Saint Pierre and Miquelon
| |
| Capital | Saint-Pierre |
| Currency | euro (€) |
| Population | 7,026 (July 2006 est.) |
| Electricity | 220V/50Hz [French Outlet] (Some B & B's have 110V outlets.) |
| Country code | +508 |
| Time zone | UTC -3 |
| Emergencies | 112 |
| Driving side | right |
| edit on Wikidata | |
Saint Pierre and Miquelon are a small group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland and Labrador. First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American empire, New France.
Islands
- Saint-Pierre - the smaller island, the only significantly populated town (the capital), and the central area of activity.
- Miquelon - the larger island (actually three of them, connected by drifted sand) and village, Basque and Acadian history, and a large amount of wildlife, small farming operations and summer homes.
Understand
Saint-Pierre was a site for settlement by the French in the early 17th century, later abandoned under the Treaty of Utrecht, and returned to France in 1763 at the end of the Seven Years War. As well, the islands became a place of refuge for Acadian deportees from Nova Scotia. Saint-Pierre figured frequently in North American British-French relations. As well, it profited heavily from US Prohibition, which did not affect this area, part of France. It was depopulated and repopulated frequently, and now remains the last vestige of Imperial France within North America.
Like its northern neighbour, Newfoundland, it is a key fishing centre close to the Grand Banks, some of the world's richest fishing grounds. However, as in Newfoundland, the decline in cod stocks has seriously affected the fishery. As a result, tourism is becoming increasingly important to the economy. As a travel destination, St-Pierre et Miquelon is ideal for those interested in historical and cultural discovery, eco-tourism and the French language. Beyond its history, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon is a wonderful destination because of its mild refreshing climate, its beautiful landscapes, the quality of the air and the warmth of its inhabitants.
As a part of France, the area has much in common with Europe, but also with its Canadian and American neighbours.
Tourist information
- Tourism Office (Comité Régional du Tourisme), Place du Général de Gaulle, ☏ +508 410200, fax: +508 413355.
Get in
Although Saint Pierre and Miquelon are territories of France and use the Euro, they are not part of the European Union or Schengen Zone, so immigration procedures are different from those of France. Canadians will need passports for a stay of over three months, otherwise some forms of photo ID are acceptable. All other nationalities need passports and, in some cases, visas. Check with your local French consulate or embassy. Most travellers are only given a cursory inspection when entering the island of Saint-Pierre.
By plane
There are no flights to Saint Pierre and Miquelon from anywhere but Canada. Visitors of certain nationalities will need a Canadian transit visa. Air service to Saint-Pierre is available via Air Saint-Pierre through:
- St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Montreal, Quebec
- Sydney, Nova Scotia
- Moncton, New Brunswick
By car
The car ferry from Fortune, Newfoundland, has been discontinued.
By bus
If you are going through Newfoundland via Port aux Basques, DRL Coachlines Ltd. offers daily scheduled passenger coach services between St. John's & Port Aux Basques on the island. DRL's head office is in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, but they can be reached toll-free at 1 888 738 8091. If you wish to reach their office in St. John's, call 1 709 738-8088.
Another bus service from Port Aux Basques to St. John's is Newhook's Transportation. Call them at 1 709 726-4876.
In either case, you'll need to get off the bus a short time after Clarenville to head southwest towards Fortune and the ferry to Saint-Pierre.
By boat
Marine Atlantic ferry service runs from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador (on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland), throughout the year, and to Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador (about 90km from St. John's), during the summer. The duration of the ride depends on the weather and water conditions, so patience is of the essence. It is advisable to call Marine Atlantic ahead of time to make a reservation (call 1 800 341 7981). If you are bringing a U-haul or something other than a passenger vehicle, you will likely be considered a commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles can only make reservations by doubling the usual fare. It is cheaper to simply take your number, wait in line and hope for the best.
In general, Marine Atlantic Ferries cater to your every whim, carrying food, alcohol, gift shops, cinemas and sleeping accommodations. There will be lots for you to do.
Once in Newfoundland, drive or take a bus to Fortune (see By car & By bus). From here, you'll leave your car and take the ferry to Saint-Pierre with SPM EXPRESS. Ferries DO NOT run in the winter. Check schedules before planning travel.
Get around
Given the compact size of Saint-Pierre, it is generally easy to get around on foot. Those intimidated by the town's notorious sloping streets may find that a rented scooter may be a more friendly option. There are also a number of taxi services that offer guided tours of Saint-Pierre. Avid renters, be warned that there is less than a handful of rental cars on the island.
The nearby islands of île aux Marins, Langlade, and Miquelon may be accessed via ferry. île aux Marins and Langlade are inhabited only during the summer months and lack amenities such as taxis, hospitals, or internet service. The town of Miquelon is considerably smaller than Saint-Pierre and therefore has fewer hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Talk
The French spoken in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is very similar to that spoken in Normandy, Brittany, and Paris. The islanders are quite proud of their linguistic heritage.
Due to its proximity to English-speaking Canada, Saint-Pierre has become a popular destination for anglophone students wishing to become immersed in French language and culture.
The islands have a specialized language teaching facility named the FrancoForum, owned and operated by the local government in Saint-Pierre. Staffed by professional French instructors, the institute offers a variety of courses for both students and teachers wishing to improve their fluency.
The FrancoForum is best known for hosting Le Programme Frecker, a 3-month French immersion program offered to students at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada. The program, which began in 1975, was originally housed in a small building at the center of town. In 2000, an agreement was reached with the Conseil Général in Saint-Pierre to relocate the program to the newly built FrancoForum.
See
Do
Soak up this little corner of France in North America
Buy
Like the rest of France, the official currency is the euro, but in Saint-Pierre, it is also common for Canadian and US dollars to be accepted by merchants. Also, you will find that nearly everything is on the expensive side, with the notable exceptions of wine and cigarettes.
Eat
French cuisine is standard in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Those who love seafood should look into the Seafood Festival that is held every year in mid-August in the small town of Miquelon.
Drink
Sleep
Both islands have a number of hotels, B&Bs, and rental apartments, though none are large — only a couple of establishments on Saint Pierre have more than a dozen rooms, so be sure to book in advance. Expect to pay around €35-50 for budget accommodations, €70-80 for a fancier grade.
Stay safe
There is very little crime in Saint Pierre and Miquelon and this destination should be considered one of the safest possible in North America. However, unlike virtually everywhere else in North America, the power mains voltage is mostly 220V. If you're from a 110-120V country (e.g. Canada, USA), note that a euro-plug adaptor which doesn't down-convert the voltage will cause your appliance to burn out very quickly. Don't bring electric clocks or motorized appliances unless they can also be operated with batteries or the manufacturer's name plate specifically states both 50 and 60 Hz. See the Electrical systems article for more information. Note that a few bed & breakfast inns have 110V with North American outlets, though the frequency is still the European 50 Hz (affects clocks and motors).
Stay healthy
Saint Pierre and Miquelon pose very few health threats. Be warned that the weather is often very chilly and a sweater comes in handy, even during the summer months. If a serious injury should occur, there is a small hospital located in the town of Saint-Pierre. Patients who require special treatment are usually sent to larger, better-equipped hospitals in Canada.