October 1, 2016. Exploring St. Pierre

LOCATION:  St. Pierre et Miquelon Islands, France. Off the coast of Newfoundland

WEATHER:  Another picture-perfect day, but windy. Highs in upper 60s

One reason people visit St. Pierre is to enjoy French food.  We started our day buying a piece of quiche, a croissant, and a baguette at a patisserie/boulangerie.  We ate the croissant and quiche in our room for breakfast.  Just like Paris!

Then, we took a walk around the waterfront.

We learned that fishing used to be the main industry, but a moratorium on cod fishing in the Maritimes in the 1980s closed down almost all fishing. 

This little island used to have lots of people living on it when fishing was in its heyday.  Now just a few summer homes left.

We found the local grocery store and bought some cheese to go with the baguette for a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon, we took a guided tour.  The driver/tour guide drove us all around the island.  He is obviously very proud of St. Pierre, proudly pointing out its many high points.  There are several brand new schools with a 12:1 student/teacher ratio.  The high school grads then go to university in France in Europe.  Most young people return to live and work here.  The French government is the biggest employer.  It must pay well, as we saw many large, new waterfront homes.  Lots of sports facilities, including a huge indoor swimming pool, ice arena, and soccer fields. A cultural center.  Virtually no crime.  Food and wine are imported from mainland France, and are heavily subsidized.  

After the tour we went to one St. Pierre's nicest restaurants.  It is very French....L'Atelier Gourmand.  We shared 2 appetizers and one main dish.....1) goat cheese cake wrapped in cucumber on a bed of tomato sauce, 2) cod fish slices stacked on toasted baguettes with avocados and chorizo, and 3) a skewer of grilled scallops and bacon served with rice and a vegetable pate.  This is a picture of how the skewer is served...

 

All was to die for.  The service was impeccable.  The dinner lasted about 2.5 hours.  Even though the population is small, the restaurants fill up on the weekends.  Our hotel front desk helped us get reservations here and in the restaurant last night.  Locals appreciate good food!