Popular Things to Do in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
Food and Drink in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
As expected, the food on SPM reflects French cuisine. A few boulangeries offer pastries; restaurants like the friendly Les P'tits Graviers (rue Marechal Foch) serve French fare along with pizza. The Creperie Restaurant du Vieux Port(10 rue du 11 Novembre), on the waterfront, offers traditional Briton food like crepes. There are just a smattering of restaurants and some only serve during dinner hours. It is considered gauche to share a meal or request a doggie bag. The tourism bureau has a list of restaurants and menus on file. Several of the shops in town sell spices, fine chocolate, specialty foods and wine. The one large grocery store is just outside the downtown area. The craft beer brewed in Miquelon -- Miqu'ale -- can be found locally.
Beaches in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
There is one beach open seasonally in July and August at Savoyard. A lifeguard is on duty.
Don't Miss in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
Ile aux Marins: A short ferry ride to the island immerses visitors into a time that has stood still. Pathways with markers share the history of this once-vibrant fishing island mostly settled by the Normans. The large pebbles in the yards of the houses were used for drying fish. The island is a photographer's dream with its stark surroundings and waves pounding the shore. A small cafe is open in the summer and serves pastries, crepes and coffee. The first ferry in July and August leaves Saint Pierre at 8:30 a.m. and the last return ferry departs Ile aux Marins at 6 p.m.
Heritage Museum: A smaller museum housed in an historic building in the downtown area showcases the history and daily life of the inhabitants of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. The mission of the museum is to raise awareness and interest in the history of these islands. Objects in the collection share the story of early settlers, fishermen, the economy, education, medicine and religion over the past two centuries. There is a large fresco within the museum. (1 bis rue Maitre Georges Lefevre; 508 41 58 88; Open mid-June to mid-September, Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. to 6p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon and 2. to 5p.m.)
Arche Museum & Archives: This museum, its architectural design described by its name, uses scenography for many of its displays that tell the history of the archipelago -- from the early times focusing on prehistory 5,000 years ago, to the important role that Saint-Pierre and Miquelon played during Prohibition, to the importance of music in SPM. Exhibits include fine art, coins, stamps, natural history and more. In addition to its permanent displays, there are also special exhibits, events and workshops that take place. The guillotine especially recalls an earlier time in local history. Tours are offered daily in high season. (Rue du Onze novembre; 508 41 04 35; open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed July 14.)
Hikes: There are several hikes, some with great views, in Saint-Pierre. Most are fewer than two hours in duration. Le Diamant, a coastal loop, is popular. The tourism office has a booklet with information on the hikes. It's possible to arrange a taxi with drop-off and pickup service.