The Nanc’ summer long weekend in Chaudière-Appalaches!

I’ve always liked the idea of unusual accommodation in the countryside. As much as the adventurer in me loves camping, the in-between gives me a sense of well-being and freedom.

And that’s exactly what the shelters at Camping et Chalets de La Demi-Lieue offer.

A perfect place to cook outside, admire the sunrise and sunset and read a good book by the fire. It’s vacation time!

I highly recommend a stop at O’ravito Café on your route, whatever your means of transport! A story of family and passions, Odette, the mother, a seasoned cyclist and Ann-Rika, chef (including winner of Les Chefs! 2017). A friendly refreshment point for cyclists and a tasty kitchen where local products are in the spotlight.

I love (the word is weak) gardens. So it was with great excitement that I went to Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière to meet Hélène Leclerc, director of the estate and a true enthusiast who has been contributing to the advancement of horticultural knowledge in Quebec for over 30 years.

I’d often heard about the immense black walnut trees, over a hundred years old, which are, in a way, the Domaine’s signature. Now I understand why. Taking the time to picnic, play and relax at the foot of these trees full of history and energy reminds us of our smallness in the face of nature and the passage of time.

With over 2,300 varieties of species, birdsong, lush forest, heritage buildings, diverse programming and the fullness of this immense garden park, there’s something for everyone, young and old.

The Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière is characterized by many factors, not least of which is its privileged access to the St. Lawrence River. A promenade lined with immense stratified cliffs, which alone are worth the detour and offer an exceptional, ephemeral landscape at the mercy of the tides.

It’s hard to describe the uniqueness of Pointe-Platon – it’s something you simply have to experience, feel and transform.

In Lotbinière, the best place for an aperitif or dinner is Boucanerie Del Tonio! The restaurant offers a varied menu and a convivial terrace. Friendly owner Anthony offers a distinctive cuisine, revisiting classics with local products.

A 300-year-old village, authentic wooden houses, riverside promenades where time stands still, Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly richly deserves its nomination as one of Quebec’s most beautiful villages.

There are some places where you feel instantly at home, where you want to come back again and again, and the Maison Normand is one of them.

This former 1894 general store converted into a bed & breakfast/boutique is just like its owners Carol and Diane: charming and warm. Each item is carefully selected from their many travels in Asia.

A visit to Maison Normand is a happy blend of respect for and appreciation of our roots, and an openness to the world. It’s a message that’s wonderfully conveyed in their local-flavored breakfasts, accompanied by a lassi.

A visit to the boutique will convince you to spend the night.

Agri-tourism is at the heart of this charming village, with its renowned cheese factory, orchards, cider mills and the famous authentic Breton crêperie Du côté de chez Swann.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon when I had the chance to be introduced to sailing by Guylain and Justine from Formation Nautique Québec.

Who hasn’t dreamed of leaving the open sea and sailing with the wind? I’d been wanting to learn the basics of sailing for a long time, and get my first experience on the water.

All I needed was an outing on the majestic St. Lawrence River to get the bug!

A big thank you to everyone I met during my stay for your time and generosity, and to the entire Tourisme Chaudière-Appalaches team!

Nanc’