A network of authentic heritage villages, located in remarkable landscapes

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A historic fishing harbour in the kingdom of the lobster

A tiny sandbar floating in the heart of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the little archipelago of Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Magdalen Islands) is a faraway place like no other. Composed of a dozen little islands connected by sand dunes, on which more than 400 ruins and artefacts have been salvaged, the island showcases a harmonious marriage of colours: the yellow shades of the dunes and beaches, the red hues of the cliffs, the blue and green tones of the oceans and lagoons, and the infinite palette of vibrantly coloured wooden houses that brim randomly along the rocky windy horizon.

With a population of 13,000 (the majority of whom are descendants of the Acadians who fled deportation by the English army in 1755) the islands rely primarily on the fishing industry, and especially lobster, the king of the catch. The scenic road that goes threw the achipelagois always surrounded by the sea and shows beautiful and typical architectural heritage and huge desert sand beaches. Great outdoor experience and exotism garanteed...…

Located on the southern tip of the archipelago, the island of Havre-Aubert is the largest island, yet the least populated with 2375 residents. Nonetheless, it is here where the history of the islands began, which explains the strong presence of native archaeological sites, in particular the site of “La Grave”, which is registered as an historical area. La Grave features a number of traditional fishing houses along the length of a thin strip of land measuring only a few meters in width. This is the perfect place for a stroll, from all points, including the aquarium, theatre, art galleries, cafés, boutiques and inns with views of the fishing boats and sunsets. Close by, the Musée de la mer, (the ocean museum), stages re-enactments of maritime life in the archipelago. The Annual Sandcastle Competition (mid august), open to all vacationers, is held on Havre-Aubert beach.

The colourful and fenceless houses of the island are dispersed along the foot of the “demoiselles” (“the misses”), little green hills whose name makes reference to the discreet relief encircling them. All around the island notice the “baraques”, which are so typical of a unique and common feature of Havre-Aubert. These four-column sheds with slanted rooftops are used to shield haystacks from the effects of bad weather. In the area near the Bassin, a beautiful and big white wooden church with a red slanted roof and presbytery faces the vast and boundless sea below. The panoramic road offers an overview of the local architecture and passes by the lighthouse of Anse-à-la Cabane. Here you’ll find red cliffs jutting out into the water’s edge, near of a little fishing harbour. Hikers and cyclists will find the island a beautiful destination.

Consider also the passenger ferry to the tiny island of Île d'Entrée, only a few kilometres in width and inhabited by 182 Anglophones primarily of Scottish origin. Only two kilometres in length, this is truly an exotic island with sea birds, cliffs, a lighthouse and a little Anglican church, all of which can be visited on foot. From atop Big Hill (174m) witness a spectacular panoramic view of Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

The archipelago of Les- Îles-de-la-Madeleine boasts a wealth of attractions including kilometers of sandy beaches, exceptional fauna and flora coupled with breathtaking scenery. Year round, I personnaly invite you to experience the local culture along with our legendary sense of hospitality.

Mr Joël Arseneau, Mayor of Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine