Place Savalette

Attractions in the The Eastern Shore

Captain Savalette was a fisherman from St. Jean De Luz, France, who used the shores and islands of Tor Bay to carry out his viable fishery by catching and drying his fish here during the 1500s and 1600s. He carried on his trade for many years from 1565 onward. Savalette used the Sugar islands Near Cole Harbour to prepare his fish for transport before setting out for France. It is said that Captain Savalette made 42 voyages to these parts and hosted many European fishermen and traders who stopped by for advice, and more importantly, some rest. Among the well-known visitors were Samuel de Champlain, Marc LesCarbot, and Nicholas Denys. Visitors were so well received and treated by Savalette and his men, that much was written about their hospitality and knowledge of these dangerous waters and they provided valuable information that became used in the mapping of this region. Therefore, Port Savalette, later to be named Tor Bay, has a rich history of hospitality that can be traced to the days of Capitaine Savalette, after whom our Festival has been named.

Every Year the Acadians celebrate Festival Savalette August 5th-8th every year.