The Chaudière-Appalaches region is a true delight for the taste buds—and the curious minds of food lovers big and small, whether they’re hungry, giggly, or both! On my getaway through this land of rich terroirs, I visited 5 stops across 4 of its 8 regional county municipalities: Lotbinière, Lévis, Bellechasse, and Montmagny and the Islands. I hope this delicious itinerary filled with the flavours of Chaudière-Appalaches will whet your appetite!
In today’s world, where many of us buy our food from grocery store shelves, it’s easy to forget the connection between the earth and our plate. Located in Sainte-Agathe-de-Lotbinière, Ferme pédagogique Marichel is one-of-a-kind in Québec. It welcomes kids aged 5 to 17 and families eager to discover—and fall in love with—life on a working farm.
Whether it’s for summer camp, nature classes, or a family visit, there are many ways to experience Ferme Marichel. Feed the animals, grow vegetables, collect fresh eggs, try your hand at wool weaving, take part in fun cooking activities, and so much more.
At Ferme Marichel, learning is as fun as it is meaningful!
Duck and foie gras lovers, don’t miss a stop at Canard Goulu in Saint-Apollinaire. This charming shop, housed in a former henhouse, offers a full range of fine products, all handcrafted from Barbarie ducks raised right on the farm by Sébastien Lesage and his team. They receive the ducklings when they’re barely 24 hours old and care for them with the utmost attention until they’re ready to be transformed into smoked duck breasts, terrines, rillettes, sausages, smoked meat—and of course, foie gras.
In summer, the small farm behind the shop is home to a flock of Barbarie ducks, along with pigs, geese, and a donkey. A flower-lined terrace next to the boutique is also open to visitors during the warm season: bring your picnic and round it out with a few chilled duck delicacies from the shop!
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Les Bleuets du Vire-Crêpes is a standout spot for blueberry picking. Anne Ladouceur, Alain Soulard and their team are ready to welcome you with baskets and little stools in hand. The boutique and Café du Vire-Crêpes, set in a beautifully restored former dairy barn, stay open well beyond blueberry season.
From June to Christmas, it’s the perfect place for brunch, a coffee break on the gorgeous terrace overlooking the blueberry fields, or to stock up on their wide range of blueberry-based products. From baked treats (muffins, pies, scones…) to gourmet jars (jellies, jams, vinaigrettes…) and their Bleu Naturellement skincare line (soaps, creams, lip balms…), there’s no better place to go all-in on blueberries!
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©Copyright of the image: Les Bleuets du Vire-Crêpes
When you already love a product, there’s something even more special about tasting it right where it’s made—with a view of the land that brings it to life. That’s exactly what I experienced at the shop counter of Fromagerie Île-aux-Grues, a cooperative founded in 1976. It processes all the milk produced on the island and is also its main employer.
The landscapes of Île-aux-Grues—both maritime and agricultural—are nothing short of breathtaking.
Tasting cheeses like Le Riopelle, Le Canotier de l’Isle, Mi-Carême, or Tomme de Grosse-Île surrounded by the beauty of the St. Lawrence River is a true feast for the senses. Check the ferry schedule and be sure to add Fromagerie Île-aux-Grues to your culinary itinerary in the region!
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Back in the 1970s, Jacques McIsaac bought a fruit farm in Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse. It took years before he began crafting fruit wines and created Le Ricaneux, their signature strawberry and raspberry apéritif. Today, the business is proudly run by his daughter, Nathalie McIsaac.
In addition to Le Ricaneux (which makes a divine sangria!), Ms. McIsaac and her team produce a variety of other fruit-based spirits—from port-style wines to rich cream liqueurs, perfect for a fruity kir.
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