Beyond your backyard – Visit A celebrated tapestry at French Shore Interpretation Centre, Conche, NL

The French Shore Interpretation Centre in Conche, NL will provide you with an orientation to the region and its layered history. Captivating images and artifacts tell the story of the cod fishery from the early French sailors and continue with today’s outport of Irish and English Newfoundlanders.

In 2009, a 227 foot tapestry was completed, which tells the story of the French Shore in textile form. The tapestry is loosely based on the famous Bayeux Tapestry of France which was stitched in 1087 and tells the story of the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest of England in 1066. This unique piece of artwork is on display in Conche and a must visit when visiting the French Shore and exploring the Great Northern Peninsula and Southern Labrador.

The exhibition continues with temporary textile exhibits and a museum dedicated to the French, English and Irish settlers. While on tour you can also learn the art of the tapestry by learning the Bayeux stitch.

Visit the full size replica of a small French boat, called a chaloupe used by both French and Basque fishers. While in Conche, you may wish to visit a number of authentic historic sites that include, the Stairs, French Oven, Archaeological sites, Casey Store or wonder throughout our communities.

From 1504 to 1904, intrepid French fishers braved the North Atlantic each spring to fish and prepare cod in our spectacular harbours, lending their name to the French Shore. They left behind their cannons, shipwrecks and haunting wooden crosses reminding us of the haunting dangers they faced.
French Shore Historical Society