There once was a summer French immersion course there, which I attended 42 years ago. The population was then almost double the current number and with more than 10,000 people, it qualified as a "department" of France with a representative in the French legislature. Young people and many businesses left with the decline of the cod fishery. Back then, all of the wine and liquor was subsidized, so the price for a glass of wine, a beer, or an aged armagnac was all 4 francs. The bakeries were awesome, and it looks like they still are. Virtually all of the cars were imported from France and people bombed around in them on the total of 12 kilometres of paved road. I walked everywhere that summer, including to the spectacular dunes on the far side and the fragrant hills above the town where we once roasted a whole lamb. Langlade had miles of deserted beach, herds of wild horses, seals, puffins, and much more wildlife. France tried to claim a 3-mile limit for fishing purposes and even encroached on that. I was sitting up on a hill one day and saw a Canadian Forces destroyer-class ship chase away a French fishing trawler. I'd love to go back there and see all the ways it has changed. One thing that has not changed is "la brume" -- the incredibly thick fog.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and memories of your visit to Saint-Pierre. You are right - the fog is endless, but only adds a bit to the charm of the islands. It's always unfortunate when a former boomtown experiences a population decline, but rest assured that there remains a strong population of French citizens ready to share their slice of North America with the world. I'm sure the islands were as beautiful as ever during your time there. I hope you get the chance to return someday soon!
Nice video. l would like that you make also a video about the French Kerguelen islands. l am sure that you will like very much to travel down there. They seem to have the same cold climate.
@@DrifterDave lf you are lucky, the French government can very well transport you there for free. They are so proud to brag about the remnants of their defunct colonial empire. You have nothing to lose by asking, you never know.
@@DrifterDave Ask your French nearest cultural official, most likely in your closest consulate of France. He will tell you what to do and most probably he will advise you to write a formal letter about this matter.
@@DrifterDaveC 'est très chère ,très peu de places pour les touristes qui doivent d'abord se rendre à la Réunion.C'est un voyage réservé pour les scientifiques en priorité
All of the main tourist sights in the town itself are very walkable - maybe 2 kilometers end to end. Other sights that are farther afield (like the belvedere) and sights around the island you'll need a rental car, bicycle, or taxi. But there was enough to do by foot that I had no issues and never once took a cab during my time there.
I agree! I did my best to search for music that was French-esque, but I'm limited to my licensing agreement through Epidemic Sound, which doesn't feature any mainstream or well-known artists. Almost all of their artists are Swedish - so, not exactly French.
I am not even sure why this hasn't become an issue as I'm sure these people are utilizing Canadian resources left and right. To be totally honest if I were Canada I'd be demanding billions a year from France for this or demanding they give up rights especially since they are doing commerce in euros.
Interestingly, the island has been part of France longer than Canada has been a nation. It's one of the oldest settlements in North America, and protected by a centuries-old treaty. As internationally-recognized European territory, St. Pierre & Miquelon has territorial rights and fishing rights as per international norrms (I believe it's 250 km of fishing rights, if I'm not mistaken). Like it or not, the border between France and Canada in SPM is just as genuine as the border between US and Canada. This is why the archipelago is so fascinating - most people don't really even know that Europe holds so much sway in this remote part of the North Atlantic, right off the Canadian coast.
in what sense France is using "Canadian resources"? and what has the euros got to do with anything here? im pretty sure everything that is imported is paid at the asked price... how refreshing to hear an American looking for trouble regarding its oldest ally... if i were native American or African American i'd be asking Americans for trillions of dollars each year, for the stealing of their lands, for slavery, and for whatever else reason they would have in mind. it works both ways right?
There once was a summer French immersion course there, which I attended 42 years ago. The population was then almost double the current number and with more than 10,000 people, it qualified as a "department" of France with a representative in the French legislature. Young people and many businesses left with the decline of the cod fishery. Back then, all of the wine and liquor was subsidized, so the price for a glass of wine, a beer, or an aged armagnac was all 4 francs. The bakeries were awesome, and it looks like they still are. Virtually all of the cars were imported from France and people bombed around in them on the total of 12 kilometres of paved road. I walked everywhere that summer, including to the spectacular dunes on the far side and the fragrant hills above the town where we once roasted a whole lamb. Langlade had miles of deserted beach, herds of wild horses, seals, puffins, and much more wildlife. France tried to claim a 3-mile limit for fishing purposes and even encroached on that. I was sitting up on a hill one day and saw a Canadian Forces destroyer-class ship chase away a French fishing trawler. I'd love to go back there and see all the ways it has changed. One thing that has not changed is "la brume" -- the incredibly thick fog.
They have changed status. They are not a Department anymore.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and memories of your visit to Saint-Pierre. You are right - the fog is endless, but only adds a bit to the charm of the islands. It's always unfortunate when a former boomtown experiences a population decline, but rest assured that there remains a strong population of French citizens ready to share their slice of North America with the world. I'm sure the islands were as beautiful as ever during your time there. I hope you get the chance to return someday soon!
Great video
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the tour 😎
I enjoy it Thank you Dave
You're welcome! 😃
Nice video. l would like that you make also a video about the French Kerguelen islands. l am sure that you will like very much to travel down there. They seem to have the same cold climate.
If I had the budget, I would! I'll definitely add it to my bucket list, though - you never know, it might be possible someday!
@@DrifterDave lf you are lucky, the French government can very well transport you there for free. They are so proud to brag about the remnants of their defunct colonial empire. You have nothing to lose by asking, you never know.
That would be amazing! Where would I initiate such a request? Do they have a website?
@@DrifterDave Ask your French nearest cultural official, most likely in your closest consulate of France. He will tell you what to do and most probably he will advise you to write a formal letter about this matter.
@@DrifterDaveC 'est très chère ,très peu de places pour les touristes qui doivent d'abord se rendre à la Réunion.C'est un voyage réservé pour les scientifiques en priorité
Is it walkable, or would you need to taxi everywhere
All of the main tourist sights in the town itself are very walkable - maybe 2 kilometers end to end. Other sights that are farther afield (like the belvedere) and sights around the island you'll need a rental car, bicycle, or taxi. But there was enough to do by foot that I had no issues and never once took a cab during my time there.
Um... did that number plate at 2:40 read "J'aime le sexe" on the bottom???
Good eye! I was wondering if anyone would notice 😂 You know you're in France when...
Wish there were more sources of French-sounding music than what you had to use…😊
I agree! I did my best to search for music that was French-esque, but I'm limited to my licensing agreement through Epidemic Sound, which doesn't feature any mainstream or well-known artists. Almost all of their artists are Swedish - so, not exactly French.
Apparently no people.
Definitely a sleepy little island! Not sure why no one is out and about - maybe they were all at work? I visited during the weekdays.
I am not even sure why this hasn't become an issue as I'm sure these people are utilizing Canadian resources left and right. To be totally honest if I were Canada I'd be demanding billions a year from France for this or demanding they give up rights especially since they are doing commerce in euros.
Interestingly, the island has been part of France longer than Canada has been a nation. It's one of the oldest settlements in North America, and protected by a centuries-old treaty. As internationally-recognized European territory, St. Pierre & Miquelon has territorial rights and fishing rights as per international norrms (I believe it's 250 km of fishing rights, if I'm not mistaken). Like it or not, the border between France and Canada in SPM is just as genuine as the border between US and Canada. This is why the archipelago is so fascinating - most people don't really even know that Europe holds so much sway in this remote part of the North Atlantic, right off the Canadian coast.
demanding billions a year? what a screwed up mentality you have lol
No doubt France would refuse! St Pierre is part of France and French laws is the only law to be enforced
what a deluded buffoon
in what sense France is using "Canadian resources"? and what has the euros got to do with anything here? im pretty sure everything that is imported is paid at the asked price...
how refreshing to hear an American looking for trouble regarding its oldest ally...
if i were native American or African American i'd be asking Americans for trillions of dollars each year, for the stealing of their lands, for slavery, and for whatever else reason they would have in mind. it works both ways right?