AROUND THE WORLD
GETAWAY TO SAINT PIERRE AND MIQUELON
The particularity of our overseas departments and territories is their diversity
or it is interesting to discover places that are off the beaten track such as for example the archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon , the only territory
French from North America located 25 kilometers from Terre Neuve and
Canadian Coasts. Named after Saint Pierre by the explorer Jacques Cartier in the 16th century, the archipelago nicknamed " Le Caillou " as it is called by the
Saint-Pierrais is made up of 2 neighboring and juxtaposed islands integrating a
rich history and varied wildlife coupled with invigorating landscapes.
Composed mainly of two islands which are the main island of Saint Pierre which is the smaller of the two and where
concentrates 86% of the active population, then there is Miquelon made up of three peninsulas linked together by two
tombolos supplemented by other small islands and islets including Sailor Island (formerly called Dog Island) which
is particularly very visited by tourists during the seasonal period which goes from mid-April to mid-October and these islands are an integral part of the history of French fishing because they served as advanced bases for Norman ,
basques and Brittany fishermen from the beginning of the 16th century where they practiced whaling and more recently
by the Terras Neuvas Neuvas during their fishing campaigns and throughout the second half of the 19th century, the
archipelago experienced a significant economic growth, notably thanks to cod fishing. Strolling through the streets of
Saint Pierre is delightful because we come across houses built of wood decorated with multicolored facades ranging
from bright yellow to passing through turquoise blue decorated with low windows complemented by brightly colored
flowers and gardens with harmoniously neat outlines which give the city a slightly exotic touch in addition to fascinating exchanges with the inhabitants, some of whom still proudly wear the Basque beret or even the Acadian headdress
taking into account the cultural and sociological data that make the archipelago of Saint Pierre Et Miquelon which is
one of the 7 French territories in America also including Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, Saint Martin and the island of Clipperton with the particularity, in addition to being a concentrate of history and memory of the France for five centuries, to be the only French territory in North America.
Unique Marine and Terrestrial Fauna
Visiting this territory means immersing yourself as close as possible to large spaces where unique marine and terrestrial
fauna live like in Langlade and Miquelon which has more seals than inhabitants or even sea trips which allow you to
observe brush whales, rorquals and dolphins which make majestic and ceremonial movements.For fans of walking and
hunting, there's nothing like a walk on the paths of Langlade or the Cape of Miquelon where you can track white-tailed
deer in this hunting reserve bordered by high cliffs. The islands also have more than 320 species of birds that it is
delightful to contemplate, particularly during periods of migration before crossing the only existing boreal forest in
France mad up of conifers and deciduous trees.Another particularity that one feels when visiting these radiant places is the sensation of being in another universe or calm and serenity seem to have existed for an eternity as i would see on
the Grand Colombier or the view of Saint Pierre and Langlade is great.The cultural and sporting life of these islands is
also very developed ,notably the museum Heritage which has presented since 2003 a rich collection of objects testifying
to the social life of the archipelago including the role of the city of Saint Pierre during the time of prohibition in the
United States.During the summer season, many events such as the running race between Miquelon and Langlade, the
Basque festival,Rock N Rhum or even the music festival gives these Islands the full measure of their art of living mixed
with conviviality. Choose Saint Pierre And Miquelon as your next vacation destination means discovering a French territory integrating all the amenities of our time where nature in its purest state reigns supreme.
Report: Gabriel PAGE
Photos credit: Gabriel PAGE / Getty Images
