If we had to choose three ways to describe our certified Gîte and Auberge du Passant™ accommodation providers it would be comfortable rooms, delectable breakfasts and the legendary Quebec hospitality. But we’re not limited to three, so here are some more: unforgettable encounters, gourmet getaways and immersive experiences. A Gîte or Auberge du Passant™ is a home away from home, where you hosts throw open their doors and invite you in like family. Let’s take a look at what kind of trip could be awaiting you.
What’s Your Type?
First, you need to know the difference between a bed and breakfast (B&B) and an inn. That’s why it was so important to us to trademark these types of accommodation providers, so that each perfectly lines up with the degree of authenticity tourists are expecting.
We registered the trademarks Gîte du Passant™ in 1981 and Auberge du Passant™ in 1993. At the time, our intention was to improve the economic circumstances of farms and keep farmers working the land. Farmhouses tend to be big and many of the farmers wanted to give city dwellers a behind-the-curtain look at farm life, sharing their daily lives with them and getting them involved in activities on the farm. A stay at a Gîte or Auberge du Passant™ was guaranteed to be anything but ordinary.
Bed and breakfast establishments are generally selected by tourists for their comfort, cleanliness and delicious homemade breakfasts, known to change with the seasons.
About Gîte and Auberge du Passant™
Before we trademarked Gîte du Passant™, there were farmhouse B&Bs, which were born out of a farmers’ union promoted on-farm accommodation program in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
By definition, a Gîte du Passant™ is a bed and breakfast establishment operated by the owner or tenant. It must have at least 3 suns and no more than five (5) rooms. Breakfast must be included and local Quebec products must be prioritized on the menu.
An Auberge du Passant™ is an inn operated by the owner or tenant, which must have at least 2 suns and no more than 40 rooms. Again, a home-cooked breakfast must be included in the price of an overnight stay. Auberge du Passant™ establishments also often serve evening meals, and of course, local Quebec products must be prioritized on the menu.
An Authentic Taste of Quebec
Just like our other trademarked establishments (Table aux Saveurs du Terroir™ and Table Champêtre™), Gîte et Auberge du Passant™ establishments must meet strict criteria when it comes to the quality and provenance of the food they serve:
- Menus must be primarily composed of local and regional products from Quebec• Des spécialités ou des mets typiques à la région, préparés dans le respect des traditions, se trouvent au menu;
- Menus include specialties and typical regional cuisine, prepared in a traditional manner;
- Dishes must showcase distinctive aspects of the region’s cuisine (both in the ways food is prepared and presented);
- Dishes must be elegant, creative and unique;
- The origin of products must be emphasized in the names of dishes, on the menu and on the wine and beverage list;
- The wine and beverage list must contain products made in Quebec, such as craft beers, wines, ciders, liquors, sparkling water, etc.;
- There must be a policy of replacing imported products with local and regional products from Quebec;
- Vacation packages that shine a spotlight on Quebec’s local products and regional specialties must be developed;
Nothing but Quebec for Breakfast, Please!
- Not only do these accommodation providers have to meet the criteria mentioned on the previous page, breakfasts must also showcase homemade food, i.e. contain as little prepackaged food as possible. If prepackaged food is used, it must be served on dinnerware.
- What’s more, no continental breakfasts (i.e. muffins, croissants and coffee) are allowed!
Did You Know?
Many of the establishments recognized by Terroir et Saveurs du Québec stand out both for their history and their international reputation. These include :
- A myriad of B&Bs and inns celebrating over 200 years of history! Domaine de la Templerie in Montérégie (1846), Auberge Comme au Premier Jour in Bas-Saint-Laurent (a former presbytery dating from 1868, classified as a heritage monument with exceptional architecture), Auberge de l’Île Flottante on Île d’Orléans (1836), Auberge des Glacis (a seigniorial mill dating from 1841) and La Maison Rousseau (1847), both in Chaudière-Appalaches, Auberge William Wakeham (1860) in Gaspésie and Gîte Ancestral (1892) are good examples.
- Prestigious inns belonging to the Relais & Château group, such as StoneHaven Le Manoir (Laurentians) and Manoir Hovey (Eastern Townships).
- Le Château du Faubourg, a private French château in Quebec City’s historic district.
Une distinction qui perdure
The Gîtes et Auberges du Passantᴹᴰ still hold a special place in the hearts of epicureans, because not only are the moments we experience here unparalleled, but also the richness of these accommodations lies in the exchange of knowledge and flavors. For the duration of your stay, you’ll have a strong sense of change of scenery – an immersive experience you’ll find hard to resist!
For inspiration, consult the Repertory >>
