Ange and her family take part in Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière’s Youth Sunday

We took advantage of the opening of the Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière on the first weekend in May to see nature at its most enchanting. Visitors are welcome until the end of October, and on the first Sunday of every month, the Domaine offers a programme of discovery activities (free for youngsters) that are not to be missed: hortitherapy, outdoor exhibitions, a family escape challenge, plus the chance to enjoy the region’s most beautiful gardens. It’s well worth taking a look at their daring programming throughout the season!

I followed the children as they ran along the main path to look around and observe the May flowers: daffodils, daffodils, hellebores and hyacinths were the queens of the hour. It was special to see spring taking hold, with the bright colours of the flowers here and there, even before the rest of the landscape had started to green up!

What’s more, we were lucky enough to enjoy a mini-vernissage in the company of artist Mathilde Cinq-Mars, whose work we love. Her illustrations on the theme of Quebec flora create a poetic and delicate visual journey through the Domaine’s forest overlooking the river. Enjoying art in harmony with nature with my children was pure joy! We were invited to guess the different species presented in her watercolours, a fun way to learn more about our precious terroir.

Afterwards, we had our eye on the terrace of Café Le Noyer Noir for dinner! On site, you can choose from a range of picnic options to take away to the gardens or the terrace. Local cheeses and charcuterie were the order of the day, accompanied by marinades, crackers and pastries for dessert. First meals outside are always exhilarating, and we were delighted to sit down on the terrace to share our lunch.