Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon  are a small group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland and Labrador. First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon  are a small group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland and Labrador. First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American empire, New France.
Saint-Pierre was a site for settlement by the French in the early 17th century, later abandoned under the Treaty of Utrecht, and returned to France in 1763 at the end of the Seven Years War. As well, the islands became a place of refuge for Acadian deportees from Nova Scotia. Saint-Pierre figures frequently in North American British-French relations. As well, it profited heavily from US Prohibition, which did not affect this area, part of France. It was depopulated and repopulated frequently, and now remains the last vestige of Imperial France within North America.
Like its northern neighbour, Newfoundland, it is a key fishing centre close to the Grand Banks, some of the world's richest fishing grounds. However, as in Newfoundland, the decline in cod stocks has seriously affected the fishery. As a result, tourism is becoming increasingly important to the economy. As a travel destination, St-Pierre et Miquelon is ideal for those interested in historical and cultural discovery, eco-tourism and the French language. Beyond its history, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon is a wonderful destination because of its mild refreshing climate, its beautiful landscapes, the quality of the air and the warmth of its inhabitants.
As a part of France, the area has much in common with Europe, but also with its Canadian and American neighbours.
 Tourist information
Comité Régional du Tourisme (Tourism Office)
Place du Général de Gaulle BP 4274 F97500 Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
Tel. + 508 41 02 00 Fax + 508 41 33 55
 Get in
Although Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are territories of France and use the Euro, they are not part of the European Union or Schengen Zone, so immigration procedures are different from those of France. Canadians will need passports for a stay of over three months, otherwise some forms of photo ID are acceptable. Americans and Europeans will need passports, and all other nationalities will need passports and/or visas. Check with your local French consulate or embassy. Most travelers are only given a cursory inspection when entering the island of Saint-Pierre.
 By plane
There are no flights to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon from anywhere but Canada. Visitors of certain nationalities will need a Canadian transit visa. Air service to Saint-Pierre is available via Air Saint-Pierre  through:
 By car
As the island of Newfoundland is home to a moose population of over 100,000, do drive slowly and cautiously, especially when driving at night. Remember that hitting a moose is not like hitting a deer--a moose is a tall beast, and your car will hit its legs, knocking the brunt of its weight into the windshield and you. Depending on the size of your vehicle and speed, this could result in death or serious injury.
 By bus
If you are going through Newfoundland via Port aux Basques, DRL Coachlines Ltd. offers daily scheduled passenger coach services between St. John's & Port Aux Basques on the island. DRL's head office is in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, but they can be reached toll-free at 1-888-738-8091. If you wish to reach their office in St. John's, call 1-709-738-8088.
Another bus service from Port Aux Basques to St. John's is Newhook's Transportation. Call them at 1-709-726-4876.
In either case, you'll need to 