June 27, 2018 (Quebec) – On your next cycling trip to Québec enjoy gourmet adventures as you experience a warm welcome at numerous pit stops whether at a bike-friendly vineyard, coffee shop, micro-brewery, cidrerie or fromagerie – Québec has it all.
MONTRÉAL – Stop #1
A cosmopolitan city, Montréal is bursting with cycling excitement and ready to serve it up in style at la Maison des cyclistes, a great meeting spot for cyclists where you can enjoy a café while sourcing a goldmine of information at their travel agency and boutique offering a wide selection of books, guides, maps and accessories for cyclists including advice. Located at the crossroads of two major bike paths in Montréal this is the nerve centre of Québec’s cycling culture and a key hub for cycling enthusiasts!
Route verte http://cyclingquebec.com/en/the-route-verte
OUTAOUAIS – Stop #2
An hour’s drive northwest from Montreal, in the eastern part of the Outaouais region, is the green oasis of Petite-Nation La Lièvre with 129km of prime destination for those in search of an authentic local experience including beer, chocolate and cheese.
For years, Alain Boyer made cheese at Fromagerie in Plaisance, and then went in another directionŠ without ever forgetting his trade. In 2011, stars realigned. Fromagerie Montebello was born in the heart of the Petite-Nation, to cheese lovers’ delight who first adopted Tête à Papineau cheese enthusiastically. Since their opening they have received several awards for their quality cheeses.
Montebello was part of the only seigneury in Petite-Nation, in Outaouais and other artisanal cheeses such as Rébellion 1837, Manchebello and Adoray, acknowledge the wealth of the region’s history.
Only in Montebello you’ll also find les Brasseurs de Montebello featuring a refreshing array of local beers and a delightful chocolate Economuseum for a gourmet snack where passionate local artisans and producers are eager to share their love of their craft.
In Papineau footsteps – http://cyclingquebec.com/en/in-papineau-s-footsteps
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS – Stop #3
East of Montreal you’ll find the 106.5 km Coaticook Valley circuit in the Eastern Townships featuring artisans and agricultural landscapes along with a reputation as a must-try destination for ice cream, micro-brews and honey.
Along the way, you’ll come across the Laiterie de Coaticook where you can stop for a real-milk ice cream treat and regain some energy. Continue your ride and take in the Fromagerie La Station de Compton, as well as the villages of Saint-Venant-de-Paquette and East Hereford; take the opportunity to walk the Pioneer Trail. This historical tour, winding through all of the villages on your route, will introduce you to significant historical figures from the area.
Try the 44km Compton loop, you will find cassis, orchards, a multi-awarded cheesemaker, a village café with the Créateur de saveurs certification, and a public market on Thursday evenings (until September 28). Check out Café de Village, a network of cafés that double as welcoming committees, where you’ll find Que du Bonheur, another great rest stop. If you turn toward Sherbrooke instead, you will discover Ferme Beaulieu, a vineyard, village cafés, as well as creative chefs.
The Coaticook Valley circuit http://cyclingquebec.com/en/la-vallee-de-la-coaticook
MONTÉRÉGIE – Stop #4
Not to be missed is the Cider Route which includes an essential stop at Cidrerie Michel Jodoin in the heart of Mont Rougemont. You can take in the breathtaking view over the Monteregian valley while tasting the best ciders that Québec has to offer.
With its refined combination of family tradition and modernity, Cidrerie Michel Jodoin has been turning apples into cider since 1901. Its unique and bold products are recognized in Québec and throughout the world. Cidrerie Michel Jodoin is rooted in a long-standing family tradition dating back to 1901. The cider house relies on excellence and innovation to offer a varied selection of quality products. After visiting the boutique and tasting the products, make sure you perform the required maintenance work on your bike before hitting the road.
In addition to Cidrerie Michel Jodoin, the Rougemont region features several other great cider producers that need no introduction, including Domaine De Lavoie, Domaine Cartier-Potelle and Vignoble et Cidrerie Coteau Rougemont. Each will seduce the epicurean in you in their own special way.
Domaine De Lavoie offers high quality cider and wines. It also features a vineyard and a variety of unique attractions, as well as a reception hall for all occasions. In the fall, the apple is the main attraction, particularly at La Pommeraie d’Or, which is held by the same owner. It also comprises an apple interpretation centre.
The owners of Domaine Cartier-Potelle are proud to welcome you to visit their estate which boasts 15,000 apple trees and over a dozen apple varieties. Enjoy the estate’s ciders and ice ciders in an enchanting setting on the mountain’s south-facing slope, at the foot of the Mont Rougemont cross. Take in the breathtaking view over Mont Saint-Grégoire and the Monteregian valley.
Finally, you simply must visit Coteau Rougemont, a magnificent estate nestled on the mountainside which comprises a vineyard and an orchard. The area is particularly well suited for the growing of vines and of fruits such as apples and pears. You will find many different products that will enchant you.
129km Circuit des Patriotes http://cyclingquebec.com/en/circuit-des-patriotes
CENTRE-DU-QUÉBEC – Stop #5
Continue your love affair in Québec northwest of Montreal with amazing cycling adventures along the St. Lawrence River in the Centre-du-Québec region at the half-way point to Québec City for a potpourri of gourmet treasures.
The route from Bécancour to Deschaillons, takes in part of sections #3 and #4 of Route verte. The Auberge Godefroy, located nearby, is renowned for the comfort of its rooms as well as its fine cuisine and gastronomy. Next to the Bécancour Tourist Information Office you will find an organic cheesemaker and a public market.
Don’t miss Café de la Maison de Bibi, a café, boutique and small batch soap company close to Bécancour on the edge of Route verte #3 in the Sainte-Angèle area for a fabulous lunch featuring healthy and home-cooked meals or a ready-to-eat lunch box. Check out the gourmet shop and the soap factory to learn about the history of soap and soap making and if you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be able to resist treating yourself to a piece of fudge before heading back on your journey.
The Sainte-Angèle’s wharf is another spot not to be missed with a 55-foot high observation tower to experience breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and an ideal spot to have a picnic. There’s also a river shuttle stop so cyclists and pedestrians can cross the river between Trois-Rivières and Bécancour.
Nearby you can get refreshed at the Ô Quai des brasseurs microbrewery. Other attractions include a vineyard that offers a visit of the property and tastings and in nearby Gentilly, the Moulin Michel, an old mill explains how to make buckwheat flour.
En route to Deschaillons-sur-Saint-Laurent, visit La Tomaterie de Saint-Pierre-les-Becquets which offers a range of products made of tomatoes and cranberries, or pick-your-own blueberries, raspberries, Morello cherries, sea buckthorns, red currants, and black currants at Saint-Pierre-les-Becquets. Return to Auberge Godefroy for an amazing dinner and a relaxing evening.
Circuit The St. Lawrence River, from Bécancour to Deschaillons : http://cyclingquebec.com/en/the-st-lawrence-river-from-becancour-to-deschaillons
LAURENTIDES – Stop #6
Another recommendation not to be missed is The Country Tour in the Laurentians, a 60.5km circuit, part of which is on La Route Verte. You’ll discover a multitude of passionate local producers and a wealth of agricultural tourism for delicious, high-quality products and amazing memories.
Ride on quaint country roads while taking in vineyards such as Riviere du Chene Winery, Negondos Vignoble biologique, or La Bullerie for sparkling wine; honey products at Intermiel; amazing apple creations at Labonte de la Pomme Orchards; and beautiful gardens at The Route des Gerbes D’Angelica.
There is so much to take here along The Country Tour as you make your way through a delightful rural décor including heritage, culture and history since a good part of this enchanting tour is on the famous Chemin du Terroir.
The Country Tour (60.5km – part of the Route verte) http://cyclingquebec.com/en/the-country-tour
BAS-SAINT-LAURENT – Stop #7
There is so much to do in Bas-Saint-Laurent located along the south shore of the lower Saint Lawrence River, we recommend that you start by picking up the official tourist guide, “Taste the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region”, at the Information Tourist Office of La Pocatière. You’ll be amazed at the many original gourmet stopovers to be found on the 40km Circuit des Églantiers lined with wild roses and beautiful ancestral homes.
In La Pocatière stop in at the Mouton Blanc cheese factory to sample more than thirty kinds of cheeses including other local products such as jams, oils, maple products, dried sausages, and much more. And don’t miss the Festival des Fromages this July 20-21 for a truly special experience.
The Pâtisseries & Gourmandises d’Olivier (French bakery) is another opportunity to sample the region’s renowned selection of fine pastries made in the French tradition including brightly coloured macaroons, fresh-baked breads and pure butter pastries, or try the ice cream and homemade berry sorbets.
In nearby Kamouraska, a 30km bike ride away, drop by the Boulangerie Niemand bakery established in a Victorian home built in 1903. This bakery shop features hand-shaped hearth-baked sourdough breads using grain grown in the region along with pastries, preserves, vinegars made with local berries and other delicacies. Specializing in fresh and healthy food, the bakery offers highly nutritious products.
Another must stop is the Poissonnerie Lauzier including a fish market, bistro and traditional smokehouse that offers a large variety of sea products such as seafood, fish, smoked fish and succulent prepared meals with passion and tradition for more than two decades.
You won’t want to miss the Chocolaterie La Fée Gourmande artisanal chocolate shop where a wide selection of chocolates, caramels, ice creams, sorbets, marshmallows, spreads, candies and nougats are prepared.
Venture another 17km to Saint-André-de-Kamouraska and enjoy a well-deserved refreshment at the Tête d’allumette microbrewery, a creative microbrewery in an ancestral home nestled in the magnificent Kamouraska landscape. Sample exceptional beers prepared from local crops and brewed on wood fires as you enjoy spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and the Charlevoix mountains from the terrace and tasting room.
Circuit des Églantiers http://cyclingquebec.com/en/le-circuit-des-eglantiers
SAGUENAY – LAC-SAINT-JEAN – Stop #8
For more unforgettable experiences in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region known for its amazing cycling and Véloroute des Bleuets, check out the Microbrasserie du Lac Saint-Jean bistro located in Saint-Gédéon. Sample their renowned craft beers such as the Gros Mollet and over 16 different brews on tap as you enjoy you’re their menu which features grilled meats and generous cheese and charcuterie platters on their large pastoral patio.
While in Saint-Gédéon don’t miss the Fromagerie Boulangerie Médard, known for its breakfasts and delicious cheeses.
In Alma, just a short 15km bike ride away from Saint-Gédéon, check out the Microbrasserie du Lac‘s newly opened Bistrot Micro du Lac to savour more of their great beers.
The timing is also perfect to visit the area as a new regional beer route has just launched featuring 14 amazing microbreweries that have joined forces with the Table agroalimentaire to create a beer-lovers adventure you won’t soon forget.
Circuit Véloroute des Bleuets: http://cyclingquebec.com/en/veloroute-des-bleuets