About Frenchboro, Maine
Frenchboro, Maine, is a secluded island community in Hancock County, set on Long Island off the coast of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. Accessible primarily by ferry from Bass Harbor, Frenchboro offers dramatic coastal scenery and a true working-waterfront feel. The town has a very small year-round population of roughly 60–70 residents and covers about 13 square miles, much of it protected land with a compact settled harbor village.
Frenchboro’s “downtown” centers on the harbor, where you’ll find the ferry landing, a small seasonal eatery, and working lobster wharves rather than a traditional Main Street of shops. Historic homes and simple maritime buildings reflect the island’s heritage. The island’s crown jewel is the Frenchboro Preserve, with miles of rugged shoreline trails leading to cliffs, pocket beaches, and spruce-fir forest vistas. Kayaking, birding, shoreline fishing, and beachcombing are favorite pastimes, and nearby waters offer unforgettable views toward Swan’s Island and Blue Hill Bay.
Frenchboro hosts the beloved Frenchboro Lobster Festival each summer, drawing visitors for fresh seafood, live music, and community fundraising. Life here is quiet, close-knit, and steeped in maritime tradition—perfect for those who value small-town charm, outdoor recreation, and a slower coastal rhythm. Despite its remoteness, Frenchboro, Maine, extends a warm welcome to respectful visitors who come to hike, learn about island life, and enjoy Maine’s wild, beautiful shore.