A day of vacation in Les Etchemins

Summer is well and truly here, and I love this time of year when we’re right in the middle of summer. It feels as though we’re enveloped by the beauty of the season! As the urge to go on a discovery trip is never far away for our family, we headed off to Les Etchemins for a day out, with a few cultural and culinary stops in the open air.

First, we went to Moulin La Lorraine, an arts centre dedicated to supporting the work of artists from the region and beyond. We began our visit outside the site, drawn in by the magnificent gardens running alongside a waterfall, which lend the place a unique charm. We wandered through the picturesque woodland, discovering works inspired by nature here and there whilst listening to the poems that accompanied the tour.

We were particularly taken with the flowers and plants printed using the cyanotype process on fabric! Inside, we enjoyed the temporary exhibitions spread across the mill’s three floors, whilst taking a look at how the mill works, still in operation, after all. You can even buy flour there.

Our second stop was a bite to eat at the Verso Microbrasserie. We enjoyed a delicious bistro-style meal showcasing local produce, whilst tasting their refreshing on-site brewed beers. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, with board games available for everyone to play, and the terrace overlooking the lake is the perfect spot to unwind. It really feels like a holiday!

We then had dessert at the Ferme des Cent Acres. The camerise was the star of the show; a camerise smoothie, cheesecake topped with this tangy little fruit, and pick-your-own were a real treat.

This family-run business runs a café and shop selling their own processed berry products, whilst also serving as a showcase for other local producers. Picking your own fruit is always a unique way to create lasting taste memories of our region, combining practicality with pleasure.

Our final stop was the Ferme Ricolanne, I simply couldn’t resist the chance to pick some seasonal flowers! It’s a unique concept: you pick the flowers yourself from the flower-filled paths of a specially laid-out section of their garden centre, where three generations of women have developed this agricultural and horticultural project. I was delighted to put together a generous bouquet of local flowers with my family for a very reasonable price.

A flower-filled end to the day, bringing our day of exploration in Les Etchemins to a perfect close!

Photos: Ange Hébert-Corriveau