Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Notre Dame des Marins


The French dimension of Newfoundland's history is accentuated by the presence, 20 kilometres off the Burin Peninsula, of the French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon. An important fishing base for centuries, the islands' population, and fishermen from France, have had a long and varied relationship with their neighbours in Newfoundland.


Ile aux Marins is a small island situated across from the harbour from St. Pierre. It used to be a fishing village of 600 souls but modern fishing techniques contributed to the gradual desertion of the community. Today, Ile aux Marins is a living museum and a unique window on the past. The dominant building on the island is a sun bleached church, Notre Dame des Marins. Built in 1874, it is still used for special services.


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a great photograph. I have seen this on my trip to St. Pierre.

Genevieve Netz said...

Yes, it's beautiful. It almost looks like a painting.

Anonymous said...

Your photos are art. You not only capture the beauty with your photographs but also the emotion. A pleasure to visit.

Cheers

Lancecove