The inhabitants’ warm hospitality is equalled only by the diversity and talent found here, from a cultural standpoint and in terms of gastronomy and local products. It’s also a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The many white sandy beaches that stretch for as far as the eye can see and the spectacular sunsets will leave a lasting impression.
How to get there
Distance between main cities
Did you know?
To be discovered absolutely
Islanders are very generous. We love to share our beaches, our artistic talents and our culinary delights.
300 km (186 mi.) of beaches
An astonishing 300 km (186 mi.) of white sand make for a lot of beaches! In fact, there are 13 main ones, where the sand accumulates in dunes and long winding stretches, shaped by the whimsy of the wind, waves and currents. And with so many small beaches and bays, you can easily find one where you can be all alone.
The sea, red cliffs and pale dunes are ever present, providing a postcard setting that has established the Islands’ reputation. Take time to slow down, contemplate the sea, go swimming (the water can actually reach 18–20 °C / 64–68 °F!), or get an adrenaline rush through windsurfing... There’s no shortage of fun activities.
A popular Madelinot saying: “On the Islands, time does not belong to a clock. Time belongs to you.”
You can also release your inner child by collecting seashells or building a sandcastle. Seriously! There’s even a big sandcastle competition in August to choose the best creations among the fleeting works of art.
The Islands inspire our artists.
If given a palette, a painter will paint. It’s the same on the Islands: nature provides a broad palette of colours composed of blue skies, red cliffs, white sand, green meadows and multicoloured houses. These natural settings and materials inspire our Madelinot artists. Seashells, sand, stones, pieces of driftwood, or polished glass washed up on the beaches all find their way into the artistic works and handicrafts created here..
With the Circuit des Arts (Arts Circuit), you’ll discover that all the local artists and artisans draw inspiration from the beauty of their surroundings. And they’re eager to meet you. Sharing and hospitality are in the Madelinot DNA. Everything here is beautiful, from the natural surroundings to the paintings, jewellery, pottery and other creations.
The Îles de la Madeleine: A culinary paradise
Madelinot creativity is also expressed through mouth-watering cuisine, particularly in the summer when there’s an abundance of seafood and locally grown products. That’s when the Islands and their maritime climate serve up their most enticing treasures.
Fish and seafood are the main features of the local cuisine. You’ll savour unforgettable gastronomical delights with tender scallops, delicious snow crab and the incomparable Island lobster. And you’ll also want to taste the local beers, fine cheeses and smoked products, such as cured herring. The culinary know-how of the Madelinots is found in the local Island products. Search for the label “Le Bon Goût Frais des Îles de la Madeleine” during your stay!
More than a third of the lobster boats dock in the Grande-Entrée and Grosse-Île ports.
