Maison Jézéquel
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Maison Jézéquel is a notable historic building located on Île-aux-Marins, near the landing pier. Originally part of a complex acquired by the Compagnie générale transatlantique (CGT) in 1860, it included a cooperage, bakery, carpentry workshop, house, shop, and a large green cod storage. The building, named after the Jezequel family of mariner-fishermen from Kérity, Brittany, was divided into two parts over time. The house's ground floor housed technical equipment including an internal capstan used to haul dories onto rails, while the upper floors served as living quarters and storage, with dormitories for visiting mainland sailors. After deterioration led to partial demolition in 1988, the house was acquired and restored by a heritage association by 1990 and further restored in 2013-2014. It was officially designated a historic monument in 2014, recognized as a witness to the local life during the era of the Great Cod Fishery. Today, the building hosts a seasonal cafeteria and houses parts of the Archipelitude Museum collection, including a salting room and a sail-making loft, preserving the maritime culture of the archipelago.
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Tip: Visitors should consider visiting Maison Jézéquel during the summer months when the cafeteria is open and the Archipelitude Museum exhibits are accessible. Booking tickets in advance is advisable during peak tourist season. The site offers insight into traditional fishing life and maritime heritage, with occasional guided tours available. Discounts may be available for groups or seniors through the heritage association.
Interesting facts
- •Maison Jézéquel contains exterior capstans with rails used historically to haul fishing dories.
- •The house was originally part of a complex including a cooperage, bakery, and carpentry workshop owned by the Compagnie générale transatlantique.
- •The building was restored through a social insertion workshop in 2013-2014.
- •Maison Jézéquel was officially designated a historic monument in 2014, highlighting its cultural importance.
History
The site was originally acquired by the Compagnie générale transatlantique in 1860, which established several facilities including the building that became Maison Jézéquel.
The Jezequel family, mariner-fishermen from Brittany, acquired the house in 1889.
Over time, the house was divided and partially demolished in 1988 due to poor condition.
The building was then purchased by a local heritage association and restored by 1990, with further restoration completed in 2013-2014.
It was classified as a historic monument in 2014, preserving its significance as a symbol of the local fishing culture during the Great Cod Fishery period.
Place Guide
Ground Floor Technical Area1860s
This area housed the internal capstan used to haul dories onto rails, a vital part of the fishing operations on the island.
Upper Floor Living Quarters and StorageLate 19th century
The upper floors served as living spaces and storage, including dormitories for visiting mainland sailors during the fishing season.
Seasonal Cafeteria and Archipelitude Museum ExhibitsRestored and opened in the late 20th century
During summer, a cafeteria operates on the first floor, and parts of the Archipelitude Museum collection are displayed, including a salting room and sail-making workshop, illustrating traditional maritime crafts.