Location Flag Quick Facts Capital Saint-Pierre Government self-governing territorial collectivity of France Currency euro (EUR) Area 242 sq km Population 7,026 (July 2006 est.) Language French (official) Religion Roman Catholic 99% Electricity 220V/50Hz [French Outlet] (Some B & B's still have 110V outlets.) Country code +508 Internet TLD .pm Time Zone UTC -3

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon [1] are a small group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, located at the mouth of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, at 12 miles from Newfoundland. 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 [ edit ]

Map of Saint Pierre and Miquelon

The archipelago consists of several islands: Saint-Pierre (population: 5,500), Miquelon-Langlade (population: 600), as well as l’Ile aux Marins and several small uninhabited islands.

The smaller inhabited island, the only significantly populated town (the capital), and the central area of activity.

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 [ edit ]

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 figures 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 [ edit ]

Visitor Information Center

Place du Général de Gaulle BP 4274 F97500 Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Tel. + 508 41 02 00

Get in [ edit ]

Although Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are territories of France, and as such are within the European Union, they are not part of the Schengen Area and so immigration procedures are different from those of France.

Holders of a Canadian identification document (such as a driver's licence or student card bearing a photograph of the card holder) do not need a passport to enter Saint-Pierre and Miquelon for up to three months in a six-month period, provided that they travel directly from Canada.

Citizens of the EU/EFTA, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland can use a national identity card for entry instead of a passport, and are allowed to stay and work indefinitely.

All other nations require passports. Note that for US citizens, the passport card is not valid for entry even if arriving by boat.

Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Marshall Islands, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Tonga, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, and persons holding British National (Overseas) or British Subject passports do not require a visa and may stay for up to three months.

Citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine do not require a visa and may stay for up to three months, provided they have a biometric passport.

Citizens of Taiwan do not require a visa and may stay for up to three months, provided that their ID number is stipulated in their passport.

Additionally, holders of a valid residence permit issued by the Préfet of a French overseas département, the High Commissioner of a French territorial collectivity or a Schengen state do not require a visa and may stay for up to three months.

All other nationalities will require a Saint-Pierre and Miquelon visa, which can be applied for at a French embassy or consulate. Most travellers are only given a cursory inspection when entering the island of Saint-Pierre.

By plane [ edit ]

Most flights to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are from Canada but during summer there are direct flights between Paris and Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Visitors of certain nationalities will need a Canadian transit visa. Air service to Saint-Pierre is available via Air Saint-Pierre [2] through:

By car [ edit ]

Travelling by car to Saint-Pierre requires driving through Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and taking the ferry.

From Argentia, take Route 100 northeast until the Trans Canada Highway (Route 1). Take Route 1 West to Route 210. On 210, head Southwest until Route 220. Take 220 to Fortune.

From Port aux Basques, take the Trans Canada Highway (Route 1). Take Route 1 East until Route 210. On 210, head Southwest until Route 220. Take 220 to Fortune.

As the island of Newfoundland is home to a moose population of over 100,000, do drive slowly and cautiously, especially when driving at night. Remember that hitting a moose is not like hitting a deer--a moose is a tall beast, and your car will hit its legs, knocking the brunt of its weight into the windshield and you. Depending on the size of your vehicle and speed, this could result in death or serious injury.

By bus [ edit ]

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 [ edit ]

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 [3].

Get around [ edit ]

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 are less than a handful of rental cars on the island.

The nearby islands of île aux Marins, Langlande, 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.

Activities [ edit ]

Enjoy a mini van sightseeing of saint-Pierre with "Le Caillou Blanc Tours". A unique experience to discover Saint-Pierre. More information on there website http://www.lecailloublanc.fr

Talk [ edit ]

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.

Like the rest of France, the official currency is the euro, but in Saint-Pierre, it is also common for Canadian & American dollars to be accepted by merchants.

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. You will find to dine out and enjoy the fresh seafood is at some of the best prices in North America.

Both islands have a number of hotels (many have been newly renovated in he past few years), 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 [ edit ]

There is very little crime in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and this destination should be considered one of the safest possible in North America.

Electricity [ edit ]

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 [ edit ]

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.

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