Saint-Pierre

Introduction

Saint-Pierre is the capital and largest settlement of the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. It is located on the island of Saint Pierre which is the smallest but has more inhabitants and about 5500 people live in the city itself. It is also the island located closest to Newfoundland in Canada, from where there are boats and a few flights as well. Although it is not full with great sights and activities, Saint-Pierre offers a unique mix of France and the North Atlantic and a walk along its sometimes narrow streets, squares and churches makes for a somehow strange experience in this part of the world.

Sights and Activities

Saint-Pierre Cathedral

The original Saint-Pierre Cathedral burned down in 1902 but it was rebuilt between 1905 and 1907 and is located at the same spot as Saint-Pierre's original church from 1690 and was built in the style of Basque churches.

Pointe aux Canons Lighthouse

When you enter the Saint Pierre harbour, you will spot this distinctive landmark which is painted in bright red and white colors, the Pointe aux Canons Lighthouse. It is not open to the general public but is located at the end of a jetty if you want to take photos. Near the lighthouse is a canon battery which dates back to the Crimean War.

General Charles de Gaulle Square

Located near the harbor of Saint-Pierre is the General Charles de Gaulle Square. Here, the French Tricolor is raised on Bastille Day and the square is the centre of festivities on this day. The Old Fountain and the Gazebo are here as well.

Other Sights and Activities

• Pointe aux Canons Battery, Harbour. The Pointe aux Canons Battery (consisting of 5 cannons) is located just before the jetty to the lighthouse on the site of a much older fort that defended the Saint-Pierre & Miquelon islands during the British raids of 1690-1713. free.
• La Poste de Saint-Pierre (Saint-Pierre Post Office), Place du Général de Gaulle. The Alsatian style of architecture was brought to Saint-Pierre in the early decades of the 20th century. Shaped like a praying monk, the Saint-Pierre Post Office clock tower looks over the General de Gaulle square. free.
• Les Salines Fishing Stations
• Galantry Lighthouse
• The Government District

Events and Festivals

• Basque Festival - A weeklong festival with music, marching and invigorating street fun.
• Bastille Day (july 14)
• Sailing race Route Halifax/St.Pierre (every 2 years)

Weather

The climate in Saint Pierre is a cool marine one, with rarely any warm and sunny days. Winters are cold and long, lasting from October to April. Temperatures are somewhat tempered by the surrounding waters, but can still drop well below zero, both during the day and night. Snowfall occurs during this time as well. Sping and early summer are still quite cool and foggy. Late summer and early fall (August and September) are quite warm, sunny and dry. Rainfall is possible during most months though, and averages around 1,500 mm a year. Average temperatures range from -10 °C in winter to around 20 °C in summer, with relatively little variation between day and night compared to neighbouring mainland Canada.

Getting There

By Plane

Air Saint Pierre flies to and from Saint Pierre Airport (FSP) and there are international flights to several Canadian cities like Halifax, St. John's and Montreal.

By Boat

SPM Express operates ferries between Fortune in Newfoundland and Labrador and Saint Pierre. It also connects Saint Pierre with Miquelon.

Getting Around

Getting around most of the island is best done on foot or by renting a bicycle or scooter. Rental cars are available on Saint Pierre.
Otherwise, taxis can bring you to some more remote spots. On the island of Saint Pierre taxi drivers double as guides, which offers a good opportunity to see a lot of the island and if you are with 2 or 3 people it's an economical way of getting around.

Eat

There are few restaurants in Saint-Pierre. It is strongly encouraged that you make reservations for supper time. Any hotel/B&B or the tourism office can assist you in making reservations.

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

External Links