Cap aux Basques

The Cap aux Basques on the northern side of Saint-Pierre carries in its name the fishermen who came here from the Basque coast to work the Grand Banks from the sixteenth century onward, drying their catch on the shore before sailing home. The headland is bare rock and heath with the sea below it. Basque presence on these islands is documented in place names and in archaeology along this coast.

What you'll find

• The headland - bare rock and heath above the northern shore.
• The name - the record of Basque fishermen in the island's toponymy.
• The drying grounds - the shore where catch was cured before the voyage home.
• The sea view - the open water the Banks fleets worked.

When to go

June to September is the workable season. Fog is common through the summer. The headland is exposed in any month.

What to expect

There is nothing built or signed at the site; it is a headland with a history rather than a monument. The walk out is over rough ground. Fog can close the view entirely.

Nearby

Anse à Henry is nearby, and Saint-Pierre town is south.

Key facts