Aerial view of the beach and water park at L'Éco-Parc des Etchemins in Lac-EtcheminAerial view of the beach and water park at L'Éco-Parc des Etchemins in Lac-Etchemin
©Aerial view of the beach and water park at L'Éco-Parc des Etchemins |Jeff Frenette
Travel like a local

Jeff On The Road rediscovers his childlike heart in Les Etchemins

Jeff Frenette in the field with the goats from Fromagerie fermière Cassis et Mélisse in Saint-Damien-de-Buckland.Jeff Frenette in the field with the goats from Fromagerie fermière Cassis et Mélisse in Saint-Damien-de-Buckland.
©Jeff Frenette in the field with the goats at Cassis & Mélisse
Jeff Frenette

Les Etchemins in the Chaudière-Appalaches region holds a very special place in my heart. Accompanied by my friend Mary, I had the chance to explore this fabulous area to find the best activities and addresses that are sure to make your mouth water!

 Les Etchemins, always in my heart!

Since I was very young, I’ve spent many precious moments there, mainly in the village of Saint-Zacharie, where the family chalet was located. These childhood memories are engraved in my mind, and it was high time I returned to this region that has left such a lasting impression on me, to discover all its hidden treasures.

View of Lac Etchemin from the Manoir du Lac-Etchemin | Lac-EtcheminView of Lac Etchemin from the Manoir du Lac-Etchemin | Lac-Etchemin
©View of Lac Etchemin from the Manoir du Lac-Etchemin|Jeff Frenette

     Local sweets: honey, chocolate and more

    Stop 1. We began our adventure in Sainte-Camille-de-Lellis, with a stop at Les ruchers LeCam. All their products, from honey to homemade frozen desserts, are a real treat for the taste buds. It was at this point that we began to soak up the local flavors and appreciate the bounty of this region. Jessica and Tom’s warm welcome alone is worth the detour.

    But don’t miss their decadent sundaes, especially the one called La Butineuse – a tasty dessert that incorporates their famous homemade raspberry sorbet, sweetened with their own honey.

    Honeycomb, Ruchers Le Cam | Saint-Camille-de-LellisHoneycomb, Ruchers Le Cam |Sainte-Camille-de-Lellis
    ©Honeycomb at Rucher Le Cam|Jeff Frenette
    La Butineuse Sundae at Ruchers Le Cam | Saint-Camille-de-LellisLa Butineuse Sundae at Ruchers Le Cam | Saint-Camille-de-Lellis
    ©La Butineuse Sundae at Rucher Le Cam|Jeff Frenette
    Tom and Jessica, owners of Ruchers Le Cam | Saint-Camille-de-LellisTom and Jessica, owners of Ruchers Le Cam | Saint-Camille-de-Lellis
    ©Tom and Jessica, owners of Ruchers Le Cam|Jeff Frenette

      Stop 2. Our exploration of the Etchemins led us to our next destination, La Pralinière. It was here that we were able to immerse ourselves in the world of artisanal chocolate design. It was not only delicious, but also instructive to see the care and attention put into creating these chocolate treats.

      Chocolate production at La Pralinière | Lac-EtcheminChocolate production at La Pralinière | Lac-Etchemin
      ©Chocolate production at La Pralinière de Lac-Etchemin|Jeff Frenette
      7-level ice cream at La Pralinière | Lac-Etchemin7-level ice cream at La Pralinière | Lac-Etchemin
      ©7-level ice cream at La Pralinière|Jeff Frenette
      Coupe glacée forteresse à l'érable at La Pralinière | Lac-EtcheminAll photos are under Copyright © 2023 Jeff Frenette Photography / dezjeff. To use the photos, please contact me at dezjeff@me.com.
      ©La Pralinière maple fortress ice cream|Jeff Frenette

         A relaxing interlude by the water!

        Stop 3. After these two resolutely sweet stops, we’re back on the road, heading for Manoir Lac-Etchemin, to put down our suitcases. This emblematic regional landmark exudes charm and history.

        This classic, contemporary accommodation offers everything you need for a successful Etchemins getaway: relaxation room, pool and easy access to the water.

        Stop 4. For a memorable dinner, a detour to BarBuck is a must. Their specialties? Coal-fired cooking and meats from their own on-site butcher shop. I fell in love with the homemade chicken wings as an appetizer and the ribeye as a main course.

        Blood sausage lovers will certainly be charmed by the apple and onion chantilly blood sausage, which is also entirely homemade.

        Bathers in the pool, Manoir du Lac-Etchemin | Lac-EtcheminBathers in the pool, Manoir du Lac-Etchemin | Lac-Etchemin
        ©Bathers in the pool at Manoir du Lac-Etchemin|Jeff Frenette
        View of Lac Etchemin from the Manoir du Lac-Etchemin | Lac-EtcheminView of Lac Etchemin from the Manoir du Lac-Etchemin | Lac-Etchemin
        ©View of Lac Etchemin from the Manoir du Lac-Etchemin|Jeff Frenette
        A chicken brochette from the BarBuck restaurant in Lac-EtcheminA chicken brochette from the BarBuck restaurant in Lac-Etchemin
        ©Chicken skewer at BarBuck|Jeff Frenette
        The ribeye from BarBuck restaurant in Lac-EtcheminThe ribeye from BarBuck restaurant in Lac-Etchemin
        ©BarBuck's rib-eye steak|Jeff Frenette

           To the beach!

          Stop 5. After a good night’s sleep at the Manoir, it was with great excitement that we headed for the Éco-Parc des Etchemins, a magical place on the shores of Lake Etchemin that has already left its mark on several generations.

          On site, you’ll find a superb beach for relaxing in the sun, water slides and a ton of water activities for young and old alike. You could easily spend a day, even two, here and still not have seen the whole thing.

          For my part, I fell in love with the beach – it was a real pleasure to have both feet in the sand and to be able to swim.

          Beach at L'Éco-Parc des Etchemins in Lac-EtcheminBeach at L'Éco-Parc des Etchemins in Lac-Etchemin
          ©Éco-Parc des Etchemins beach from the air|Jeff Frenette
          A couple sitting on the beach at the Éco-Parc des Etchemins in Lac-Etchemin.A couple sitting on the beach at the Éco-Parc des Etchemins in Lac-Etchemin.
          ©Éco-Parc des Etchemins beach|Jeff Frenette

             Moulin La Lorraine: When nature and culture meet!

            Stop 6. Next, we took a detour to Moulin La Lorraine, with its beautiful gardens and art center. The architecture and history of this place were fascinating, and reminded us that the region is steeped in heritage.

            Stop 7. Finally, we made a little detour to Saint-Zacharie, where I was able to show Mary the places of my childhood. It was a nostalgic moment, but also an opportunity to share my memories with a close friend.

            I hope I’ve inspired you to discover the hidden treasures of the Etchemins!

            Photos : Jeff Frenette

            Facade of Moulin La Lorraine | Lac-EtcheminFacade of Moulin La Lorraine | Lac-Etchemin
            ©Façade of Moulin La Lorraine|Jeff Frenette

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