Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon is an archipelago of colorful houses off the coast of Canada. The group includes the islands of Saint-Pierre, Miquelon-Langlade, Île aux Marins and a handful of uninhabited islets. Here, the geography is American, the landscape is Nordic, the language is French, the festivals are Basque, the stamps are highly sought after and total relaxation is guaranteed.
Not to miss sights in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon
• The colourful wooden houses of Saint-Pierre In Saint Pierre and Miquelon, the oldest houses date from the second half of the 19th century. Made of wood, they sport with bright colors, a tradition dating from the 50s. These facades attract the eye, representing the pride of the inhabitants of the archipelago.
• The island of Grand Colombier Located north of Saint-Pierre, the island of Grand Colombier is a natural reserve for migratory birds. There are several species present in large numbers.
• Cap Persé The view here will remind francophiles a little of Etretat in Normandy—the pleasures of an afternoon at sea, soaking in the beautiful coastal landscapes, including the famous CCGS Cap Percé ship. Not-to-be-missed: a rendez-vous with seals, very curious to meet you!
• The L’Anse à Henry archaeological site on Saint-Pierre The Anse à Henry trail is very well marked, dotted with benches along the route—at the second stop, stay on the same trail, because the other route goes towards Cap du Diable (Devil’s Cape)!
• L’Arche Museum & Archives in Saint-Pierre L’Arche houses the Archives Department and the Museum of the Territorial Collectivité of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Numerous attractions are available all year long (exhibitions, events, workshops, shows, conferences, etc.).
• The Île aux Marins and its Archipelitude Museum in Saint-Pierre From Saint-Pierre, this museum houses a part of the collections of the Heritage Preservation Association of the Archipelago: old objects illustrating the customs of life and traditional know-how, in a historical setting.
• The Grand Barachois lagoon on Miquelon As languid as lagoon, this is an easy walk among the dunes to the wildlife observatory. Throughout the course, you will learn all about the local flora and fauna—it’s a very unusual trek, with many shore birds and seals waiting for you!
• The Cap de Miquelon nature reserve The lovers of bucolic walks will love this path; it is also one of the busiest of the Archipelago, both by visitors and locals who come regularly to relax.
• The La Cormorandière valley in Miquelon The valley of Cormorandière never leaves visitors indifferent. On the way, discover the breathtaking views, and the fauna and flora, a natural heritage that is the wealth of the archipelago! The most beautiful of the valleys in the world, so they say…
• The Cap au Diable on Saint-Pierre This eco-walk begins at the parking lot of the Frecker Pond. The path from Cap au Diable leads to Pond of Cap au Diable. The return skirts by the Anse à Dinan or the Telegraph Pond to return to the Etang Thélot parking lot.
Things to do in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon
• Dance at the Dunfest festival in the dunes of Langlade On the program of this must-see festival of the archipelago are musical entertainment by local artists, lamb roasts, a bonfire and various activities during the day and the evening. The next edition is on July 26 and 27, 2019, in Langlade.
• Take part in one of the Basque festivals hosted in Saint-Pierre during August For one week, every year in August, this 100% Basque sports and cultural event takes place. In 2019 the 38th edition will be held, hosting many ball games (pelota, pleone gum, jokogarbi, bare-hand). On Sunday, visitors participate in the games and the day ends with a ball.
• Go horse spotting in the hills of Miquelon The history of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is studded with horses! They are found in freedom everywhere on the Archipelago, but especially in the buttereaux (an old word for the hills of French Cananda). The wild horses group themselves naturally in herds. They’re a can’t-miss sight for nature photographers!
• Take a boat trip to see the killer whales all year long A true natural sanctuary, the archipelago is home to many species: seals, dolphins, whales and killer whales dive between the islands under a breathtaking scenery crowned with aurora borealis. Lovers of nature and powerful panoramas cannot miss this excursion!
• Sleep under the stars at Langlade In search of tranquility, hiking and observation? With its landscapes of ponds, beaches and mountains as far as the eye can see, discover Miquelon-Langlade, a small paradise rich in flora and fauna. Come and contemplate this breathtaking nature and rejuvenate yourself.
• Enjoy a “coup de thé” bowl of tea at Les Délices de Joséphine This is more than just a simple tea room—you can enjoy delicious homemade pastries made from the finest ingredients in this chic-yet-casual setting. You can also bring home perfumes, gifts, chocolates and fine wines from here. It’s a true Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon institution!
• Run the Miquelon 25km race (less daring types can just join in with the festivities) This legendary race takes place on the last Saturday of June, beginning at the southern end of the sandy isthmus that joins Miquelon to Langlade. After 200m (656.16 feet) of fine sand, competitors take a flat course through the Buttereaux, racing wild horses.
• Haul in the lobster pots and eat your fill You will have to get up very early to help raise lobster traps with local fishermen. This kind of fishing is open until August 31 for professionals and boaters.
• Hoist the sails and follow the puffins This highly recognizable seabird nestles on the shores of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, on Grand Colombier. Threatened, it has become the symbol for the French League for Birds Protection.
By France.fr
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