Saint-Pierre: The Charming French Enclave in North America

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

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

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zheh-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde simplement
  [zhuh ruh-gard sahm-pluh-mahn]
• 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-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

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

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

The archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon was originally inhabited by the Indigenous peoples of the region, including the Beothuk and Mi'kmaq tribes. European contact began in the early 16th century when Basque fishermen discovered the islands. The French claimed the territory in 1536, and it became a strategic fishing base.

The islands changed hands multiple times between the French and the British during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 temporarily ceded the islands to Britain, but they were returned to France with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. These exchanges were part of larger colonial conflicts between the two European powers.

Throughout the 19th century, Saint Pierre and Miquelon thrived as a major hub for the North Atlantic fishing industry. The archipelago's economy was heavily reliant on the cod fishing trade, attracting a diverse population of fishermen from France, Spain, and Portugal.

During the United States' Prohibition (1920-1933), Saint Pierre and Miquelon became a notorious center for alcohol smuggling. The islands' proximity to the U.S. made them an ideal staging ground for rumrunners. This period brought a brief economic boom and an influx of American visitors.

During World War II, the islands were a point of contention between the Vichy French and Free French forces. In 1941, Free French forces led by Admiral Émile Muselier seized control of the islands, ensuring they remained loyal to Charles de Gaulle's government-in-exile.

After World War II, Saint Pierre and Miquelon transitioned from a dependence on the fishing industry to a more diversified economy. The islands became an Overseas Collectivity of France in 1985, giving them greater autonomy while maintaining strong cultural and political ties to the French mainland.

Saint-Pierre is part of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago, located off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The primary way to get there is by air or sea. Air Saint-Pierre offers flights from St. John's, Halifax, and Montreal in Canada. During the summer months, there are also ferry services from Fortune, Newfoundland. Ensure to check the schedules in advance as they can be seasonal and weather-dependent.

Saint-Pierre is a small town, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, taxis are available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Car rentals are also an option for those who wish to explore beyond the main town. There is no public bus system, but guided tours are available and can be a convenient way to see the highlights.

The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Saint-Pierre, where you can withdraw Euros.

Saint-Pierre is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, as with any travel destination, it's always wise to take standard precautions: keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for police, 18 for fire services, and 15 for medical emergencies. Saint-Pierre has a hospital with emergency services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in the town.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable. Casual wear is widely accepted but dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local religious customs. Public Transport: There is no public bus system, but if using taxis, always be polite and considerate. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, which has French influences. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Saint-Pierre like a local, visit the local markets and bakeries early in the morning for fresh goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history. Don’t miss the historical sites such as the Musée de l'Arche and the Pointe aux Canons Lighthouse. Participate in local festivals and events, which offer a glimpse into the unique culture of the islands.