The Gateway to French North America: Saint-Pierre Airport

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-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
  [ehk-skyew-zay mwa/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-moh sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [pahr-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 vwahr luh muh-noo, 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 se-koo]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-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 juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien cela coûte-t-il?
  [kohm-byen suh-lah koot-eel]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shehr]
• 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?
  [kell uhr ay-tee]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ayz uhn uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix et demie
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo eh uh/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-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)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Saint-Pierre Airport, officially known as Saint-Pierre Pointe-Blanche Airport, was first constructed in 1999. The airport was built to replace the older Saint-Pierre Airport located on the nearby island of Miquelon. The new facility was strategically placed to better serve the local population and to enhance connectivity to mainland France and Canada.

The airport was formally inaugurated on July 8, 1999. The first commercial flight was conducted by Air Saint-Pierre, the primary airline serving the archipelago. This marked a significant development for the region, providing a more reliable and modern gateway for travelers.

Air Saint-Pierre, the local airline, has played a crucial role in the airport's history. Founded in 1964, the airline initially operated small aircraft but expanded its fleet to include larger planes after the new airport was built. The airline has been instrumental in maintaining regular flights between Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, as well as to destinations in Canada such as Halifax, St. John's, and Montreal.

Although the current airport was constructed in 1999, the airstrip's strategic importance dates back to World War II. During the war, the archipelago's location made it a valuable asset for both the Allies and the Axis powers. The older airstrips in the region were used for reconnaissance and supply missions, contributing to the overall war effort.

In 2012, the airport underwent significant upgrades, including the extension of the runway and the construction of a new terminal building. These improvements were aimed at accommodating larger aircraft and increasing passenger capacity. The modernization efforts have made Saint-Pierre Airport a critical hub for both tourism and local residents.

The airport is not just a transportation hub but also a cultural gateway. It hosts various events that celebrate the unique Franco-Canadian culture of the archipelago. Annual festivals and cultural exchanges often see an influx of visitors, making the airport a bustling center of activity during these times.

Saint-Pierre Airport (FSP) is the main airport serving the French overseas collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. It is located on the island of Saint-Pierre, approximately 2 kilometers from the town center. You can reach the airport by taxi or rental car from the town center. There are no public bus services to the airport, so pre-arranged transportation is recommended. Direct flights to Saint-Pierre Airport are available from several Canadian cities, including Montreal and Halifax.

Once you arrive at Saint-Pierre Airport, taxis are available to take you to your destination. It's advisable to book a taxi in advance, especially during peak travel periods. Car rental services are also available at the airport for those who prefer to explore the island at their own pace. The island of Saint-Pierre is small enough that many attractions can be visited on foot or by bicycle, which can be rented locally. There are no public buses on the island, but shuttle services may be available for some tourist sites.

The official currency in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Saint-Pierre, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in the town center, where you can withdraw Euros. It is recommended to exchange currency before arriving, as foreign exchange services at the airport are limited.

Saint-Pierre is generally a safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas. There are no specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 17 for police assistance, 18 for fire services, and 15 for medical emergencies. The local hospital and clinics in Saint-Pierre provide medical care, and pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide necessary medications and advice.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can change rapidly. Casual clothing is acceptable, but avoid overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. There are no specific religious dress codes, but modesty is appreciated. Public Transport: Do note that public transportation is limited. Plan your travel accordingly. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour'. A handshake is a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as seafood dishes. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Saint-Pierre like a local, visit the island's markets and engage with the friendly residents. They are often eager to share stories and local history. Don’t miss the opportunity to try freshly caught seafood at local restaurants. Explore the island on foot or by bicycle to truly appreciate its beauty. Visit the local museums to learn about the island’s unique history and culture. Take a boat tour to the neighboring island of Miquelon for a day trip.