The Lighthouse and Rugged Coast

Beyond its colourful town, the island of Saint-Pierre is ringed by a rugged, windswept coastline that speaks to its long and often perilous maritime history. Sea cliffs, rocky headlands and lighthouses stand against the wild, frequently foggy North Atlantic, and coastal paths wind past dramatic viewpoints, ponds and moorland, offering bracing walks and sweeping ocean vistas. The historic Pointe aux Canons lighthouse and old fortifications guard the harbour, while lookouts across the island recall the countless ships that once braved these treacherous, fog-bound waters. For walkers and lovers of dramatic, elemental coastal scenery, the shores of Saint-Pierre offer a genuine taste of the raw beauty and seafaring spirit of this remote French archipelago.

The landscape

• The lighthouses - the historic lights guarding the coast.
• The sea cliffs - the rugged headlands over the Atlantic.
• The coastal paths - the bracing clifftop walks and viewpoints.
• The maritime history - the fortifications and seafaring heritage.

When to go

June to September, the northern summer, is the mildest time for coastal walks and clear views, when the weather is warmest and least foggy; the coast is cold, windswept and often shrouded in fog for much of the year. Clear summer days offer the finest Atlantic vistas.

Good to know

The coast is exposed and often fog-bound even in summer, so walkers should come prepared for wind, cool weather and changeable conditions. As a rugged, windswept shore of lighthouses, sea cliffs and dramatic Atlantic views steeped in maritime history, though, the coast of Saint-Pierre offers genuinely bracing and beautiful walking.

Nearby

The town of Saint-Pierre and the islet of Île aux Marins lie nearby.