Hotspots: The charm of Charlevoix

About 350 million years ago, A meteor hit the Earth and created a 54-kilometer crater where Charlevoix is ​​now located. There is a certain magic in the air, scented with pine and spruce, rolling over hills and farmlands. The region is known for its stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and is home to several excellent ski areas, including the world-class resort Le Massif and the brand new Club Med Quebec Charlevoix. For the indoor type, there’s a vibrant arts and culture scene and farm-to-table dining. Here are some places where you can luxuriate in Charlevoix’s past and glimpse its future.

fake burger

Hyperlocal dining at its best

1339 Boulevard Mgr de Laval, Baie Saint-Paul | | fauxbergers.com

despite the cheeky name— which means “false shepherd” — Faux Bergers is real. Located on an award-winning cheese farm, we work with professional ranchers to care for our flock of sheep. Meanwhile, in the dining room, enjoy a prix fixe seven-course menu that celebrates the region’s terroir with an ever-changing selection of ultra-regional dishes such as smoked duck magret, roasted matsutake mushrooms, and arctic char. Book in advance to secure a seat, or try your luck at its more relaxed sister restaurant in Baie-Saint-Paul’s city center, La Louve Buvette Gentille.

Menow

best sake

1 Rue de la Rivière, Clermont | | menaud.jp

of 1937 Book Meno, managerWritten by Charlevoix author Felix Antoine Savart, it follows a log driver as he struggles to defend his country and home. It is also the name of the best distilleries and breweries in the region. The owner creates creations using local ingredients, such as haskapberry-brewed beer and gin, or rhubarb and organic baby vodka flavored with rhubarb and ginger. Not only does the distillery have a (very nice looking) bottling ethos from grain, it also sources its own wheat, rye and barley from neighboring farms.

Oh Lavash!

best cheese vendor

124 Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Baie-Saint-Paul | | ahlavacheresto.com

step into this The cozy Baie Saint-Paul restaurant makes you feel like you’re in an après-ski time warp. Swiss-born chef-owner Nicolas Veron and his partner Sophie Eschemble from Quebec have opened A La Vache! In 2015 we offer a bubbly pot of fondue. Options include Emmental, Raclette, and funky Ciel de Charlevoix Bleu, but our favorite is Veron’s classic Vacherin Gruyère.

Musée d’art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul

top cultural destination

23 Rue Ambroise-Fafard, Baie Saint-Paul

of 1992, famous Quebec City architect Pierre Thibault transformed a former theater site into a new museum. It is the only museum in eastern Quebec that focuses on contemporary art. On his docket from November 26th to his June 4th is Etienne Saint, an artist who transforms the beauty of science and nature into art through mathematics and abstraction, creating digital images using unique mathematical formulas. -There is an exhibition of Aman.

Hydromel Charlevoix

best wine

49 Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Baie-Saint-Paul | | Hydromelcharlevoix.com

Made by Hydromel Charlevoix Delicious wines and spirits with honey from local beehives dotted around the area. Combining certain honeys with local fruits and plants, the distillery and Meadley also produce pickets, naturelles of petirants and gins. Stop by to see how honey is transferred from bee to bottle and sample Rang 5-Pet Nat, a delightful deep pink honey wine flavored with local blueberries.

Le Germain Charlevoix

Where to stay: Luxury at its best in hotels and spas

50 Rue de la Ferme, Baie Saint-Paul

For ski enthusiasts, there’s no better home base than Le Germain, sandwiched between the mountains and the comfort of Baie Saint-Paul. Rooms start at $215 per night, and the hotel has two top-notch dining spots. Le Vercail offers a relaxed setting for lunch, drinks and dinner by a crackling fireplace. Les Labors offers a terroir-driven fine dining experience that includes dishes prepared in front of you. The hotel spa includes a Finnish sauna, eucalyptus steam bath, hot and cold outdoor pools and a snow fountain. A great place to refresh, recharge or refresh. Just enjoy the scenery.

Domaine Belle Plage

Where to Stay: Best Budget

192 Rue Sainte-Anne, Baie-Saint-Paul

Domaine Belle Plage stays true to its name, in front of one of Charlevoix’s most beautiful beaches, at the confluence of the Goufre and St. Lawrence rivers. The town of Bay Saint-Paul is within walking distance and Le Massif, a popular ski destination, is just a 30-minute drive away.The hotel’s 33 clean, contemporary rooms (From $95 per night) Caters to all types of travelers with more spacious options and kitchenette bonuses for the family.

local favorite

“My favorite place to eat in Baie Saint-Paul is cafe piadaAuthentic Sicilian restaurants, cafes and markets near the Rivière du Gouffre. Try the cheesy gnocchi. Heaven is in your mouth. Or pick up pasta, olives and peppers imported from Italy. ”—Everist Prokofiev, artist and gallery owner

Happening this month:

Marche de Noel de Baie Saint-Paul | | agabsp.com/marche-noel

December 2-11, 2022

Take the charming charm of downtown Baie-Saint-Paul, add some snow, garlands and lights and you have one of Quebec’s most enchanting Christmas markets. There are 10 days (and weeknights) of shopping, Carol, and an appearance or two of him you know. -Who. A great place to stock up on local merchandise for holiday gifts. The market brings together more than 40 vendors from the region’s vibrant arts, culture, food, and beverage industries (honey, wine, goat cheese, ornaments, prints, knits, and more).

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This article appeared in the December 2022 issue of . McLean’s magazine.He bought this issue for over $8.99 and subscribed to the monthly for just $39.99.