Go Van on a roadtrip along the Route de la Beauce

There’s nothing like a road trip in the Beauce to discover the essence of this region, for which its inhabitants are renowned.

Beauce road trip: 140 km of discovery and authenticity

The Route de la Beauce allows you to meet the Beaucerons along a 140 km route. Here’s an overview of a weekend road trip in the Beauce, from Saint-Gédéon to Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon, along the Chaudière River.

Stop #1 - Saint-Gédéon-de-Beauce

The call of hunger leads us to the Gîte et Boulangerie À la Marguerite, where the smell of Marguerite’s artisan bread still reigns. The host shows us the different varieties of bread she has prepared today, which we can sample on the way during the day.

A post-digestion walk takes you to the church of Saint-Gédéon, where the papal podium is enthroned. Yes, the structure where John Paul II set foot in Quebec City in 1984 was transported here, since it was originally manufactured by Canam Steels, based in Saint-Gédéon.

Stop #2 - Saint-Georges-de-Beauce

Every year, ten sculptors from around the world exhibit their work at the Beauce Art, l’international de la sculpture. One of them is Paul Duval, the artist behind the giant sculpture “Le passage” erected in Parc Lacasse. We visit his studio to discover his fascinating world.

Then it’s nature’s turn to dazzle us at Parc des Sept-Chutes. A footbridge suspended over the seventh waterfall offers a breathtaking view of the Pozer River. A bike path and an 8 km trail invite you to stretch your legs.

To combine nature and gastronomy, we swap our van for a kayak with MF Aventure. The guide, Martin Frédéric, organizes “kayak gourmand” outings around the Sartigan dam. Stopping along the shoreline or on an island for a picnic, we discover the attractions of the Chaudière River and the local produce – pâtés, spirits and much more.

Stop #3 - Notre-Dame-Des-Pins

At 154.5 metres, the Perrault covered bridge, the longest of its kind in Quebec and the second longest in Canada, is the signature feature of Notre-Dame-Des-Pins, and is now open to pedestrians, cyclists and snowmobilers following restoration.

Stop #4 - Beauceville

If you’re a fishing fanatic, head for Parc des Rapides-du-Diable. Many wade fish here, as the Rivière Chaudière is shallow. It’s the bass that’s likely to take the bait, a species found in abundance in the lower reaches of the Chaudière. As populations of aquatic species are constantly changing, we recommend that you check the regulations in force before casting your line into the water.

Stop #5 - Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce

Since Fromagerie Gilbert products are only available in the Chaudière-Appalaches region and Quebec City, we’re taking the opportunity to stock up. Soon to celebrate 100 years in business, they are renowned for their “Fromage Beauceron”, the pride of local dairy farmers.

To learn more about the cultural identity of the Beauce region, we recommend a visit to the Marius B. Museum, named after Canada’s first ethnologist. The museum’s artistic, historical and ethnological exhibits and guided tours give visitors a better grasp of what makes these people tick!

Stop #6 - Vallée-Jonction

The heart of Vallée-Jonction is arguably its railway station; it was its construction in 1917 that put the municipality on the map. Today, the station has been converted into a railway museum, but its functions have varied over the years, especially during the Cold War. The museum’s founder and stationmaster, François Cliche, takes us on a tour of the building, sharing his passion for its history with us.

Stop #7 - Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce

A great find in Sainte-Marie is the Aux Fruits de la Colline kiosk, where you can pick your own berries. Try their strawberry slush – a must on a summer road trip to Beauce.

Sweet tooths will want to push the experience all the way to Maison J.-A. Vachon, once home to the famous Joe Louis founding couple.

Stop off at Domaine Taschereau, an ecological park on the banks of the Chaudière River. Hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails allow you to discover this site, where more than 150 species of birds can be observed and visitors can gain a better understanding of the floods that occur here.

Stop #8 - Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon

We’re getting closer and closer to the St. Lawrence River, and the trip is drawing to a close. We end our Beauce road trip at the Parc du Détroit de la Chaudière, the perfect spot for a picnic.

These stops help us understand why the Beaucerons are so well known in this area – their warmth and authenticity are enough to convince us to repeat the experience.

For further exploration, discover other road trips in the Chaudière-Appalaches region.

Thank you to the lovely Go-Van team for telling us about their “À Vivre pour Vrai” escapade on the Route de la Beauce!

Photos: Karolina Krupa of Go-Van

Route de la Beauce

Come and meet the friendly Beaucerons along the Route de la Beauce. If you’re a history and culture buff, this route along the Chaudière River and its valley is for you!

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