These bewitchingly idyllic islands were 'rediscovered' in the 1960s by the travel-minded people of francophone ²Ï³Üé²ú±ð³¦.
They have now been settled by an intriguing mix of artists and water sports enthusiasts, giving a paradoxically vibrant vibe for visitors in the summer.
Iron-rich red cliffs and quaint fishing villages painted charmingly in mauves, yellows and reds give the place an ethereal charm, whilst magnificent golden sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and are great for beach-combing. Waters here are surprisingly warm and people come from far afield to wind-surf, kite-board and kayak.
Distinct island cultures
Gloriously isolated, being spread over 100 kilometers in the middle of the huge Gulf of St Lawrence, the heart of the community is a set of five islands, 60 kilometers in length, linked by sand spits and a road. Each island has its own distinct culture, which is surprisingly diverse for such a relatively small archipelago. In the north there are Anglophone communities who speak very little French and there is almost an inter-island rivalry where locals will assure you that their island is much nicer than the next.
French-influenced cuisine
The islanders are extremely friendly and hospitable and are only too happy to share their little bit of paradise with visitors. They have some wonderful stories to tell and in the small bars that dot the islands they will often burst into song, quite spontaneously, with old Acadian songs illuminating their rich heritage. Food here is heavily influenced by French cuisine, and of course, seafood — fruits de la mer — features on every menu. The start of the lobster season in June is a major event in the islands when it’s possible for visitors to see the fishermen return to the docks with their catch and perhaps pick up dinner from the quayside.
Getting around
The archipelago is easily explored by car but many of the locals prefer to cycle. It is possible to reach the islands by air but perhaps the most charming way is to arrive at Cap aux Meules by ferry from Prince Edward Island, before continuing by boat to ²Ï³Üé²ú±ð³¦â€™s Gaspésie Peninsula or ²Ï³Üé²ú±ð³¦ City itself.
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Places near ÃŽles de la Madeleine
- Spry Point 80 miles away
- Cape Breton & Cabot Trail 85 miles away
- Ingonish 88 miles away
- Cavendish 92 miles away
- Prince Edward Island 97 miles away
- Charlottetown 97 miles away
- Pictou 123 miles away
- West Point 127 miles away
- Louisbourg 137 miles away
- Caraquet & the Acadian Peninsula 145 miles away
- Kouchibouguac National Park 147 miles away
- Nova Scotia 148 miles away
- Charlos Cove 150 miles away
- Anticosti Island 155 miles away
- The Gaspé Peninsula 156 miles away
- Liscomb Mills 163 miles away
- Hopewell Rocks 166 miles away
- New Brunswick 204 miles away
- Halifax 205 miles away
- Lunenburg 237 miles away
- Deer Lake 242 miles away
- Saint John 246 miles away
- Gros Morne National Park 247 miles away
- Annapolis Royal 251 miles away
- The Bay of Fundy 258 miles away
- Saint Andrews by-the-Sea 292 miles away