What lurks in the shadow of Mont Sainte-Anne

On this last Saturday in May, the colors of the countryside are almost dazzling. We're not the ones who are going to complain, as the landscape is completely decked out in soft green against the blue sky.

We leave our base camp, the Cheval & Campagne chalet, in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges and head down Avenue Royale, towards Les Canardisses, a duck producing farm.

Many of the addresses on the new Côte-de-Beaupré Gourmet Circuit can be found by bike and this is the method we chose for this part of the circuit; Both addresses are just ten minutes apart.

After chatting with the co-owner of Canardises Pascal Klein and admiring the view of the visitors, we hit the road again with our bag of produce. The brand is a member of Terego and has some spaces for vans; We pass the camps on our way back to the road.

We choose the climbs and descents of the Rong Saint-Antoine, an asphalt section. There, a river stretched before us; Again, these are mountains in the distance. We also look towards Saint-Nicolas, inland, where some rural roads are still unpaved.

Taking us to dinner… and a long way to take us to the Potato Shack, a small canteen serving good burgers in the heart of Saint-Ferriol-les-Neiges. The terrace allows us to enjoy the decor.

In the afternoon, head towards Mont-Sainte-Anne, where we start the Jean-Larose circuit, which is equivalent to an easy mountain bike trail (about 6 km one way) and offers a beautiful view of the river. It is mainly these enthusiasts that we see on the road. Please note that you must pay for your ticket to gain access to the MSA trails.

We return to Cheval & Campagne in the late afternoon, which has some horses and I find Zappa, this mitten-stealing dog I was infatuated with two years ago. Since then, she has become a mother; At this point, I also fall for his two young children. The address has a backdrop of Monts Sainte-Anne and Ferrol. In this setting I will try to observe the Northern Lights… but that is for next time.

The day before, I also redid part of the Avenue Royal from the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre towards the Angi-Guardian. I had already ridden this part of the Marie-Hélène Prémont cycle route, returning for the pleasure of seeing the cellars, bread ovens – like at Chez Marie Bakery – and ancestral buildings like the Baker Inn.

and for foodies…

This is my second visit to Auberge & Campagne, a stone's throw away from Cheval & Campagne, which has a chalet and a large room for private events.

After discovering co-owner Lisa Linton's excellent meals at the inn two years ago, this time I discovered the menu of Bar Chez Pot, located inside the establishment in the heart of Saint-Ferrol-les-Neiges.

If the brand isn't officially included on the Côte-de-Beaupré gourmet circuit, I'll long remember this menu created by chef Alex Grenier. After enjoying the last rays of the sun on the new terrace, we choose from a set menu of raw and grilled oysters, halibut crudo, salmon gravlax, as well as foie gras and prosciutto mousse.

Obviously, the brand is meant to be a meeting place for local people. Notice foodies From there or elsewhere, it would be a shame to miss it.

What else to do?

River shuttle

With things like hiking and mountain biking, there's no shortage of ideas in the area. Development Côte-de-Beaupre recently announced a reduction in river shuttle prices between Quebec and Côte-de-Beaupre: a round trip now costs $10. Cyclists are welcome at no extra charge.

Introduction to canyoning

If you like thrills, it is possible to discover the Saint-Anne Canyon by canyoning: we offer you to descend two walls of 12 and 19 meters under the supervision of professional guides. Activity is beginner to intermediate level.

The columnist is a guest of Development Côte-de-Beaupre.

Suggestions, questions, comments: write to me at [email protected]

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