About 90 kilometers of thread-like sand dunes connect six of the twelve islands in the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago. The islands are located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, closer to Prince Edward Island than to the Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec. Inhabitants of Îles de la Madeleine, or the “Madelinots”, are mainly descendants of Acadians who settled here after 1755. The population – French, Scottish, English and Irish – lives here year-round fishing and farming, and seal hunting in March and April.
The islands are ideal for water sports, birdwatchers and anyone who enjoys long walks in the dunes. The best time to visit is in August. Spring is less recommended due to the thick fog.
The name of the archipelago goes back to Samuel de Champlain, who entered “La Magdeleine” on his map in 1629. Known as the Magdalen Islands in English, they are mostly composed of grayish-red sandstone, gypsum and other volcanic rocks. The cliffs and rocks have been carved into fascinating shapes by erosion and have broken up in parts into wide, long sandy beaches.
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Île du Havre aux Maisons
Île du Havre aux Maisons, with its rolling hills, red cliffs, winding paths and scattered houses is one of the most beautiful islands of Îles de la Madeleine. Traditional houses stand between a heritage school, a centuries-old monastery and the Sainte-Madeleine church. Also at Havre-aux-Maisons, Cap Okay has a small lighthouse and is known for its impressive offshore rock formations.
Île du Cap Aux Meules
Half of the archipelago’s population lives on Île du Cap aux Meules, the source of all the islands’ supplies. A ferry goes from Cap-aux-Meules to Île d’Entrée, the only inhabited island not connected to the others. There is a beautiful view from the Butte du Vent over the surrounding islands, and on a clear day it is possible to see as far as Cape Breton, almost 100 kilometers away. Near Etang-du-Nordthe sea has created some particularly bizarre rock shapes.
Île du Havre-Aubert
Île du Havre-Aubert is the southernmost island of the archipelago and its small town has the Musee de la Mer. Although the islands are fairly barren, this island has the most forest and is suitable for walking and bird watching.
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Exploring the Gorges d’Ardèche
