint Pierre or exploring the wilds of Miquelon, you’ll feel far away from the rest of the world—and really, that’s what makes it so special.
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