TAKE IT EASY AND AVOID THE HIGHWAY!
Need some fresh air before your stay in Montreal? Love exploring villages where the river gleams beautifully over the horizon? Looking to trade frantic roads and ad signs for a relaxing drive by lovely old houses?
DAY 1
Stop #1: A Fruity Breakfast
At Les Bleuets du Vire-Crêpes , enjoy a few blueberries (or a lot of them!) as you savour a scrumptious breakfast in a beautiful rural setting.
Stop #2: Stock Up on Delights!
Check out verger de Tilly and La Confrérie Microbrasserie to fill up on wonderful apple products like apple butter and apple juice. This orchard features La Confrérie Microbrasserie, a microbrewery where you can try out several fruit beers on a outdoor terrace. We recommend La Roussette Rebelle, a caramelized apple-flavored amber beer.
Other recommendations:
Stop #3: A Riverside Beach by Marvelous Gardens!
Stop at Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière , an exceptional natural site where a terrace awaits you for lunch. Enjoy a picnic or try out delicious homemade meals at the local café-restaurant, Le Noyer noir. Discover a beautifully designed flower garden, a forest of immense centuries-old trees, and a beachfront featuring a remarkable view of the river. You could easily spend three hours simply strolling about the Domaine!
Stop #4: Spend the Night at One of Quebec's Most Breathtaking Villages!
Have a restful night inside a Victorian house in Lotbinière, one of the most beautiful villages in all of Quebec. Dip in the pool and take in an incredible view of the river at Auberge de Lotbinière . Once you're done, why not close out the day in style with a 4-course or 7-course dinner at the inn?
DAY 2
Arrêt #5 : Quick Rest and Food Stop!
Stop at Halte Fenêtre sur le fleuve for a lovely picnic. Right off the highway between Quebec City and Montreal, this mellow little nook in Deschaillons-sur-Saint-Laurent is perfect to reconnect with nature. This rest area hosts a renowned public market each Saturday during summer. There's your chance to stock up on treats and fresh foodstuffs for your upcoming travels.
Stop #6: Time for Some Fun!
After putting so much road behind, why not check out the musée de la biodiversité du Québec in Bécancour to clear your head and learn more about the surrounding fauna and flora? The various exhibits offer a fascinating look at common small animals who still have their fair share of mystery. The nearby forest hosts L’Écho des origines, a nighttime interactive tour for the whole family. It's well worth the look!
Stop #7: Late Evening Pit Stop
If you choose to stay in Bécancour for the nighttime tour at the musée de la biodiversité du Québec, you'll surely feel peckish afterwards! Head out to the Ô Quai des Brasseurs microbrewery to quench your thirst for beer on a terrace overlooking the spectacular St. Lawrence River. Cheers!
Stop #8: A Comfy Bed for the Night
It's getting late, so why not stay the night in the area before you hop back on the road? Montreal will still be there tomorrow, after all. Check in at Auberge Godefroy to relax and build up your strength in a cozy room ahead of another busy day of exploration. Until next time!
Follow the blue signs below to stay the course along the Route des Navigateurs.
