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France took the world stage in recent months as the latest Olympics host.
Delivering mixed results, many enjoyed the experience while others, including locals, couldn’t wait to get out of dodge.
Those looking to escape the crowds without sacrificing France’s elegant culture probably didn’t know of a secret slice of France in North America.
Montreal is usually the go-to as one of the few primarily French-speaking cities this side of the world, but there’s another far lesser-known destination oozing French charm just off the coast of North America’s shores.
Split between 2 beautiful islands, a trip to Sainte Pierre and Miquelon is like visiting Europe without the long flights.
Easier to reach than you might suspect; rather than take the same regurgitated selfies at the Eiffel Tower, try a new adventure and brag to your friends about the secret French islands you’ve discovered close to home!
Our Overlooked French Neighbor
Ever keep to yourself in your community until you need something?
Maybe you’re short an egg or need someone to watch Scruffy.
Well, that’s what’s going on here with Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The reality is travelers are always on the prowl, seeking out new, exciting places.
With France one of the most popular places in the world, you need to come here to avoid the crowds without sacrificing the delights of France’s rich heritage.
You can say so long 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 along the gorgeous French Riviera or view the iconic Mona Lisa, but who wants to stand in line anyway?
Saint Pierre and Miquelon checks off all the boxes for the rest of your French cravings from charming villages, stunning landscapes, and of course, phenomenal food and wine like the islands’ locally sourced seafood visitors rave about!
Saint Pierre Or Miquelon: 2 Awesome Islands With Different Vibes
North America’s last remaining French territories are indubitably France, just set in an entirely different landscape than you envision France to be.
Saint Pierre is a small, vibrant island beaming various colors, exuding a Reykjavik-esque vibe.
Equally tranquil as it is lively, it may be small, but there’s enough room to escape the action-packed town center and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding scenery.
While many Americans are unaware this enchanting slice of France is so close, many Canadians visit throughout the year as it’s a stone’s throw from Newfoundland.
As such, neither Saint Pierre nor Miquelon are strangers to tourists, and there are plenty of guided tours to enjoy.
But most of all, the bar scene is something out of a movie, where locals and tourists alike share in a common accustom known as Le verre de l’amitié, essentially translating to “a toast to friendship”, proving we can all indeed get along if we so choose.
Miquelon, on the other hand, is more for nature enthusiasts to explore and where the island’s incredible local cuisine derives from, in many cases – lobsters, scallops, and yes, even controversial foie gras (banned in some U.S. states).
Guided tours are offered here as well, but unlike Saint Pierre, a majority of tours are nature-related, such as scenic hikes like The Cormorandière Valley walk for about $25.
Getting Here And Where To Stay
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the U.S. However, an easy one-stop flight through Canada is doable.
Saint Pierre And Miquelon has direct flights from its own airline, Air Saint Pierre, from the following Canadian cities:
- Montreal (definitely the easiest connection!)
- Halifax
- St. John’s
Some Americans can enjoy a cheap travel loophole right now if you time it right! Canada’s lesser-known Flair Airlines is offering nonstop flights from the U.S. from just $1!
One destination being the above St. John’s, where you can score an insanely affordable flight to connect to Saint Pierre.
Once here, the islands both offer some really unique, homey stays away from corporate brands. Boutique hotels and guesthouses are quite common, where Complexe Hôtelier Les Terrasses du Port is the top rated.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.