Making the most of Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
St Pierre is about a 2km walk from the cruise dock. The tourism office is on the main square opposite the port, where staff speak fluent English.
Take a printable map with you.
Saint-Pierre is compact and generally easy to explore on foot. Visitors intimidated by its notorious sloping streets may find a rented scooter more friendly; a number of taxi services offer tours as well.
These French islands lie just off Newfoundland, visible from each other on a clear day. They are the last vestige of the vast Nouvelle France that once included half of Canada and the Louisana Terretory. French culture is the joy of the place: daily baked french bread, pasteries, excellent French wine and knowledgable staff make purchases worthwhile if you can take them home.
For centuries, Fishing Cod on Grand Banks was the main industry, but the island has also known War, Deportation, Revolution and Prohibition's spoils.
Saint-Pierre et Miquelon offers more than history: its mild refreshing climate, beautiful landscapes, air quality and warm inhabitants make it a wonderful destination.
Getting around
A 7.5-mile-long sand isthmus, the Dune, links Miquelon with Langlade and has seen many shipwrecks. The tourist office runs tours.
The ferry crossing between the two islands takes around 90 minutes.
Money
Canadian dollar ($) and Euro (€) are used, CAD and EUR, but the Euro is official currency.
Staying connected
French is the official language.