Jeff On The Road discovers Bellechasse’s hidden treasures

Let’s plunge together into the enchanting Bellechasse region, a jewel nestled in the valleys of the Chaudière-Appalaches region. A place where time seems to stand still and every corner of the region tells a unique story. The rolling hills seem to whisper ancestral tales, while the rivers dance with natural elegance. Picturesque villages, imbued with rustic charm, invite you to a gentle, contemplative escape.

The Bellechasse area is a veritable open-air museum, where history is expressed through centuries-old stone churches and manor houses that seem to preserve the secrets of the past. The art of living is echoed in the local gastronomy, featuring local products that delight the senses.

Stop 1: The sun peeks over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the picturesque village of Saint-Anselme. My day begins with a bike ride along the famous Cycloroute de Bellechasse. You can safely explore the village of Saint-Anselme and the surrounding area via a bike path and secondary roads.

The ride begins, guided by the curves of Bellechasse’s bucolic roads. Each turn reveals new landscapes, from endless fields to lush green hills. For my part, I opted for an electric bike, which adds a touch of ease and accessibility to the experience, allowing me to fully appreciate the surroundings – the electric assistance means you can easily pedal at your own pace, without having to exert too much effort.

Stop 2. I begin my discoveries at Ferme Caprijol, a family-run business with a herd of 1,500 goats. As I enter their self-service boutique, the tantalizing smell of fresh produce titillates my senses.

The farm, which specializes in goat products, offers a mouth-watering variety of cheeses, sausages and other artisanal delights. Their goat’s milk caramel is a pure delight – no wonder it has won numerous awards for this product, including the gold medal at the prestigious Concours International de Lyon in 2023. In fact, it was the only company in North America to win an award that year in the Cheese & Dairy Products category.

After visiting the boutique, I approach the paddock and a caprine welcoming committee is quick to make me feel welcome at the farm. It’s already time to leave Ferme Caprijol, but it’s certainly time to come back!