Îles-de-la-Madeleine: Discover the archipelago, one stop at a time
To immerse yourself in the land and embrace chance encounters, you need to slow down. This is the invitation the Îles-de-la-Madeleine extend to visitors who land on the archipelago: a slow exploration, in harmony with the environment and the people who live there. Here's an itinerary to capture the essence of this exceptional place and experience the insularity of those islands.
When is the best time to visit the Islands?
Perhaps you're looking to escape the summer frenzy and support local businesses when the crowds are quieter. Keep in mind that each season on Îles-de-la-Madeleine offers its share of pleasures. The flamboyant colours of autumn, the human warmth that is felt even more in winter, nature that awakens in spring: Îles-de-la-Madeleine are accessible in all seasons.
Vélos Évasion Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Why not discover the beauty of the archipelago by bike? Hundreds of kilometres of beaches as far as the eye can see are available to cycle tourists who have opted for electric bikes.
First stop: one of the Vélos Évasion Îles-de-la-Madeleine rental centres. The company offers electric-assisted bicycles (charged using solar energy) well-equipped with practical storage bags. By moving from island to island, you limit your environmental footprint, and feel like you are an integral part of the majestic landscapes that surround you. Stop at the shops along the way, chat with the locals, and then take the time to breathe in the sea air.
Sentiers Entre Vents et Marées
To see the Islands in a different way, hike the Sentiers Entre Vents et Marées. The marked route, which goes around the archipelago, takes you through unspoiled nature, along charming secondary roads, along fine sandy beaches and along spectacular sandstone cliffs. The circuit—which can be done as a long hike or in stages—stops in the various villages of the Islands, all renowned for their hospitality.
This trail, developed and maintained by dedicated volunteers, highlights the fragility of the dunes and cliffs, which are sensitive to erosion. This is why hikers are encouraged to adopt responsible actions, especially by taking out their waste and staying on the trails.
Auberge La Salicorne
More than just a highly pleasant place to stay, La Salicorne offers an immersive stay at the pace of the Madelinots. The inn overlooks the colourful fishing village of Grande-Entrée. Here, whether you sleep in a bubble tent or in a room, you can experience the Islands to the fullest.
Taste Maritime flavours, hear tales more surprising than fishing stories, take a clay bath on the shore, go cockle diving, take a sea kayaking excursion: nature activities and cultural visits represent a unique opportunity to discover the surroundings with guides and naturalist guides... or alone, if it is more of a recharging with yourself that you want!
Société de conservation des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
During your stay, you will be able to feel all the love that Madelinots have for their territory. The Société de conservation des Îles-de-la-Madeleine was created from a citizen effort aimed at preserving private natural environments for current and future generations.
The initiative has, among other things, enabled the preservation of two jewels of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine: réserve naturelle des Demoiselles, in Havre-Aubert, and île Boudreau, in Grande-Entrée. The 283 hectares preserved to date play an essential role in protecting the archipelago's biodiversity, its characteristic landscapes and its nature activities.
Interprétation Pêche en mer
An emblem of the Islands, lobster fishing is fascinating to those who pass through. Do you dream of having an unforgettable experience at sea in the company of a lobster boat captain? This is possible with Interprétation Pêche en mer.
Embark in the early morning with the crew and experience an authentic day of commercial fishing, a major economic and cultural activity for the Islands. The local company also offers recreational mackerel fishing trips, as well as various activities to interpret the fishing profession.