St-Pierre-de-la-Vernière

Îles de la Madeleine


Built in 1876, this handsome white church has a checkered history – it's been struck by lightning several times. Locals like to point out that most of the wood used to build the church was salvaged from shipwrecks, an impressive feat considering that it's the second largest church in North America.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Îles de la Madeleine attractions

1. Ècomusée de la Mi-Carême

2.31 MILES

The Catholic tradition of Carnival – a period of masking and celebration before the austere fasting of Lent – has many incarnations around the world, such…

2. Le Fumoir d'Antan

5.69 MILES

Three generations of the Arseneau family have smoked herring at this traditional smokehouse, where you can learn about the process and taste the goods…

3. Butte Ronde

6.4 MILES

A short climb from the car park on Chemin des Échoueries near Cap Alright, the cross-topped Butte Ronde has wonderful views of the lumpy coastline.

4. Le Site d'Autrefois

8.82 MILES

Places such as the Îles de la Madeleine tend to attract eccentric folks, and they don't get much more interesting than flamboyant fisher Claude F…

5. Musée de la Mer

9.74 MILES

This thoughtful little museum covers Madelinot history, from Jacques Cartier's impressions of walruses to photographic exhibitions on the modern-day seal…

6. Sandy Hook

10.78 MILES

This huge, 12km stretch of windswept sand, accessible via Chemin du Sable, pretty much feels like the edge of the world. Be careful if you swim here, as…

7. Seal Interpretation Center

22.22 MILES

This museum delves into the biology and behavior of seals and explores their cultural significance to the islands, giving particular attention to the…

8. Centre d'Interprétation Mines Seleine

23.72 MILES

At the end of a windswept sandbank, the island's industrial salt mine – one of the earliest economic engines of settlement – excavates at a depth of 300m…