Saint Pierre

When planning a trip to Saint-Pierre, you are heading to a unique corner of France located just a few kilometres off the coast of Canada. This cosy port city, serving as the administrative centre of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago, attracts tourists with its European atmosphere and rugged northern beauty. You can get here via a combined route involving a flight or a ferry crossing, making the journey a true adventure for lovers of unusual locations.

The primary and fastest way to reach the islands is by air, landing at Saint-Pierre Airport (FSP). This transport hub receives regular flights from several cities in Canada and France, ensuring a reliable connection between the archipelago and the outside world.

The airport is located very close to the city limits, so the journey to the centre takes just a few minutes. Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, arrival procedures are quick, allowing travellers to start exploring the local charm almost immediately.

Since Saint-Pierre is located on a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, there is absolutely no railway service here. Tourists who prefer trains will have to combine this mode of transport with other ways of getting around.

Typically, travellers take a train to major transport hubs on the Canadian mainland, after which they transfer to a plane or a bus heading to the ferry crossing.

Direct bus service to the city of Saint-Pierre is impossible due to its island geography. Nevertheless, buses are actively used by tourists to reach the port in the town of Fortune (Newfoundland), from where ferries depart for the archipelago.

The bus ride to the crossing allows you to enjoy scenic views of the Canadian coast, though it requires careful planning of connections with maritime transport.

You cannot drive directly to the city of Saint-Pierre by car, as it is separated from the mainland by the waters of the Atlantic. Road travellers usually plan their route to the port on the Burin Peninsula (Canada), where cars can be left in the car park before boarding the ferry.

Although the ferry crossing sometimes allows for transporting a vehicle, a car is often not required within Saint Pierre and Miquelon itself due to the compact size of the settlement, where all major attractions are within walking distance.

To ensure your journey to this French corner of North America is as comfortable as possible, we have prepared several important recommendations.

1. Dress for the weather. The climate here is changeable and windy. Even in summer, be sure to bring a windproof jacket, waterproof shoes, and a warm sweater (the "layering method" works best).
2. Electricity. The islands use the European standard for sockets (Type E) and a voltage of 220 V. If you are travelling from North America, you will definitely need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
3. Currency. The official currency is the Euro (EUR), not the Canadian dollar. Although dollars may be accepted in some places, the exchange rate will be unfavourable, so it is better to carry Euros in cash or use a card.
4. Operating hours. Keep in mind the traditional French lunch break. Many shops and establishments close from 12:00 to 14:00, and on Sundays, life in the city practically comes to a standstill.
5. Language barrier. The official language is French. English is understood in many tourist spots, but knowing basic phrases ("Bonjour", "Merci") will be received with great gratitude by the locals.
6. Time. The archipelago operates on its own time zone, which is 30 minutes ahead of Newfoundland time. Don't forget to adjust your watch so you don't miss your transport.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of Saint-Pierre.