Girls’ getaway in Montmagny: tropical relaxation & city discoveries

There are days we look forward to… and others that surprise us beyond belief. Our girls’ trip to Montmagny definitely falls into the second category. It all started when a friend told us about the Mlle l’Oiselle experience at the Centre de Santé de l’Oiselière Montmagny: a moment of relaxation, gentleness and complicity in a haven of tropical peace, less than an hour from Quebec City.

Let’s face it: we had high expectations. But we had no idea just how much good this day would do… for both body and soul.

A warm welcome sets the tone

As soon as we arrived at the L’Oiselière hotel, the receptionist greeted us with a sincere smile, the kind that makes you feel expected, important, almost like a guest of honour. We walk through the reception and suddenly everything changes.

The light, the warmth, the plants, the still pool under the glass roof: you’ve literally just stepped into a tropical oasis in the heart of Montmagny. It’s crazy to think that in less than an hour’s drive, you can get so far away from it all.

Tucked away in the atrium, the Health center awaits us. Élyse, our massage therapist for the day, welcomes us with a soft bathrobe under her arm… and a glass of bubbly. The kind of start to the day that clearly announces: “Girls, today you’re here to be pampered”.

The Mlle l'Oiselle salon: 4 hours of pure bliss

Behind the velvet curtains, you’ll discover the salon of the Mlle l’Oiselle experience: an intimate little bubble where time seems to stand still.

For nearly four hours, you can chat, laugh and completely relax, while being pampered by the meticulous, gentle and luminous Élyse. The small bites from La Couvée, the hotel’s restaurant, were the perfect complement to the moment. True luxury… in all its simplicity.

Each treatment was like a journey:

Véronique opted for a radiant facial;
Mélanie indulged in a well-deserved pedicure;
Manon melted under a hot stone massage.

All three of us came away transformed.

Spa under the palm trees and back to reality... almost

After our treatments, we head to the atrium for a spa moment.

The tropical atmosphere makes all the difference: between the greenery, the warm water and the enveloping calm, we could have stayed there all day.

But as all good things must come to an end – and an afternoon of shopping awaited us – we put on our coats, still wrapped in gratitude and softness, and headed for downtown Montmagny.

À Double Pas - Putting on Manon's shoes

First stop: the Double Pas (link in french) boutique, where Manon was looking for new shoes.

From running shoes to trendy boots, the selection is truly impressive. And so is the service. While Manon was being carefully advised by dear owner Annie (thanks again!), we were exploring hats, scarves, accessories… so many temptations.

After a dilemma between a few favourites, Manon finally came back to her first option: a pair that was original, comfortable and so ‘her’. She left the shop with a smile on her face… mission accomplished.

Cuisinerie & Cie - To inspire Mélanie

Second stop: Cuisinerie & Cie (link in french).

A veritable Ali Baba’s cave for anyone who loves to cook, entertain… or simply dream in front of adorable accessories. Utensils, aprons, small electrics, spices, surprising finds: there’s absolutely everything.

And that’s where Mélanie discovered – and adopted! – the famous Gurgle Pot: a coloured water pot that makes a unique sound when you pour. It’s a real treat, as fun as it is decorative.

We could have searched every shelf for hours… but the clock reminded us that it was already time to go home.

The end of the day... but certainly not the end of our escapades

On the way back to Quebec City, we were all thinking the same thing: next time, we’ll spend the night at l’Oiselière to visit other shops in the city centre or to discover the region, which has so much to offer!

Because time has gone by far too quickly.

And because sometimes, a break with the girls is just what you need to recharge your batteries.

Montmagny, we’ll be back soon. We promise. 💛

Photos: Daniel Thibault & Stéphanie Allard