What if you could visit France without flying to Paris. It is possible and you would be surprised how close part of France is to North America.  Off the coast of Canada lies the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.  Located in the North Atlantic just 25 kilometers south of the Canadian Province of Newfoundland, the islands are part of France and the European Union.

Since the first settlers from Europe arrived in North America the islands have been inhabited and the islands have been French territory since 1763. The politics of Saint Pierre and Miquelon take place within a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic French overseas collectivity, whereby the President of the Territorial Council is the head of government, and of a multi-party system.

In the past there have been territorial disputes between Canada and France over the boundaries of the island. In 1992, an international court awarded the islands and expanded border in the sea around the islands, but only 18% of the area they requested.  New claims over the continental shelf may cause future tensions between Canada and France.  In addition there have been movements on the island for the islands to formally join Canada, however no formal referendum has been put forward.

The islands have a total population of 6,125 people with the majority living on Saint-Pierre. The official currency of the islands is the Euro however, the Canadian dollar is often widely accepted. The islands are becoming a moderatly popular tourist destination and are touted for their distinct European appeal.

I had never heard of these islands, I think its incredible that part of France, part of Europe is virtually on our doorstep. It would be interesting to pay Saint-Pierre a visit.

For more inforamtion on Saint Pierre and Miquelon visit Wikipedia or the islands official webpage.