A quiet oasis where you can enjoy special food and get lost in suggestive views: read the post to discover L'Ile D'Orleans.
A short distance from the historic Quebec City, L 'Ile D'Orleans, in the middle of the San Lorenzo river, is an authentic and suggestive jewel of nature placed in front of the imposing ones Montmorency Falls.
The history of Ile D'Orleans
Baptized by the explorer Jacques Cartier in honor of the Duke of Orleans, the islet, about 35 km long and 8 wide, is easily accessible thanks to the bridge built in 1935 that connects it to the mainland.
Its pristine beauty makes it a unique and unmissable place for those who stay in the city and has the opportunity to add a day trip (or even less) to their visit.
L'Ile D'Orleans: unspoiled nature
Declared a historic area in 1970 with the aim of preserving its identity, the main attraction of this island is mainly nature and its rural soul that will make you breathe the rural atmosphere of the various villages scattered along the 60-kilometer road that runs along its entire perimeter.
It can be visited in a few hours and, for the most trained, perfect for cycling given the few ups and downs.
You will be fascinated by the scenery that this island can offer its visitors with an infinite number of postcard views, its thousand old barns with red, white or blue roofs, with immense fields full of blueberries, strawberries or apples to be harvested according to the season.
Full of family-run farms or small producers to be discovered, here time seems in some respects to have stopped with the rhythm of life still dictated by the land that man cultivates with attention and respect.
Discovering the island
As soon as you cross the bridge, begin to discover the island by walking clockwise and be ready to stop in the numerous ones ecomusée, the small, mostly family-run businesses where you can discover and taste the many products of this land.
The first unmissable stop, just a few minutes from the start of the route, is the one from Mona Cassis, famous for the liqueur made with black currant, the Creme de Cassis. Run by the father and two daughters, here whatever you taste will be based on blackcurrant grown in the adjacent fields: from ice cream to jams, from juices to tea.
Their completely recovered barn is beautiful and often coveted as a dream wedding location.
Continuing on the road there will be a succession of wineries, cidreria and small kiosks where you can buy the tasty fruit. If you want, you can have fun collecting it directly.
Stop at Cidrerie Bilodeau near Saint-Pierre and let us tell you, as well as tasting, the numerous products made with apples, from cidro to the precious ice wine to preserves and exceptional sauces to be used on meats or cheeses.
Speaking of cheeses, Les Fromages de ĂŽle d'Orleans about halfway down the road on the north side of the island, it will welcome you with its fine dairy products still made according to an ancient method that has been purposely preserved.
The eastern tip of the island
Resume the road towards the eastern tip of the island and be careful not to miss the Caravan du Coin, a kiosk in perfect street food style where you can enjoy a whole series of dishes strictly prepared only with duck meat.
Gourmet burgers with foie gras, poutine (the typical Quebec dish) and much more, all made, including the delicious fruit juices, with ingredients coming directly from the owner of the farm, Francois.
You will be conquered by the goodness of the dishes on offer, much better than a starred restaurant!
After passing the eastern tip of the island, in Saint-François it's time for dessert… or better, for the homemade chocolate Chocolaterie of the Ile d'Orleans, a true cult of the island.
L'Ile d'Orleans thus becomes a peaceful oasis, the ideal place to get lost in good food and truly unique views. Like that of Vignoble de Petronille winery: sitting among its vineyards you will be enchanted by the distant view of the majestic Montmorency Falls… In this place you may decide to change your life!
