Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Overview

The remains of France's North American territories certainly make a rather different destination. A lighthouse with the stereotypical red and white stripes, many museums covering the social and biological history of the islands. The old fishing buildings and Alsation architecture serve to emphasize the varied residents and their occupations. The fishing industry is not as strong as it once was due to modern methods. Some of the historical sites and ecosystems are not easily accessible such as La Phare de la Pointe Plate and Gran Colombier but the various trips can add to the excitement. There is an 8 mile sand dune between the two islands which has hundreds of shipwrecks. A famous wreck near the islands is the Transpacific Shipwreck which shifts with the weather.

History

First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions.