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Bleuets du Vire-Crêpes marbled ice cream cone

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Jeff Frenette

Food Lover

A guide to the perfect gourmet vacation in Lévis!

Lévis
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Jeff Frenette in the field with the goats at Cassis & Mélisse

Jeff Frenette

Are you interested in discovering the gourmet capital of the Chaudière-Appalaches region? As a foodie, I’ve been scouring Lévis for several years, looking for the best addresses for gourmet adventurers.

 8 iconic locations

As Quebec’s eighth-largest city, Lévis has established itself in recent years as an epicurean must-see, with a perfect blend of urban and rural flair. Discover with me, what makes Lévis so charming for the eyes and taste buds through eight iconic places that will make you want to return for sure!

1ᵉʳ stop. We head to the St-Nicolas sector, to discover the picturesque Ferme Phylum. With their A2-quality milk produced by their Jersey cows, they’ve managed to create farmhouse cheeses that are simply sublime. In the boutique, you’ll find all their cheeses, milk and yoghurt, as well as other products from local producers. For me, their foodtruck is where the real magic happens – you’ll find a snack-style menu featuring their delicious cheeses!

My favorite: the poutine prepared with quality ingredients by chef Loïs Desfarges, which showcases the farm’s cheese curds so well. And if your trip takes you to downtown Quebec City, it’s the perfect opportunity to try their milk in a decadent latte from deTerroir Café, which uses the full-fat milk from Ferme Phylum.

Stop 2. After a good poutine at the Ferme Phylum foodtruck, we moved on a few kilometers away for a short hike to the Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière to admire the falls at sunset. This time, I opted for the western sector of the park, a slightly less frequented but equally beautiful stretch. Take advantage of this opportunity to bring a meal to enjoy on site, as it’s a superb spot for a summer picnic.

3ᵉ stop. When you arrive in Vieux-Lévis, you have to go straight to Tambour Café. This new specialty café in Lévis, offers something unheard of in the region. I loved the manual filter coffee, their espresso as well as their pastries from O’Ravito, another of my favorite places.

4ᵉ stop. While we’re in this area, we take the opportunity to put our bags down at Le Plumard Couette & Café. After two stays in this establishment, I can confirm that it’s the place par excellence to relax during your vacation. It’s right in the heart of Vieux-Lévis, but it’s so quiet and cozy.

Stop 5. On your way to dinner, I suggest a quick stop at Quai Paquet to admire the sunset.

6ᵉ stop. If you want to impress your date or friends with the most beautiful terrace in Lévis, make a reservation at Le Théophile, in the Saint-Romuald sector. Upon arriving at the restaurant, you’d have no idea that there’s a beautiful interior courtyard that doubles as a terrace. The warm atmosphere is conducive to long conversations, especially when the garlands of lights come on at dusk. The menu varies with the seasons and the chef’s inspirations, and for me, it’s a no-brainer every time I visit. The formula is simple: small dishes to share, with the aim of sampling everything. One dish that really appealed to me was the venison tartare.

 Start of the 2ᵉ day

Our second day in the region begins smoothly and beautifully with lunch at Le Plumard. From dawn onwards, Tony is busy in the kitchen preparing hearty, tasty breakfasts for his guests. Afterwards, we explore the surrounding area to snap a few shots of the town, before heading off to an iconic venue.

7ᵉ stop. The reputation of Bleuets du Vire-Crêpes is well established. This pioneering gourmet tourism company in Chaudière-Appalaches is constantly developing its offering year after year. With their latest project, the Bleu & Gourmand street truck, Anne and Alain are expanding their culinary offering and surprising us with classic snacks enhanced with their delicious blueberries transformed in a variety of ways. You can also pick your own blueberries and enjoy a delicious blueberry ice cream.

8ᵉ stop. Before heading home again, one last stop is a must: the Cour arrière du Festibière de Lévis. With its beautiful festive atmosphere and proximity to the river, you’ll want to spend hours here. All you have to do is apply your sunscreen, and the Cour arrière takes care of the rest. There are even mini-pools on site where you can soak your feet in warm weather.

I hope I’ve inspired you to discover Lévis and all its different corners. You can find me on my blog for more travel tips and on my social networks @DezJeff.

Photos: Jeff Frenette

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