Since I started driving an EV in 2020, I’ve been fortunate to experience some incredibly scenic and exciting road trips. From multiple coast-to-coast journeys to driving through a tree in Northern California, I’ve had some amazing experiences. However, nothing compares to my time driving an EV to France. Yes, you read that right—I drove my electric vehicle to Saint Pierre et Miquelon, a French territory.
In this Saint Pierre et Miquelon EV road trip report, I’ll share the details of my journey, including travel times, costs, and considerations. I’ll also provide tips on obtaining a Tesla charging adapter for added convenience.
Where is Saint Pierre et Miquelon?
Nestled off the southern coast of Newfoundland, Saint Pierre & Miquelon is a hidden treasure. These French-owned islands are just a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Canada and are home to about 6,000 French-speaking residents. The currency used is the Euro, and their croissants are as authentic as any you’d find in France.
The history of Saint Pierre & Miquelon is rich and varied. Originally claimed by Jacques Cartier for France in 1536, the islands have seen control shift between the British and French multiple times. There were even considerations of joining the USA and a period of smuggling alcohol during Prohibition. The islands finally became a permanent French territory following a referendum in 1958.
Today, this unique slice of France remains relatively unknown, and I had the extraordinary opportunity to explore it in an electric vehicle.
How to Get to Saint Pierre & Miquelon
Driving from Canada to these French islands, obviously, requires a ferry ride. To reach Saint Pierre et Miquelon by car, I took a ferry from Fortune, Newfoundland. Getting to Newfoundland from mainland Canada involves a ~7-hour ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port Aux Basques, or a ~16-hour ferry to Argentia, closer to both Fortune and St. John’s. Both routes offer sleeper cabins, though space is limited. The ferry schedule is seasonal and typically runs twice a day, so checking the latest routes and rates is essential.
The ferry service to Saint Pierre and Miquelon is operated by SPM. Although there’s no online booking service for taking a car from Fortune to Saint Pierre, I emailed the ferry company for availability and reservations. The return ferry crossing cost 150 euros for the vehicle and 75 euros for me as a passenger.
Before driving in Saint Pierre & Miquelon, ensure you have proper insurance coverage, as you may be denied entry without it. My insurance in British Columbia did not cover me for driving in France, but the ferry company informed me that third-party insurance can be purchased at the border for 140 euros for 30 days. For more details, check out my “How to Drive to France from Canada” post.
Saint Pierre et Miquelon EV road trip Report
This Saint Pierre et Miquelon EV road trip guide picks up on day four of my Newfoundland road trip report. For details up to this point, including how I got to Newfoundland, check out that post.
@myevtrips I drove an EV to France! 🚗🇫🇷 Taking my Tesla Model Y on a ferry to Saint Pierre et Miquelon was an incredible adventure. Despite limited EV charging getting there and no charging infrastrucutre on the islands, I made it work. I charged at my BnB with a European adapter, drove every corner of Saint Pierre, enjoyed crepes, local beer 🍻, explored the museums, and uncovered the island's rum-running past. Head to myevtrips.com for the full EV road trip report and tips! #EVRoadTrip #SaintPierreEtMiquelon #Tesla #TeslaModelY #Teslaroadtrip #TravelVlog #SustainableTravel #FranceTravel #SaintPierre #Newfoundland #TravelTips #DiscoverFrance #TeslaTravel #VisitFrance #ElectricVehicle #TravelInspiration #teslatok #teslachallenge ♬ Dernière danse – Indila
Day 1 – Fortune to Saint Pierre
With a full charge and a great night sleep thanks to stay at the Clarenville Inn, I was on the road and heading down the Burin Peninsula to Fortune, Newfoundland where the ferries to Saint Pierre depart.
Ferry Booking Issues
During my trip, I encountered a significant roadblock. While checking my ferry reservation, I realized I had forgotten to confirm it within 72 hours of sailing. I had booked it months ago and remembered the agent mentioning I could clear payment within three days but could pay later if my plans changed. Unfortunately, this detail slipped my mind until the day of sailing.
My stomach sank. I had just made a 7,500-kilometer journey to drive to France, and now there was a good chance I wouldn’t be able to make the crossing. I called the reservation office, and the agent confirmed that I had indeed lost my reservation and that the ferry was now full. 🤦♂️
She suggested showing up in case of a no-show. After topping up to 90% in Marystown, the last fast charger before the ferry, I drove the 60 km to Fortune. I walked into the office and found the lady I had spoken with on the phone, but unfortunately, the ferry was indeed full. On the positive side, there was a spot available the following day, though I had to go to Miquelon on the way to Saint Pierre.
This added time and cost, but at least I was still able to make the trip and briefly see Miquelon as well. With a night to kill, I searched for things to do in the area and a hotel that would let me trickle charge. While unnecessary, I wanted the added insurance in case my Schuko adapter didn’t work.
I came across these lovely cabins in Garnish and contacted the owner via email confirming I could plug-in. On the way I stopped at the Frenchman’s Cove golf course and played a quick nine.
Saint Pierre et Miquelon Ferry
Topping up on the 15A circuit got me to my destination, and I returned to the ferry port in Fortune with plenty of charge. Clearing customs was comical; the security guards had never seen a Tesla and were quite confused when they checked under the hood.
The ferry itself was quite nice, with plenty of seating both inside and out. After an hour, we arrived in Miquelon, where I cleared customs and paid for the expensive insurance. I had emailed ahead to ask how long the process would take, hoping to take a quick drive before the ferry departed again for Saint Pierre.
To my surprise, the customs agents were expecting me and were super helpful, even saying they would hold the ferry for me to allow for a quick tour. Although I didn’t get far (I really wanted to drive the long spit of sand that connects the two islands), I did get to see the town before boarding the boat to Saint Pierre.
The ferry between Saint Pierre et Miquelon is another hour and a half so I got some more down time on the boat. The views as you pull into Saint Pierre harbour are pretty special so don’t miss that if you are making the trip.
Where to Stay in Saint Pierre with an EV
Similar to the ferry availability, accommodations in Saint Pierre book up early. I managed to secure the last room at Chez Marie Jo and confirmed I could charge my car using a standard plug. Since I arrived late, I didn’t worry about charging that night.
The accommodations were basic, but I was just happy to have a place to stay and the option to charge. The real draw here is the B&B host, Marie Jo, but more on that later.
I also discovered that restaurants require reservations. Fortunately, I found a small shop open and purchased some quintessential French items, such as baguettes, pâté, cured meats, and cheeses. With that, I drove to the lookout over Saint Pierre and enjoyed a unique charcuterie experience. Bonus: I also got Canadian cell service from this lookout, so I was able to watch a show in my car while enjoying the view.
Saint Pierre EV charging
As mentioned earlier, there are currently no dedicated EV chargers on Saint Pierre et Miquelon. To ensure I had enough charge to get back to Marystown, where the nearest fast charger is located, I purchased a Schuko adapter for my Tesla.
Initially, I was concerned about whether this setup would work; however, to my surprise, the Schuko adapter worked perfectly. Charging was efficient, delivering a steady rate of 3.7 kilowatt-hours, thanks to the 230-volt, 16-amp circuit. This was more than sufficient for my needs on the islands, ensuring I had enough range to comfortably explore Saint Pierre and Miquelon and return to the mainland.
Note: If you stay here, getting close to the outlet is a bit tricky and requires, me to drive up on the thick sidewalk. The roads are also very narrow, so be careful attempting this.
Day 2 – Exploring Saint Pierre
During breakfast, my host Marie asked if she could ride in my car. She was very curious about electric vehicles, and I was more than happy to oblige. To my surprise, Marie and her husband became my impromptu tour guides for the afternoon. What I thought would be a quick drive turned into a couple of hours while they generously showed me around the island, literally covering every road on Saint Pierre.
Driving in Saint Pierre
Driving in Saint Pierre was a unique experience that felt authentically French. The roads are very narrow, and the cars zip through the streets, making it very European. Vehicles park on both sides of the road, often facing in either direction, which can be confusing at first.
Instead of stoplights and stop signs, drivers follow the “priority to the right” rule, which means they give way to vehicles approaching from their right at intersections. It took a little time to get used to this system, especially with how fast everyone was driving, but it made sense once I adjusted.
What to Do in Saint Pierre
After touring the island with my guides, I parked downtown and explored. Saint Pierre offers a variety of attractions that showcase its rich history and vibrant culture. One of the highlights of my visit was the tiny Heritage Museum. This charming museum provides an intimate look at the history of Saint Pierre et Miquelon, including its early European exploration, the frequent shifts in sovereignty between France and Britain, and its fascinating role in the prohibition era as a hub for smuggling alcohol. The exhibits are well-curated, with artifacts and displays that bring the island’s storied past to life.
Afterward, I took a leisurely walk along the waterfront, watching the fishermen retrieve their boats using the traditional pulley system. It was a captivating glimpse into the island’s enduring maritime traditions and a perfect way to immerse myself in the local culture.
A short boat trip to Île aux Marins (Sailor’s Island) is highly recommended. This small, uninhabited island off the coast of Saint Pierre is like stepping back in time. It features preserved fishermen’s houses, a church, and a schoolhouse, offering a glimpse into the island’s past. The tranquil setting and historical ambiance make it a wonderful place to explore.
Where to Eat in Saint Pierre
For dining, I found several charming restaurants that offered a taste of authentic French cuisine. Most bars and restaurants can be found on Rue Albert Briand or on one of the adjacent streets.
One standout was Le Select, my favorite meal on the island. I enjoyed fresh seafood, traditional ratatouille, and local Miqu’ale beer. Again, be sure to make reservations in advance, as the best spots can fill up quickly.
Another great spot I enjoyed was Roc Café, known for its delightful pastries and cozy atmosphere. Head there for coffee, crepes, and breakfast.
Sunset Stroll in Saint Pierre
After dinner, I strolled along the waterfront and enjoyed a spectacular sunset.
A visit to the Pointe aux Canons Lighthouse is a must. This iconic red and white lighthouse provides amazing views of the harbor and the surrounding landscape. It’s an ideal spot for photography and a great place to soak in the island’s serene beauty.
Day 3 – Saint Pierre to Sunnyside, NFLD
On my final day in Saint Pierre, I explored the island’s far side, taking advantage of the scenic bike and hike trails along the stunning Pointe du Diamant boardwalk. This picturesque path offered breathtaking coastline views, making for a truly memorable morning.
Afterward, I returned to the Roc Café for one last crepe paired with a Miqu’Ale. This time, I stumbled upon their charming hidden patio in the back, a delightful spot, especially when the weather is fine. The cozy atmosphere and delectable dishes made it a fitting finale to my time on the island.
Following this, I visited the L’Arche Museum (Ark) for a comprehensive tour. The museum provided fascinating insights into the unique history of Saint Pierre et Miquelon, showcasing artifacts and stories from the island’s past. Highlights included the island’s rich maritime heritage, the influence of French and British rule, and the fascinating era of rum running during the Prohibition era, when the islands became a hub for smuggling alcohol into the United States.
With my time on the island coming to an end, I made my way to the ferry terminal. After bidding a heartfelt farewell to my gracious host, I boarded the ferry back to Newfoundland.
Upon arriving on the Newfoundland side, I topped up my charge in Marystown. With a hearty meal from Mary Brown’s in hand, I continued my journey to my B&B in Sunnyside, where I was able to plug in for the night. The drive along the barren Burin Peninsula was particularly memorable, as I was treated to a breathtaking sunset that beautifully capped off my Saint Pierre et Miquelon EV road trip experience.
Wrapping up This Saint Pierre et Miquelon EV road trip Report
Driving to France in an EV wasn’t just a gimmick or a box to tick off my travel list; it turned out to be a deeply enjoyable and memorable experience. The journey itself, with its unexpected challenges and delightful surprises, added to the adventure. Exploring the islands of Saint Pierre et Miquelon was a highlight, from the charming towns and scenic drives to the warm hospitality of the locals.
I’m already considering a return trip, perhaps flying directly from Halifax next time for convenience. The islands’ unique blend of French culture and North American geography offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience that I found both fascinating and rewarding.
As someone learning French, the immersion in a French-speaking environment was invaluable and enjoyable. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or simply looking for a unique destination off the beaten path, I highly recommend visiting Saint Pierre et Miquelon. It’s a hidden gem that adds a special twist to any Newfoundland adventure, combining the allure of France with the rugged beauty of the North Atlantic.
READ MORE: Northern New England EV Road Trip Report
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