It is part of an overseas collectivity of France, and is located near the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The islands are even closer to the long Burin Peninsula, which is situated just 25 kilometres (13 nmi) to the east.

[5] Several smaller islands lie off the coast of Saint Pierre, notably L'Île-aux-Marins and L'Île-aux-Vainqueurs, both to the east, and Grand Colombier, which lies off Saint Pierre's northernmost point.

The island is accessible by ferry from Newfoundland and has immigrations control for the country of France.

St. Pierre is separated from Miquelon-Langlade by a 6 kilometres (3.2 nmi) strait with very fierce currents.