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The French Islands You Can Drive to from THE HAMPTONS – Yep, It’s a Thing!

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Did you know you can road trip from Sag Harbor all the way to a pair of tiny French islands in the North Atlantic—with croissants, cobblestones, and Euros to match?

It’s not fiction. It’s St. Pierre and Miquelon—France’s last stronghold in North America—and you can get there by car. Well… plus a couple of ferries. If you're craving something that screams “hidden gem” and “wait, this is real?”—this is your sign.


🚗 Starting from Sag Harbor, Here’s the Epic Route

1. Sag Harbor → Orient Point Ferry

Hop in the car, grab a coffee from Grindstone, and head out along Route 25 to Orient Point (about 50 mins). From there, take the Cross Sound Ferry to New London, Connecticut.⏱ Ferry time: ~1 hr 20 min🎟 Tip: Book in advance, especially if you're bringing your car.


2. Connecticut → North Sydney, Nova Scotia

From New London, road trip through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and into New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, Canada. Final destination: North Sydney, the ferry gateway to Newfoundland.⏱ Approx. 18–24 hours of driving total📍 Stopover-worthy cities: Portland (ME), Saint John (NB), and Halifax (NS) if you want to turn this into a multi-day road trip with coastal views.


3. Ferry #1: North Sydney → Port aux Basques, Newfoundland

All aboard Marine Atlantic! This ferry takes you to Newfoundland’s west coast—and feels more like a mini cruise.⏱ Duration: 6–8 hours🛳 Pro Tip: Splurge for a cabin or lounge upgrade if doing the overnight route.


4. Cross Newfoundland to Fortune

Once in Port aux Basques, drive across stunning Newfoundland via the Trans‑Canada Highway. It’s remote, it’s wild, and it's unforgettable. You’re heading for Fortune, a charming harbor town and ferry port to the islands.⏱ Approx. 10–12 hours driving💤 Suggested overnight: Marystown or Gander to break up the journey.


5. Ferry #2: Fortune → Saint Pierre

The last leg! SPM Ferries gets you from Canadian soil to actual France in just 90 minutes.⏱ Ferry time: ~1.5 hours🌍 Passport required—you're entering French territory!

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☀️ Why July is the Perfect Time to Go

July is peak season in St. Pierre and Miquelon. Expect long daylight hours, cool sea breezes, and most importantly—everything is open. From charming museums to remote hiking trails and wildlife tours, this is when the islands truly come alive. Just bring a jacket—it’s still the North Atlantic.


🔍 Hidden Gems You Won’t Want to Miss

Here’s what makes St. Pierre and Miquelon pure magic:


🏝 Île-aux-Marins (Ghost Island)

An abandoned 1600s French fishing village with a church, a school-turned-museum, and a rusted shipwreck straight out of a movie.📸 Think vintage Europe meets misty Atlantic solitude.


🐋 Whale-Watching & Boat Tours with Les Zigotos

Local guides take you out for close encounters with seals, seabirds, and whales. Expect good stories and fog-drenched drama.


🌅 The Grand Barachois & Dune Tombolo (Miquelon)

A massive sandbar bridge surrounded by tranquil lagoons and wild horses. Ideal for sunrise shots and solitude.


🧀 Goat Cheese Farms & Coastal Hikes

Visit a goat farm, taste fresh cheese, and hit the nearby nature trails for unspoiled views.


🎨 Colorful French Houses & Narrow Streets

The wooden tambour-style homes, painted in soft pastels, feel like storybook France dropped into the North Atlantic.📸 Perfect for that vintage film reel vibe.


📸 Content Creation Gold

  • Drone shots: Dune tombolo from above or Île-aux-Marins' abandoned village.

  • Voiceovers: “Left Sag Harbor. Ended up in France. By car. Sort of.”

  • French bakery reels: Watch as fresh croissants meet salty sea air.

  • Time-lapses: Fog rolling over the harbor, boats slipping in and out of view.

  • Vlogs: "Road Tripping to France From the Hamptons: Here's How I Did It."


✨ Final Thoughts

This isn’t your average East Coast road trip. Starting from Sag Harbor, you’ll pass through coastal New England, Atlantic Canada, and end up on French islands few have even heard of. You’ll taste French pastries, hear the language spoken, and walk streets that look like the outskirts of Normandy.

If you’ve ever dreamed of mixing Europe with adventure—no transatlantic flight required—this might be your new favorite flex.

Need help planning your road trip route, ferry tickets, or photography stops along the way? DM me on Instagram @noerosetravel and let’s make this French island fantasy a reality.

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