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France entered the world stage in recent months as host of the last Olympic Games.
Many enjoyed the experience, with mixed results, while others, including locals, couldn’t wait to get out of the dodge.
Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle without sacrificing France’s elegant culture probably didn’t know of a secret slice of France in North America.
Montreal is usually the draw as one of the few predominantly French-speaking cities on this side of the world, but there’s another much lesser-known destination that oozes French charm, just off the coast of North America.
Divided between 2 beautiful islands, a trip to Sainte-Pierre and Miquelon is like Visit Europe without the long flights.
Easier to reach than you might suspect; Instead of taking the same regurgitated selfies at the Eiffel Tower, try a new adventure and brag to your friends about the secret French islands you discovered close to home!
Our overlooked French neighbor
In your community, do you ever keep to yourself until you need something?
Maybe you’re short an egg or you need someone to watch Scruffy.
Well, that’s what’s going on here with Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The reality is that travelers are always on the hunt, looking for new, exciting places.
Since France is one of the most popular places in the world, you must come here avoid the crowds without sacrificing the pleasures of France’s rich heritage.
Say goodbye to Paris, Montreal and even New Orleans and welcome our far-overlooked French neighbors as the perfect alternative to enjoy French cuisine, breathtaking nature and intriguing history.
No, you can’t lounge on the beautiful French Riviera or view the iconic Mona Lisa, but who wants to wait in line anyway?
Saint Pierre and Miquelon ticks all the boxes for the rest of your French trek with charming villages, breathtaking scenery and of course phenomenal food and wine like the island’s locally sourced seafood that visitors rave about!
Saint Pierre or Miquelon: 2 great islands with different vibes
The last remaining French territories of North America are undoubtedly France, only set in a very different landscape than you imagine France to be.
Saint Pierre is a small, lively island with different colors and a Reykjavik-like atmosphere.
As tranquil as it is lively, it may be small but there’s plenty of space to escape the action-packed city center and enjoy the peace of the surrounding landscape.
Although many Americans are unaware that this enchanting slice of France is so close, many Canadians visit year-round as it is just a stone’s throw from Newfoundland.
As such, neither Saint Pierre nor Miquelon are strangers to tourists, and they are many tours enjoy.
But most of all, the bar scene is something out of a movie, where locals and tourists alike share a common habit known as Le distant de l’amitiéwhich essentially translates to ‘a toast to friendship’, proving that we can all indeed get along if we want to.
Miquelon, on the other hand, is more for nature lovers to explore and where the island’s incredible local cuisine comes from in many cases: lobsters, scallops and yes, even controversial foie gras (banned in some US states).
Guided tours are also offered here, but unlike Saint Pierre, the majority of tours are nature-related, such as beautiful walks such as The Cormorandière Valley walk for about $25.
How to get here and where to stay
Unfortunately there are no direct flights from the US However, an easy one-stop flight through Canada is doable.
Saint Pierre And Miquelon has direct flights operated by its own airline, Air Saint Pierre, from the following Canadian cities:
- Montreal (definitely the easiest connection!)
- Halifax
- St. John
Some Americans can now take advantage of a loophole in cheap travel laws, if you time it right! Canada’s lesser-known Flair Airlines offers nonstop flights from the US from just $1!
One destination is the aforementioned St. John’s, where you can score an insanely affordable flight to connect to Saint Pierre.
Once here, the islands both offer some truly unique, homely stays away from the corporate brands. Boutique hotels and guesthouses are very common Complex Hôtelier Les Terrasses du Port is the best rated.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
