Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon: 5 outings that will thrill children and adults alike

To discover this island chain, what could be better than a sojourn at sea? Through July and August, the Municipal School of Sailing offers trips almost every day aboard an inflatable dinghy. Departing from Saint-Pierre, the 1h30 or 3h trips are accompanied by commentary on the geology, culture and history of the archipelago. Each journey will include the discovery of Grand Colombier, a secret island and nature reserve which is a sanctuary for many species of birds and penguins. The Saint-Pierre Municipal Sailing School (French only)

Come and meet the seals... A walk with appeal for all ages! From the island of Miquelon, under the guidance of a Phoca Association guide, set sail for the Grand Barachois lagoon: 9 km² of deep blue waters populated by ducks, as well as grey seals that you can see lounging on the sandbanks at low tide.

Peat bogs and coniferous forests, dunes and lagoons... expand your understanding of the diverse natural environments of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon at the Maison de l’Environnement in Miquelon. After experiencing the permanent interactive exhibition, you’ll be au fait with the history, geology, climate and biodiversity of the archipelago! Finish your visit with one of the guided eco-walks to discover the fauna and flora, especially in the beautiful valley of the Cormorandière.

Abandoned since the 1960s, this small island was once the stronghold of fishermen whose speciality was dried fish. Today it is a haven of tranquillity best explored on a guided tour from Saint-Pierre organised by the L’Arche Musée et Archives. Visitors to the island will discover the Museum Archipelitude, situated in several authentic buildings on the island including the old school. The museum has a fascinating collection of artefacts and photos from the past.

The location alone is well worth the detour: a beautiful 19th century emerald green building. But it’s not just for the looks that we recommend a visit to the Heritage Museum in Saint-Pierre, it’s also where you’ll find an incredible collection spread over 500m² and 10 rooms. This is a real dive into the history of the archipelago. Discover a classroom with slates and a pharmacy with vintage flasks. You’ll also see bottles of rum dating from the American prohibition of the 1930s – at that time bootlegging was a very lucrative activity for this string of islands where Al Capone himself came to stay!