Inhabited since at least the Neolithic, the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon remained for a long time on the margins of civilization. The Portuguese navigator and explorer Joao Alvares Fagundes, the first European to sail along the shores of these islands in 1521, quite poetically called them “Isles of Eleven Thousand Virgins.” Intensively mastered New World the French gave them a name in honor of Saint Pierre, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. In the 16th-17th centuries, these lands were used as a base for seasonal cod fishing by French fishermen from La Rochelle, Granville, Saint-Malo and the Basque Country, who founded the first European settlements here (Miquelon got its name from the mouths of Basque fishermen from Saint-Jean -du-Luz). The French concessions were interrupted after the Treaty of Utrecht, and only in 1763 the islands again came under the auspices of Paris. From 1763 to 1778, many settlers fled here from the French colony of Acadia (Nova Scotia), in 1778 the islands were attacked by the British, and their entire population was expelled in retaliation for French support of the American Revolution. The islands finally returned to French jurisdiction only in 1816 and since then have remained the last fragment of the once vast North American possessions of this European power.
The Great Newfoundland Bank, within which Saint Pierre and Miquelon lie, is one of the richest fishing areas on the planet. Even though there has been some depletion of biological stocks in the region due to human activities, fishing continues to be the most important source of income for the islands' inhabitants. However, tourism, which until now has hardly developed in this part of the planet, is beginning to play an increasingly important role in the local economy - there are many people on Earth who are ready to consider not beaches or coconuts as attractions, but harsh beauty northern places, cultural identity of the population and excellent conditions for active recreation.
Saint Pierre
The town of Saint-Pierre is the commercial and administrative center of the islands, stretching along the northern side of Barachois harbor, in the eastern part of the island of Saint-Pierre. It is home to only 6,500 inhabitants (however, this is 90% of the inhabitants of the islands, mostly Basques, Bretons, Normans and other immigrants from France), nevertheless the urban infrastructure is quite modern (the second largest locality communes - the island and the village of Ile aux Marins, entered the city limits in 1945). Its whole appearance speaks of the fishing past of the islands - almost all significant buildings are concentrated near the harbor, dissected by breakwaters and piers, and the main landmarks here are the post office buildings in the Alsatian style, its clock tower and the nearby customs office, behind which lies a small square named after Charles de Gaulle, considered the center of the city. It is here that the main events associated with various holidays take place, the Old Fountain and the House with a Turret are also located here, and from the embankment near the square there is a beautiful panorama of the bay and the ocean.
The main attraction of the city is the Saint-Pierre Cathedral on Place Maurer. The first temple, built on this site in 1690, was rebuilt several times, and in 1902 it was destroyed by fire and restored in 1905-1907. Its gallery of stained glass windows is a gift to the island from General de Gaulle, and to restore the spire in the 70s of the 20th century, stone was brought here all the way from Alsace. The buildings of the Government Quarter are lined up around the Place Maurer - the Palace of Justice, the Conseil General complex, the governor's office and the prefecture. Somewhat further north, just behind the buildings of the City Hall and the city hospital, lies the Fronton-Zaspiak-Bath arena - most popular place competitions in the traditional Basque sport - pelota, as well as a place for organizing various festive events. The word "Zaspiak", which can be translated as "seven as one", represents the seven ancient Basque provinces located in Spain (Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre and Vizcaya) and France (Basse-Navarre, Sule and Labourde, today part of the department Atlantic Pyrenees).
Also attractive is the Pointe aux Cannon lighthouse on a breakwater that protrudes far into the harbor (it got its name in honor of the cannon installed here, which, as they say, local residents, participated in the Crimean War of the 19th century, although, most likely, it was simply cast in the same period) and the Pointe aux Cannon Battery battery stretching at the base of the pier is all that remains of the old fort that defended Saint-Pierre and Miquelon from British raids in 1690-1713. Somewhat north of the fort stretches a series of buildings of the Les Salines fishing stations, designed to illustrate the most important aspect of the local economy - the fishing culture, and also simply to provide fishermen with the opportunity to store their vessels and equipment.
If you move from Place Charles de Gaulle to the southwest, you can find the Heritage Museum (tel.: +508 41-58-88) with an extensive historical collection, the Robber Hotel, located on the embankment, with a small private museum located in it. La Proibisión (tel.: +508 41-24-19), State Archives Museum (tel.: +508 41-04-35) and the War Memorial located almost opposite it (dedicated to the islanders who died during the two world wars - It is interesting to note that while most of France was occupied by the Germans during World War II, the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon were a stronghold of de Gaulle's Free French movement from December 1941, and their citizens fought against the occupiers at all costs. fronts), Fort Lorraine on Rue Besson (built by Free French troops in 1941-1943), a block to the north, the Calvare cross (a reminder of the Catholic heritage of the islands), as well as forming the southernmost outskirts of the city Cultural Center, scientific and educational and cultural center Francoforum, ice skating rink and the well-known Saint-Pierre cemetery, made in a unique “North American style”.
On the south-eastern side of the island rises the picturesque Galantri lighthouse (built in the 1970s on the site of the original 19th century lighthouse), the fog horn sounding from which, in fact, complements the appearance of the capital with its “romantic voice” (often tourists specifically wait for bad weather to appreciate the sharp and strong sound of a bugle, dissonantly superimposed on the hopeless fog and the absolute silence that falls on the island with the advent of fog). Nearby you can find private villa Cutty Sark (entering the territory without the consent of the owners is prohibited), which, according to local legends, was built from the wood of this legendary tea clipper.
Ile aux Marins
small island Ile aux Marins (Ile aux Cheyennes, 1.5 sq. km), located at the neck of the harbor of Saint-Pierre, is, in fact, one large and fairly spacious fishing village with a population of only 10 souls. Modern fishing techniques have contributed to the development of this once bustling fishing community, turning it into a quiet and tranquil open-air museum, opening a window into the past of civilization. The overwhelming number of its residents have long since moved to Saint-Pierre, and the rest gather here only during the Putin period, so numerous ancient houses made of wood and wild stone stand mostly half-abandoned, and the ocean winds walk completely freely along its two main streets. Here you can see the church of Notre-Dame des Marins (1874), still used for services, the Archipelago Museum and City Hall located opposite it, the battery of the old fort (19th century) on the north-western tip of the island, the colorful Heseckel House building (now a fishing museum), a picturesque old cemetery, an abandoned lighthouse at the southern tip and the rusting wreck of the Transpacific on the eastern shore and the dune landscape around it. Due to the island's proximity to the capital, many residents of Saint-Pierre gather here on weekends.
Miquelon
The biggest and northern island archipelago, Miquelon is formed by several smaller islands, between which the ocean has washed long sand spits, forming several salty lagoons. The only thing large settlement on the island - the village (commune) of Miquelon, located in the north-eastern part, on Le Cap, between the Grand Etang lagoon and the ocean. This is one of the most picturesque places on the planet - a small village of no more than 500-600 people, surrounded on all sides by the sands of a 14-kilometer dune, whose eastern shore bears traces of more than 500 shipwrecks. The main attractions here are the wooden church of Miquelon located opposite each other and the stone Monument aux Mortes, the old cemetery and the Miquelon Museum lying on its edge (tel.: +508 41-67-07), a compact government quarter in the center of the village and rising on West coast lighthouse Far du Cap Blanc.
The southernmost part of Miquelon is surrounded by a vast lagoon known as the Gran Barachois, which is home to a huge number of birds and other fauna. Almost at any time of the year you can watch birds here, either wandering from north to south or vice versa, or organizing mating games or bird markets on its banks. And the sight of thousands of migratory birds floating across the sky in spring or autumn is no less fascinating than this harsh and beautiful region itself. Also colorful northern cape the islands of Le Cap, whose landscape is only emphasized by the uniqueness of the birds and other inhabitants of the sea that live here. Every spring, the whales migrating to Greenland pass just off the coast of Miquelon, allowing you to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Langlade
Southern part Miquelon, connected by a long spit of sand that locals simply call La Dune, Langlade has a reputation for rugged and very beautiful island, whose coast is surrounded by low but rather steep cliffs. For most of the year, only a few farmers can be found here, growing crops and raising livestock on these harsh soils. However, in the summer up to one fifth of the permanent population of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon gathers here. This piece of land has the most diverse nature of all the islands in the group - steep cliffs, small forests and an abundance of wildlife make it a favorite summer residence and holiday destination for many islanders.
A few of Langlade's attractions include the private Clem Cousic Museum, which houses artifacts found on the island's shores, a lonely and picturesque chapel, the Le Far de La Pointe Plate lighthouse and the entire 35-kilometer west coast islands, as well as isolated rocky shores and many bird sites scattered throughout Langlade.
Geographical location
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is an overseas community that is part of France. It is located on small islands in Atlantic Ocean, 20 km south of the Canadian island of Newfoundland in Cabot Strait. These islands are the only territory left to France from the former colony of New France.
Area of the islands is 242 km².
The largest island is Miquelon (216 km²), and the bulk of the population lives on the second largest island, Saint-Pierre. Saint Pierre and Miquelon occupies an archipelago of 8 islands.
It consists of 3 relatively large islands - Saint-Pierre, Miquelon and Langlade, as well as 5 small islands - Grand Colombier, Petit Colombier, Ile aux Marins (Ile aux Cheyennes) and others.
Total length coastline is about 120 km.
The capital is the city of Saint-Pierre, which is located on the island of the same name.
The islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are composed of ancient rocks, and there are deposits from the Ice Age.
The shores of the islands are heavily indented, steep and difficult to access. The interior of the islands has a hilly topography. The highest point of the country has a height of 240 meters, it is located on the island of Miquelon. The islands have a large number of streams and small rivers.
How to get there
You can fly to the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon by plane Air company Saint-Pierre from Saint John Airport, located in Novaya Zemlya, from Sydney or Halifax. From Paris via Montreal there is a direct flight from Air France. There are also regular flights between the islands. The islands are connected to Novaya Zemlya by regular ferry service.
Visa
Citizens of Russia and the CIS must obtain a visa to enter the islands.
The islands belong to the overseas possessions of France, Therefore, you need to contact the consular section of the French Embassy:
You can import and export means of payment without restrictions. An amount exceeding 7,000 euros must be included in the declaration. Foreign currency converted into euros cannot be converted into foreign currency again in full, but only up to the equivalent of 500 euros.
You can import small amounts of alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, tea, perfume, as well as some food and other goods into the country duty-free. Labeling expiration dates on food products is mandatory.
It is prohibited to import or export narcotic and psychotropic substances and objects into the country. historical value, weapons and ammunition, as well as animals and plants that are listed as endangered species.
To import medications, you must have a prescription issued by a doctor or lawyer. Plants, animals and plant products must be presented to quarantine officials. Animals must have a certificate of vaccinations, as well as a medical certificate in French. This certificate must be issued no earlier than five days before departure.
Climate
The islands have a subpolar climate. In winter, the average temperature is minus three degrees, but sometimes it reaches minus forty degrees, and a large amount of snow falls. In summer it is cool here, the average temperature is plus sixteen degrees. When humid air masses from the ocean collide, they lead to frequent fogs - the most foggy days are in the beginning and middle of the summer. In spring and autumn the weather is usually clear and windy.
Population
Population according to census In 1999 there were 5618 inhabitants, and according to the 2009 census there were 5478 inhabitants. As of 2012, it was estimated at about 5,400 people. About 90% of the inhabitants of the entire archipelago live here. The vast majority live in the city of Saint-Pierre, which is also the capital of the overseas community.
Nature
On the islands due to the climate and human activities, the flora and fauna are not very diverse.
Coniferous and deciduous forests on the islands grow mainly on flat areas and hillsides, which are more or less protected from the wind. The main woody plants of the forests are spruce, dwarf spruce and birch. IN given time The areas occupied by forests have been greatly reduced due to their uncontrolled felling and harvesting of wood for firewood. Herbs are represented on the islands by species characteristic of swampy meadows and peat bogs and resemble the vegetation of the tundra and forest-tundra.
Animal world The islands are represented by marine mammals and birds, mostly marine ones. On Miquelon, Saint-Pierre and the adjacent islands and rocks there are quite large colonies of cormorants, gulls and penguins, as well as seal rookeries.
Tourism
Tourism industry of the islands' national economy is not developed and, mainly because the islands are not interesting from the point of view of the presence of cultural and historical monuments. Climatic and natural conditions They also do not allow the development of resort activities. The islands of the archipelago are visited occasionally by tourists and guests, but this fact is not widespread.
You can get to the islands by air (there are small airfields on both islands) or by sea, which is how communication is maintained between the islands themselves.
Hotels, hotels, prices
Hotels on the islands different categories, but the quality of service in any of them is not inferior to European. They have all the conditions for a good rest.
Almost a third belonged North America- from Quebec to Louisiana. Today, all that remains of the imperial possessions are two microscopic islands somewhere in the armpit of Newfoundland: Saint Pierre and Miquelon. There is always fog, rain and cold here.
Nearly one third of North America—from Quebec to Louisiana—once belonged to France. Today, all that’s left of these imperial possessions are two microscopic islands somewhere in the armpit of Newfoundland: Saint Pierre and Miquelon. It's always foggy, rainy, and cold here.
The streets here are deserted.
The streets are empty.
And deserted.
Nordic character.
The place has a Nordic feel.
The main feature of the country is wooden garbage bins at every home. Most often, this is an octagonal chest with a special stop on top so that the lid does not break off.
The wooden trash crates outside every house are the country’s main detail. Most of them are octagonal chests with a special stop at the top to prevent the lid from snapping off.
Some people paint their chest the color of the house.
Some people paint their chest the color of their house.
And some are not shy and decorate them especially beautifully.
And some go all out and make it look extra-pretty.
Ashtray at the airport.
An ashtray at the airport.
Each house has its own oil boiler for heating.
Every house has its own oil boiler for heating.
Pole with telephone equipment.
A pillar with telephone equipment housed inside.
Telephone booth.
Slots for letters in the wall of the post office.
Slots for mail in the wall of a post office.
Car number.
A license plate.
Street signs.
Street name plaques.
The windows to the basements are decorated with glass blocks with figuratively frozen patterns.
Basements have glass block windows with a decorative solidified bubble pattern inside the glass.
On rare days when there is no rain outside, everyone dries clothes on lines, one end attached to the house, the other to a pole with a roller.
On the rare days when it’s not raining out, everyone dries their laundry on clotheslines. One end of the line is secured to the house and the other to a pole with a pulley on it.
The country is so small that the owner of the best hotel herself comes by car to pick up arriving guests. The drive to the city is exactly three minutes. You’ll take a walk, have dinner, spend the night, and in three minutes you’ll be back at the airport.
The country is so small that the owner of the best hotel drives out to the airport personally to pick up arriving guests. It takes exactly three minutes to get to the city. You can take a walk, have dinner, spend the night—and then be back at the airport in three minutes.
Geography: Saint Pierre et Miquelon occupies an archipelago of 8 islands in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, off south coast Newfoundland Islands (Canada), at the entrance to Fortune Bay.
The archipelago includes 3 relatively large islands - Saint-Pierre (26 sq. km), Miquelon (110 sq. km) and Langlade (91 sq. km), as well as 5 small islands - Grand Colombier, Petit Colombier, Ile -o-Marins (Ile-o-Cheyenne) and others.
The total length of the coastline is about 120 km. The total area of the archipelago is 242 square meters. km (of which the “large” islands are 227 sq. km).
Time: It lags behind Moscow by 6 hours in summer and 7 hours in winter (UTC -3).
Nature: The islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon lie on the northwestern tip of the vast Newfoundland Bank, being like a piece of Newfoundland, isolated by sea from the main territory of the island. Miquelon was formed by the confluence of three vast island shoals (practically ordinary sandbars): Le Cap, Grand Miquelon and Langlade (Petit Miquelon), which still form three separate peninsulas, connected to each other by long sandy drifts between which splash waves of salt lagoons (Gran Barachois, Grand Etang, Etang de Mirand and others). The island's landscape is formed by vast areas of dunes, ancient glacial moraines and sandy and rocky heaths of low-lying coastal areas, and the most high point- Morne de la Grande Montagne - rises above the water by only 240 m.
Little Saint-Pierre, lying just 3 km southeast of Miquelon, is a small outcrop of marginal rocks of a crystalline continental shield, heavily eroded by ocean action. Its low, gentle hills, covered with grass and creeping shrubs, slowly rise to the northeast, where they reach their maximum height (204 m). Surrounding the entire island sandy beaches for the most part they are narrow and deserted, and the southeastern coast is indented by dozens of tiny coves and peninsulas. The island's landscape, like that of its northern neighbor, is flat. However, the rolling hills, rocky coastlines and ancient glacial valleys make it noticeably more diverse than Miquelon.
Climate: Temperate maritime, cool and very humid.
Average temperature in winter (January) on the coast of the islands it fluctuates around +4 C. The average temperature in summer (July) is about +16-18 C. Moreover, the difference between day and night temperatures can reach 15 degrees, especially in the autumn-winter period, when the islands are under the influence of cold arctic air masses.
Precipitation falls up to 1200 mm per year, and the nature of its distribution depends little on the time of year - in the summer there are often prolonged rains with drizzle and fog, while in winter up to a meter of snow sometimes falls. Warm current The Gulf Stream, passing southeast of the shores of the archipelago, sometimes warms the air to +7 C even in winter (there are often cases when the temperature ocean water 7-15 C higher than the air temperature over the islands), while the cold Labrador Current can cause temperatures to drop to +2-7 C even in summer.
The collision of moist sea air masses brought by winds and currents leads to the formation of frequent fogs, which are especially common in early and mid-summer. At the same time, spring and autumn are famous for their winds and clear weather. Winter snowfalls and storms are often accompanied by strong winds and large amounts of snow (however, the sea off the coast of the islands freezes quite rarely). Frequent and sharp changes in atmospheric pressure are observed.
Government system: Until 1816, the islands, officially being French territory, repeatedly passed into the possession of either France or Great Britain. In 1946 they received the status of an “overseas territory of France”, in 1976 - an overseas department, and since 1985 Saint-Pierre and Miquelon have been a special self-governing territorial unit of France.
The head of state is the President of France. The head of the executive branch of the islands is the prefect, appointed by the French government on the advice of the Ministry of Overseas Territories. The head of government is the President of the General Council.
The legislative body - the General Council or Conseil-Generale - consists of 19 deputies (15 from Saint-Pierre and 4 from Miquelon, deputies are elected through general secret elections in the districts for a six-year term). The islands also elect one member to the French Senate.
Administrative division: Administratively, the country is divided into two communes - Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
Population: About 7 thousand people, mostly from France (Basques and Bretons). About 90% of the islands' population live in Saint-Pierre and only about 700 people live in Miquelon.
Language: State language- French.
Religion: The vast majority of believers on the islands are Catholics.
Economy: The main occupation of the population is fishing (mainly cod fishing). There are fish drying factories, refrigerators, as well as cod liver processing plants, small shipyards, sailing and cooperage workshops. The fishing port of Saint-Pierre plays an important role in the economy. The rocky lands of the islands are unsuitable for agriculture. On the island of Saint-Pierre, vegetables are grown for domestic consumption, and livestock farming is developed on the island of Miquelon. In recent years, tourism has developed significantly.
Currency: Euro (Euro), equal to 100 cents. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Main attractions: Inhabited since at least the Neolithic, the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon remained for a long time on the margins of civilization. The Portuguese navigator and explorer Joao Alvares Fagundes, the first European to sail along the shores of these islands in 1521, quite poetically called them “Isles of Eleven Thousand Virgins.” The French, who were intensively exploring the New World, gave them a name in honor of St. Pierre, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. In the 16th-17th centuries, these lands were used as a base for seasonal cod fishing by French fishermen from La Rochelle, Granville, Saint-Malo and the Basque Country, who founded the first European settlements here (Miquelon got its name from the mouths of Basque fishermen from Saint-Jean -du-Luz). The French concessions were interrupted after the Treaty of Utrecht, and only in 1763 the islands again came under the auspices of Paris. From 1763 to 1778, many settlers fled here from the French colony of Acadia (Nova Scotia), in 1778 the islands were attacked by the British, and their entire population was expelled in retaliation for French support of the American Revolution. The islands finally returned to French jurisdiction only in 1816 and since then have remained the last fragment of the once vast North American possessions of this European power.
The Great Newfoundland Bank, within which Saint Pierre and Miquelon lie, is one of the richest fishing areas on the planet. Even with some depletion of biological stocks in the region due to human activities, fishing continues to be the most important source of income for the islands' inhabitants. However, tourism, which has so far hardly developed in this part of the planet, is beginning to play an increasingly important role in the local economy - there are many people on Earth who are ready to consider not beaches or coconuts as attractions, but the harsh beauty of northern places, the cultural identity of the population and excellent conditions for active recreation.
The town of Saint-Pierre is the commercial and administrative center of the islands, stretching along the northern side of Barachois harbor, in the eastern part of the island of Saint-Pierre. It is home to only 6,500 inhabitants (however, this is 90% of the inhabitants of the islands, mostly Basques, Bretons, Normans and other immigrants from France), nevertheless the urban infrastructure is quite modern (the second large settlement of the commune is the island and village of Ile-o- Marins, entered the city limits in 1945). Its entire appearance speaks of the fishing past of the islands - almost all significant buildings are concentrated near the harbor, dissected by breakwaters and piers, and the main landmarks here are the post office buildings in the Alsatian style, its clock tower and the nearby customs office, behind which lies a small square named after Charles de Gaulle, considered the center of the city. It is here that the main events associated with various holidays take place, the Old Fountain and the House with a Turret are also located here, and from the embankment near the square there is a beautiful panorama of the bay and the ocean.
The main attraction of the city is the Saint-Pierre Cathedral on Place Maurer. The first temple, built on this site in 1690, was rebuilt several times, and in 1902 it was destroyed by fire and restored in 1905-1907. Its gallery of stained glass windows is a gift to the island from General de Gaulle, and to restore the spire in the 70s of the 20th century, stone was brought here all the way from Alsace. The buildings of the Government Quarter are lined up around the Place Maurer - the Palace of Justice, the Conseil General complex, the governor's office and the prefecture. Somewhat further north, right behind the buildings of the City Hall and the city hospital, lies the Fronton-Zaspiak-Bath arena - the most popular venue for competitions in the traditional Basque sport - pelota, as well as a place for organizing various festive events. The word "Zaspiak", which can be translated as "seven as one", represents the seven ancient Basque provinces located in Spain (Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre and Vizcaya) and France (Basse-Navarre, Sule and Labourde, today part of the department Atlantic Pyrenees).
Also attractive is the Pointe aux Cannon lighthouse on a breakwater that protrudes far into the harbor (it got its name in honor of the cannon installed here, which, according to local residents, took part in the Crimean War of the 19th century, although, most likely, it was simply cast in the same period) and the Pointe-au-Cannon-Battery battery stretching at the base of the pier is all that remains of the old fort that defended Saint-Pierre and Miquelon from British raids in 1690-1713. Somewhat north of the fort stretches a series of buildings of the Les Salines fishing stations, designed to illustrate the most important aspect of the local economy - the fishing culture, and also simply to provide fishermen with the opportunity to store their vessels and equipment.
If you move from Place Charles de Gaulle to the southwest, you can find the Heritage Museum (tel.: +508 41-58-88) with an extensive historical collection, the Robber Hotel, located on the embankment, with a small private museum located in it. La Proibisión (tel.: +508 41-24-19), State Archives Museum (tel.: +508 41-04-35) and the War Memorial located almost opposite it (dedicated to the islanders who died during the two world wars - It is interesting to note that while most of France was occupied by the Germans during World War II, the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon were a stronghold of de Gaulle's Free French movement from December 1941, and their citizens fought against the occupiers at all costs. fronts), Fort Lorraine on Rue Besson (built by Free French troops in 1941-1943), a block to the north, the Calvare cross (a reminder of the Catholic heritage of the islands), as well as forming the southernmost outskirts of the city Cultural Center, scientific and the educational and cultural center Francoforum, the skating rink and the well-known Saint-Pierre cemetery, made in a unique “North American style”.
On the south-eastern side of the island rises the picturesque Galantri lighthouse (built in the 1970s on the site of the original 19th century lighthouse), the fog horn sounding from which, in fact, complements the appearance of the capital with its “romantic voice” (often tourists specifically wait for bad weather to appreciate the sharp and strong sound of a bugle, dissonantly superimposed on the hopeless fog and the absolute silence that falls on the island with the arrival of fog). Nearby you can find the private villa of Cutty Sark (entering the territory without the consent of the owners is prohibited), which, according to local legends, was built from the wood of this legendary tea clipper.
The small island of Ile aux Marins (Ile aux Cheyennes, 1.5 sq. km), located in the throat of Saint-Pierre harbor, is, in fact, one large and fairly spacious fishing village with a population of only 10 souls. Modern fishing techniques have contributed to the development of this once bustling fishing community, turning it into a quiet and tranquil open-air museum, opening a window into the past of civilization. The overwhelming number of its residents have long since moved to Saint-Pierre, and the rest gather here only during the Putin period, so numerous ancient houses made of wood and wild stone stand mostly half-abandoned, and the ocean winds walk completely freely along its two main streets. Here you can see the church of Notre-Dame des Marins (1874), still used for services, the Archipelago Museum and City Hall located opposite it, the battery of the old fort (19th century) on the north-western tip of the island, the colorful Heseckel House building (now a fishing museum), a picturesque old cemetery, an abandoned lighthouse at the southern tip and the rusting wreck of the Transpacific on the eastern shore and the dune landscape around it. Due to the island's proximity to the capital, many residents of Saint-Pierre gather here on weekends.
The largest and northern island of the archipelago, Miquelon is formed by several smaller islands, between which the ocean has washed long sand spits, forming several salty lagoons. The only large settlement on the island is the village (commune) of Miquelon, located in the northeastern part, on Le Cap, between the Grand Etang lagoon and the ocean. This is one of the most picturesque places on the planet - a small village of no more than 500-600 people, surrounded on all sides by the sands of a 14-kilometer dune, whose eastern shore bears traces of more than 500 shipwrecks. The main attractions here are the wooden church of Miquelon and the stone Monument aux Mortes located opposite each other, the old cemetery and the Miquelon Museum lying on its edge (tel.: +508 41-67-07), a compact government quarter in the center of the village and rising on West coast lighthouse Far du Cap Blanc.
The southernmost part of Miquelon is surrounded by a vast lagoon known as the Gran Barachois, which is home to a huge number of birds and other fauna. Almost at any time of the year you can watch birds here, either wandering from north to south or vice versa, or organizing mating games or bird markets on its banks. And the sight of thousands of migratory birds floating across the sky in spring or autumn is no less fascinating than this harsh and beautiful region itself. Also colorful is the northern cape of the island of Le Cap, whose landscape is only emphasized by the uniqueness of the birds and other inhabitants of the sea that live here. Every spring, the whales migrating to Greenland pass just off the coast of Miquelon, allowing you to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
The southern part of Miquelon, connected to it by a long sand spit, which locals simply call La Dune, Langlade has a reputation as a rugged and very beautiful island, whose coast is surrounded by low but quite steep cliffs. For most of the year, only a few farmers can be found here, growing crops and raising livestock on these harsh soils. However, in the summer up to one fifth of the permanent population of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon gathers here. This piece of land has the most diverse nature of all the islands in the group - steep cliffs, small forests and an abundance of wildlife make it a favorite summer residence and holiday destination for many islanders.
A few of Langlade's attractions include the private Clem Cousic Museum, which houses artifacts found on the island's shores, a lonely and picturesque chapel, the lighthouse of Le Far de La Pointe Plate and the entire 35 km west coast of the island, as well as isolated rocky shores and many bird sites scattered throughout Langlade.
Historical sketch: The first settlers, the Portuguese, reached the islands in 1520. The islands have belonged to France since 1604. In 1946 they received the status of an “overseas territory” of France. In 1976 they were granted the status of an "overseas department" of the French Republic, and in 1985 - a territorial unit of France.
National domain: .PM
Entry rules: To enter the country you must have a passport and a visa. A French visa can be issued in at least 15 days. For registration you need: an international passport (don’t forget about children), a copy of a civil passport, one photo, insurance for at least $30 thousand and a progressive air ticket. Consular fee up to $28.
Children traveling with one of the parents must have a copy of the birth certificate and a power of attorney from the other parent for the child to travel (executed in Russian and French), certified by a notary.
Customs regulations: The number of imported and exported means of payment is not limited. An amount of more than 7,000 euros must be included in the declaration. Foreign currency converted into euros can only be re-translated into foreign currency up to the equivalent of 500 euros.
Up to 1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks are imported duty free, drinks with an alcohol content of less than 22° are up to 2 liters, up to 200 pcs. cigarettes, 500 gr. coffee (or 200 g of coffee extracts), up to 50 g. perfume (eau de toilette - up to 250 gr.), tea - 100 gr. (or 40 grams of tea extracts), as well as some food and other goods (for persons over 15 years old - in the amount of 15 euros, for children - in the amount of 10 euros). Labeling expiration dates on food products is mandatory!
The import and export of drugs and psychotropic substances, objects of historical value, weapons and ammunition, as well as animals and plants included in the list of endangered species is prohibited.
When importing medicines for personal use, you must have a prescription issued by a doctor or lawyer. Plants, animals and plant products must be presented to quarantine officials. Animals must have a certificate of vaccinations, as well as a medical certificate in French, issued no earlier than five days before departure.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a French overseas possession consisting of eight islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Territory with a total area of 242 sq. km are inhabited by just over 6 thousand people. The bulk of the population lives on the small island of Saint Pierre, in its city of the same name, which is the main administrative center of the islands. The majority of the inhabitants are French.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon on the world map
The islands are made of ancient rocks, their shores are inaccessible and steep. The interior is hilly, with many small rivers and streams. There are many swampy plains; large boulders are found throughout the surface of the islands. The islands are separated from each other by a six-meter strait with a strong current, nicknamed by local fishermen “The Devil's Throat”. The waters off the coast of the island are very treacherous, and shipwrecks have often occurred here in the past.
Nature is very sparse, there are practically no forests. The dense birch and spruce forests that were once here have been cut down. In their place, low-growing varieties of spruce now grow, and birch trees are occasionally found. There are many marshy meadows and peat bogs. The fauna is represented by birds and seals.
Map of Saint Pierre and Miquelon in Russian
The climate here is oceanic, humid and cool. Winters are snowy and fairly mild, summers are humid and warm. Inclement weather with rain and winds is typical. The warm Gulf Stream off the coast of the island softens the winter cold, but causes increased humidity and fog.
The main occupation of the residents is fishing. The population is busy processing fish and servicing fishing vessels. In addition, fur farms are located on the islands and, in addition to fish products, furs are also exported. Agriculture is not developed due to high humidity and poor soils. For their own consumption, residents grow small quantities of vegetables and raise chickens, pigs and sheep. Most industrial and food products are imported.
The entire appearance of the city of Saint-Pierre tells of its fishing past; all significant city buildings are concentrated near the harbor. This is an ancient House with a turret, a square with an Old Fountain and an embankment, from where a beautiful panorama of the bay and ocean opens. The main attractions are the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Palace of Justice, and ancient lighthouses.
On the island of Miquelon there is a wooden church, a museum and a stone monument. In the southern part of the island there is a large lagoon that is home to thousands of birds, and in the spring you can see and watch whales in their natural habitat. Photo materials used from Wikimedia © Foto, Wikimedia Commons
