Miquelon-Langlade: A Hidden Gem in Saint Pierre and Miquelon

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mahn sah vah?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah?]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay?]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-noo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pehr-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zahsh-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd juhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tuhn uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demi
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-preh-mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kehl eh la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Before the arrival of European settlers, Miquelon-Langlade was inhabited by the Mi'kmaq people. These Indigenous peoples utilized the islands for hunting, fishing, and trading, establishing a rich cultural heritage that predates the recorded history of the archipelago.

The islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon were first claimed by France in the early 17th century. Jacques Cartier, the renowned French explorer, is believed to have visited the archipelago in 1536. French fishermen began to settle in the area during the 1600s, attracted by the abundant cod fishing grounds. The islands became a focal point for the French fishing industry in the North Atlantic.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Miquelon-Langlade and the surrounding islands experienced a turbulent history of conflict. The islands changed hands multiple times between the French and the British. Notably, in 1763, the Treaty of Paris ceded the islands to Britain, only for them to be returned to France in 1763. This back-and-forth continued until the final cession to France in 1816.

One of the most colorful periods in the history of Miquelon-Langlade was during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933). The islands became a major hub for the smuggling of alcohol into the U.S. Ships would transport liquor from Canada and Europe to the islands, from where it was then shipped to the American mainland. This period brought significant economic activity and a degree of notoriety to the archipelago.

During World War II, Saint Pierre and Miquelon played a strategic role despite their small size. In December 1941, Free French forces, led by Admiral Émile Muselier, seized control of the islands from the Vichy government. This move was primarily symbolic, demonstrating the Free French commitment to the Allied cause and providing a morale boost to Free French supporters.

Today, Miquelon-Langlade is part of the Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France. The islands retain a unique blend of French and North American influences, with a culture that reflects their rich history. Fishing remains a cornerstone of the local economy, although tourism has grown in importance, attracting visitors with its pristine landscapes and historical charm.

To reach Miquelon-Langlade, you will need to travel to Saint Pierre and Miquelon, an archipelago located south of Newfoundland, Canada. The quickest way to get there is by taking a flight from Montreal or Halifax to Saint Pierre Airport (FSP). From Saint Pierre, you can catch a ferry or a small plane to Miquelon-Langlade. Ferry services typically operate daily, but schedules may vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to check in advance.

Miquelon-Langlade is a small area, and many of its attractions are easily accessible on foot. For longer distances, car rentals are available and provide the flexibility to explore at your own pace. There is also a local bus service that connects key points on the island, but schedules can be infrequent. Taxis are another option, though they may need to be booked in advance as they are not as readily available as in larger cities.

The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available, but they may not be as widespread as in larger cities, so ensure you have enough cash for your needs.

Miquelon-Langlade is generally a safe destination for tourists. While crime rates are low, it is always best to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be aware of your surroundings, especially in less populated areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it is always wise to stay vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 17 for police assistance, 15 for medical emergencies, and 18 for the fire department. There is a small medical center on the island that can handle minor health issues, but for serious medical conditions, you may need to be transported to Saint Pierre. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably, especially when visiting local churches or attending community events. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, it is customary to dress conservatively and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do be respectful of other passengers and the driver. Don’t play loud music or engage in disruptive behavior. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour.' A handshake is also a common form of greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local French-inspired cuisine and seafood. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Miquelon-Langlade like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh seafood and regional products. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their unique culture and history. Don’t miss the chance to explore the beautiful landscapes, including the Grand Barachois lagoon, which is home to a colony of seals. For a unique experience, participate in local festivals and events, which offer a glimpse into the island’s vibrant community life.