Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, lies a small slice of France that many might not know about. Saint Pierre and Miquelon is an enchanting archipelago that offers a unique blend of French and North American culture. In July 2023, I embarked on a memorable journey aboard a ferry from Newfoundland to explore this little-known French territory. This article features captivating pics and videos from my trip.
#### Aboard the Ferry: The Beginning of an Adventure
Our adventure began with a ferry ride from Fortune, Newfoundland. The excitement was palpable among passengers as we boarded the modern vessel designed to withstand the sometimes choppy waters of the North Atlantic. As we departed, I captured stunning footage of the rugged coastlines receding into the distance—a poignant farewell to Canadian shores.
#### First Impressions: Saint-Pierre
Upon arriving in the capital, Saint-Pierre, I was immediately struck by its vibrant atmosphere and picturesque streets. The architecture is distinctly European; colorful houses with wooden shutters line the winding streets, inadvertently transporting visitors to a quaint village in Normandy or Brittany.
One cannot miss capturing these scenes—the cobblestone streets bustling with cafes where locals sip coffee and enjoy pastries. My camera found endless subjects here: from intricately carved doorways to charming street lamps hanging precariously from wrought iron poles.
#### Exploring Miquelon-Langlade
A short internal ferry ride took us to Miquelon-Langlade, an island known for its wild landscapes and fewer inhabitants. Here, nature reigns supreme. The undulating hills and marshlands offer a stark contrast to Saint-Pierre’s urban charm.
Drone footage captured breathtaking vistas of dramatic cliffs dropping off into the Atlantic, while wild horses roamed freely—scenes reminiscent of cinematic masterpieces set in untamed lands.
#### Cultural Immersion
An integral part of visiting Saint Pierre and Miquelon is experiencing its rich cultural tapestry that deftly blends French sophistication with local traditions. I visited during ‘Bastille Day’ (Le Quatorze Juillet), which offered a fantastic opportunity to see national pride on full display through parades and fireworks—an event beautifully captured on video.
Our culinary exploration was equally filmed for posterity. Sampling local delicacies such as ‘Le Pâté de Campagne’ or seafood freshly caught from these icy waters while chatting with friendly locals made for enriching content for both foodies and cultural enthusiasts following our journey online.
#### Wildlife Encounters
For wildlife enthusiasts, these islands are a haven. From puffins nesting along rocky crevices to seals lounging by remote beaches—every hike was an opportunity for wildlife photography and videography.
Using zoom lenses and quiet footsteps allowed me to capture intimate moments in nature without disturbing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat—a thrilling experience not only for me but also for viewers back home who could feel close to these remote wilderness interactions through their screens.
#### Conclusion
Saint Pierre and Miquelon might be small in size but it’s rich in character and diversity. This hidden gem offers something for everyone—from history buffs intrigued by its past as part of New France to adventurers looking for untouched natural beauty.
As we concluded our trip and headed back to Newfoundland aboard our trusty ferry, my cameras were full of stunning pics and videos ready to be edited into Episode 24 of our travel series—a visual storybook ready to showcase this French enclave tucked away near Canadian shores.