A unique francophone culture:

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The keys to the originality of Madelinot culture lie in its Acadian and Quebec influences and in the fact that the Islands remained isolated for a very long time. Once, shipwrecks and maritime commerce were their only contacts with the outside world. This culture expresses itself in the local accent and language, in literature, in arts and crafts and in architecture. Music is very important to the Islanders, and many of them are musicians, folk singers and composers. All these elements combine to give the Îles de la Madeleine a look and feel that is all their own.

Much has been written about the Islands and the Madelinots. Local authors and visiting writers have created marvellous prose and poetry inspired by the history of the archipelago or by its everyday life. Many of these works can be purchased in bookshops, at the Musée de la Mer or at the tourist office, and many are available in public libraries throughout the islands.

This feeling of community is still alive and well today, and its originality gives the Islands a little something extra… a difference which, when coupled with the landscape, is a "breath of fresh air". Visitors will be surprised and charmed right from the start by the melodic intonations of the Acadian accent, the marine terminology, and archaic words from ancestral France. In the Islands, the pace of life is different, it is said that time flows to another rhythm; in the Islands... it's not the same...

The Islanders have a natural sense of hospitality, a trait that adds charm and warmth and provides a sense of relaxation and comfort in a new environment. Madelinots are also very proud of their culture and of their special environment, and are glad to share this with others. These qualities are reflected in the services offered. For example, restaurants offer visitors well-known local products such as lobster and other seafood. Look for the logo, Le bon goût frais des Îles, which identifies locally caught fish and other Island products.

Calendar of Events:

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Here is the calendar of events and activities for the Îles de la Madeleine. Please note that this may not contain a complete list of all the activities, since many will not be sure of their definitive dates before the end of the spring. View the list of events.

For more information, please contact the tourist information office.

Domestic architecture:

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Visitors will be surprised at first at the way houses are scattered randomly all over the countryside. This slightly chaotic land use is quite different from the rest of Quebec.

The general shape of most houses, barns, and “baraques” is fairly simple, but all are painted in a variety of bright colours. The Acadian and French origins of many of the Islanders, as well as some influence from New England, can be seen in the architecture of their homes. The traditional Island house can be identified by certain specific elements: “tambours”, corbels, porches and cedar shingles. There are many fine examples of traditional houses throughout the Islands. The whole of the Historical site at La Grave constitutes without doubt a privileged heritage site showcasing the traditional architecture. This is an excellent illustration of land use and planning. Its designation as a historical site is an initiative that has encouraged other similar interventions such as the restoration of Anse de L'Etang-du-Nord, largely inspired by the traditional architecture of the Islands, or again the beautification project of the rue Principale (Main Street) in Cap-aux-Meules. Finally, there is the 10-year-old “Mérite architectural” (architectural merit contest), which awards prizes every two years to individuals and organisations whose goal is to protect and promote the traditional architecture of the Islands.

The "Baraque":

The "baraque" (barrack) is a quaint little square barn with a sliding roof controlled by a pulley system that is used to store hay and protect it from bad weather. Many farmers still use them, especially in Havre-Aubert. The Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine information Office (Cap-aux-Meules) exemplifies the revival of this traditional form in its building design.

The most distinctive of all fishing industry buildings is the herring smokehouse. These structures can still be seen near some fishing ports. The best example is located in Pointe-Basse harbour in Havre-aux-Maisons.

Religious Heritage:

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Churches are traditionally made of wood, which is vulnerable to fire. Nevertheless, many examples of this traditional architecture remain and it is well worth it to take the time to visit our churches.

Saint-François-Xavier Church and presbytery, in Bassin, 574 et 588 chemin du Bassin

This is the oldest architectural ensemble of a church and presbytery on the Islands. The beautiful church in Bassin with its two imposing square towers was built in 1875. Behind it, we find the presbytery with its typical mansard roofing. In 1936, the church was struck by lightning. A new one was built in 1939. Summer mass schedule : Sunday 11 :15 am

Church of Saint-Pierre in Lavernière, 1329 chemin de Lavernière

First built in 1876, this is the second largest wooden church in North America. It was struck several times by lightning: first in 1900, then in 1945, 1947 and 1980. The wood used in its construction was retrieved from shipwrecks and had to be blessed before the building could be rebuilt. It is an important element of the Madelinot heritage.
Summer mass schedule : Saturday 4:00 pm.

Church of Notre-dame-du-Rosaire in Fatima, 709 chemin Les Caps

Built by architect Jean-Claude Leclerc and reverend Father Maurice Roy in 1967. They wanted to give this church it is own special style by using elements of a fisherman's everyday life.
Summer mass schedule : Sunday 11: 15 am

Church of Saint-André in Cap-aux-Meules, 500 chemin Principal

Located in the heart of Cap-aux-Meules village, built in 1966, wood with fieldstone covering.
Summer mass schedule : Sunday 9:15 am

Church of Sainte-Madeleine in Havre-aux-Maisons, 25 chemin Central

The first chapel was built in 1823 on what is now the site of the Vieux Couvent. After a fire, the church was rebuilt in 1969 on its current site.
Summer mass schedule : Sunday 9:15 am

Vieux Couvent in Havre-aux-Maisons, 292 route 199

Built in 1915, it is the only fieldstone building in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. In 1938, le Couvent was a normal school. Now, it houses the resto-bar La Moulière and the bar Chez Gaspard.

Church of Holy Trinity in Grosse-Île, 535 chemin Principal

Built in 1925, this Anglican church has a beautifully decorated interior with splendid stained glass windows. Well worth the visit !

Church of St-Peter's-by-the-sea at Old Harry

Built in 1916 by Symond Taker and Colin Turnbull, the church was constructed using wood from shipwrecks. In 1988, a door entitled « les portes de l'infini/gates to infinity » was built at the church entrance. This door is a memorial to Aaron Clarke, a resident of Old-Harry, who was swept away by the sea when tried to help some swimmers.

Church of Sacré-Coeur in Grande-Entrée

Built in 1886 partly with wood thrown overboard by a schooner in bad weather.
Summer mass schedule : Saturday 4:00 pm.

Lighthouses:

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Around the Îles de la Madeleine, six lighthouses still project their life-saving beams out to sea. For many years, they were a vital link for thousands of vessels travelling around the archipelago's treacherous coast and for the local population whose livelihood was dependent on the sea. Their geometry and the various materials employed in their construction give an excellent picture of the evolution of lighthouses in the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence. While lighthouses and their keepers have been replaced by modern navigation equipment, the remaining structures stand proud reminding us of their invaluable contribution to navigation. They have become a valuable part of the archipelago's maritime heritage. The Musée de la mer and other cultural and heritage centres exhibit their collections of objects, photographs and archives illustrating the history of the Islands and the varied origins of the Madelinots.

Music and Musicians:

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The Madelinots have always had an inborn feel for music. Could it be that their long winters inspired the islanders to perfect their compositions and their knowledge of music ? Is it their lifestyle and family gatherings that make them want to get out their instruments to enliven their many parties and get-togethers ? Whatever the reason, the Îles de la Madeleine have always been known for the quality of their music, and the summer programming lives up to this reputation.

Come enjoy the shows, concerts, festivals, evenings of poetry, amateur evenings. Performances of all kinds are scheduled throughout the year.

All over the archipelago, producers have been working for many years to perfect their shows and present only the best. In June every year, Arrimage, the cultural corporation, publishes an annual calendar of cultural and musical events (French).

Museum and Interpretation Centres:

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To relive the history of the Îles-de-la- Madeleine and understand its unique culture and environment, take the time to visit our museums and interpretation centres to learn all about this extraordinary archipelago in the heart of the Gulf of St-Lawrence.

Visual arts and Handicrafts:

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A journey to the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago is not complete without a visit to an artist's workshop. Discover the joys of the artist's work, see clay being shaped, glass being blown or stone being polished. Their original designs will help your understand the Madelinot culture. Shops all over the Islands offer a great variety of objects made of raw materials as diverse as sand, wood, fabric and algae. See the Arts and Crafts circuit and plan an itinerary to visit craft shops and art galleries.

Performing Arts and Theatres:

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For lovers of theatre, music and concerts, there is plenty of choice. The cultural effervescence of the Islands as well as the quality and variety of shows offered will delight even the most demanding of patrons. Please contact the Tourist Information Office for more information.

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