Jeff On The Road tells us about his gourmet, relaxing, outdoor getaway in Lévis.

Stop 2. On the way to my accommodation on Route 132, I decided to stop off at O’Ravito café relais. I’d been there before and was seduced by their simple, tasty dishes.

Chef Ann-Rika , who won Les Chefs in 2017, strives to promote local and seasonal produce, while keeping her cooking accessible and up to date. The onion soup that accompanied my ham croissant from Boucherie Turlo, instantly charmed me with its gourmet and totally tasty side.

During the summer, it’s also a great stop for your bike rides, as it’s just a few steps from the boulevard Guillaume Couture utilitarian route, which goes all the way to the Parcours des Anses.

Stop 3: Le Plumard Couette et Café is one of the best discoveries of my stay. This charming B&B, located in the historic district of Vieux-Lévis, has it all. Built in 1923 by Joseph Gosselin, one of the most prolific building contractors of the time, this house is brimming with history and bears witness to a time when families were large.

Each of the rooms is tastefully decorated and offers a truly peaceful ambience in which to relax. The value for money is truly exceptional, especially with the delicious breakfasts prepared by Tony, a quality worthy of the best restaurants. Visit Marie-Josée and Tony at their bed and breakfast in Vieux-Lévis the next time you’re in the region, for a stay filled with sweetness and indulgence.

For those looking for accommodation with the comforts of a flat, they also have a large penthouse with a full kitchen and a direct view of Old Quebec and the Château Frontenac.

Stops 4 & 5. Walk while admiring the sunset on the lively walking trail of the Quai Paquet (link in french). And why not head over to the Le Corsaire (link in french) microbrewery for an aperitif and a taste of their beers made in Lévis?

Stop 6. My dinner at the Théophile restaurant was an extraordinary experience. Located in the Saint-Romuald district of Lévis, in a historic house, the restaurant offers a concept of small plates to share. The menu is constantly changing with the seasons, and the restaurant makes a point of respecting produce, local producers and the seasons.

If you’re a carnivore, I highly recommend trying their venison tartare, a dish that’s worth the diversions on its own. Do you have a sweet tooth and a little room left over at the end of the meal? You absolutely must try the sticky toffee pudding, a completely decadent dessert.

Stop 7. After a hearty lunch at Le Plumard, I set off for Sento Spa. This Japanese-inspired spa is located in Lévis in a sumptuous Victorian villa that once belonged to the Breakey family, hence the name of the Sainte-Hélène-de-Breakeyville area.

As soon as you set foot at Le Sento, you automatically feel out of place. The name comes directly from the Japanese sentō, which are public baths found just about everywhere in the land of the rising sun. The spa is very intimate and there are several hot and cold baths on site, as well as a dry sauna and a wet sauna. The facilities are very relaxing and make you feel good.

Stop 8. Alicia Sanchez, épicerie fine has quickly become a must in the Saint-Nicolas area, and with good reason! Drawing on his experience in the restaurant business, warm and smiling entrepreneur Pierre-Luc Cullen, in collaboration with his cousin Philippe, has developed his dream delicatessen. Here you’ll find all their favourite products from here and abroad, with a strong Mediterranean flavour. By the way, don’t make my mistake and don’t look for Alicia on the spot. Alicia Sanchez is the fictional character created by the two entrepreneurs to set the tone and soul of their delicatessen.

As well as all the fine products to satisfy your appetite, you’ll find a superb selection of privately imported wines to quench your thirst. You can also do as I do and enjoy a splendid charcuterie and cheese board on the spot with a good glass of wine. Finally, they offer a range of turnkey solutions, such as their charcuterie and cheese boards, which you can order in advance and which are sure to impress your friends at your next aperitif at home.

Want to extend the experience beyond Lévis? Just over an hour’s drive away, another wonderful surprise awaited me, between a village café and the great outdoors in a snow-covered forest…