Just a 10-minute boat ride from St. Pierre, Île aux Marins, also known as Sailor Island, offers a unique glimpse into the life of a once bustling fishing community. Today, the island serves as a serene getaway where some residents of Saint-Pierre have their summer homes, and it remains a carless, tranquil retreat.
The Association Sauvegarde Patrimoine has meticulously worked to restore and preserve the island's original buildings, including a striking church and the original schoolhouse, keeping the rich history of this community alive. When you visit, you'll have the chance to learn about the island's fascinating history with small-scale fisheries and its stories from the prohibition era.
A bilingual guide can lead you through the island, highlighting colorful homes, the small schoolhouse that now serves as a museum, lonely cemeteries, and the grand church built in 1874. These tours provide deep insights into the island's historical significance and are bookable at L'Arche Museum.
For those who prefer a bit more independence, you can take a ferry over without a guide during July and August. The ferry ride costs €6 and takes between 10 to 15 minutes, with boats running approximately every two hours.