Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Once a bustling base for Basque, Breton, and Norman fishermen in the 17th century, these waters teemed with cod, a treasure that lured countless mariners to its bountiful banks. While America was drying up during era of Prohibition, these islands became a notorious haven for bootleggers. Liquor warehouses sprang up overnight, and the local economy boomed as contraband whiskey flowed freely. Strolling through Saint Pierre, you might stumble upon a boulangerie offering fresh baguettes and croissants, and the islands celebrate Bastille Day with as much fervor as any town in France.