7 Artisans at Work to Discover in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
Nouvelles du réseau
17 May 2024
Welcome to the majestic region of Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean, where art and craftsmanship thrive amidst breathtaking nature. Nestled in Quebec, this enchanting territory is a land of inspiration for local artisans, where each creation reflects the soul of this unique region. Embark on a journey to discover the authenticity and creativity of 7 artisans from saguenay, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable artistic adventure in the heart of Quebec’s nature.
Take an Artisans at work tour of eight economuseums, including seven stops.
Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for each visit, so you can explore up to three per day. Discover the richness and diversity of the skills of the artisans at work, and enjoy an experience rich in know-how!
On the lookout for businesses dedicated to sustainable tourism? Tournevent, Délices du Lac, Camerises Mistouk and l’Orée des champs, the first Quebec businesses to receive GreenStep certification in sustainable tourism.
Touverre (La Baie)
Glass Blowers ÉCONOMUSÉE®
Fine Stone Cutting ÉCONOMUSÉE®
Touverre has been passionate about transforming materials since 1993. Giuseppe Benedetto’s glass-blowing and stone-cutting workshop includes two economuseums, one for glass and the other for stone. Always on the lookout for new forms, the glass sculptor creates a wide variety of products using different handling, colouring and firing techniques. The craftsman at work bases his artistic approach on a mixed use of glass, silver, gold, granite, aluminum, bronze and steel. Come and watch him cut, polish and engrave stones. Giuseppe Benedetto even invites you to take part in some of the transformation stages, so that you too can come face to face with the material!
Ferme TournevenT (Hébertville)
Oilers ÉCONOMUSÉE®
Explore innovation and tradition at Ferme TournevenT, run by Audrey Bouchard and Guillaume Dallaire. Discover their vertically integrated model, combining the cultivation of various cereals such as canola, industrial hemp, camelina, golden and brown flax, buckwheat, yellow soup peas, lentils, as well as garlic and garlic flower, with agri-food processing of cold-pressed organic oils. Meet artisans dedicated to sustainable development and the circular economy, and explore their range of high-quality food products.
Miel des Ruisseaux (Alma)
Beekeeper ÉCONOMUSÉE®
Discover the captivating world of beekeeping at Miel des Ruisseaux, a family-run business established in 1997. Plunge into the heart of beekeeping during a guided tour where you will observe a living hive, as well as a virtual reality experience that will reveal the secrets of bees. Take part in a tasting session and savour their honeyed delights, from honey chocolates to Choco-Miel spread and quality meads. Join the artisans at work in the Fortier family for a unique sensory experience, where every drop of our honey captures the wonders of nature.
Cristal du Lac (Métabetchouan–Lac-à-la-Croix)
Crystal Prospector ÉCONOMUSÉE®
Explore the captivating world of crystals at Cristal du Lac. Discover an exhibition of fluorescent minerals and a private collection of unique specimens. Learn about extraction and crystallisation methods, and experience quartz crystal prospecting. Founded in 2010, the company offers a respectful immersion in mineral prospecting. Immerse yourself in the history of the site thanks to an exhibition presented in a magnificent preserved century-old barn. Activities for all ages await you, from adventure to the creation of handcrafted jewellery. Take part in this memorable adventure and leave with a unique piece of jewellery, from its extraction to its creation!
Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean (Albanel)
Jam Maker: Wild Blueberry ÉCONOMUSÉE®
Explore Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean with talented artisans at work Lisette, Émilie and Marie-Soleil, experts in wild blueberry processing. Immerse yourself in their sustainable facilities and enjoy engaging immersive activities, awakening your olfactory, auditory and visual senses. Relax on their charming terrace and taste their delicious products, from jellies to fine confectionery. Enjoy a unique multi-sensory experience, discovering the benefits of blueberries while savouring authentic flavours. A must for lovers of fine food and sustainable development.
Camerises Mistouk (Labrecque)
Haskap Cannery ÉCONOMUSÉE®
Camerises Mistouk is a family business specialising in the production and processing of haskap berries in the heart of the magnificent landscape of the town of Labrecque. The business stands out as a pioneer in the haskap industry in Quebec, and its orchard, with 70,000 plants, is the largest in the province. Come and meet a family whose mission is to help berry lovers discover the nutritional value of the haskap. Take advantage of a unique tourist concept offering an outdoor interpretation tour about the haskap, a visit to the field in an electric cart, a guided tour, a digital tour and pick-your-own (in season).
À l’Orée des champs (Saint-Nazaire)
Lamb Charcutier ÉCONOMUSÉE®
Immerse yourself in the history of the family farm, established in 1925, and discover the story of Léon and Marie-Rose Larouche, whose work has shaped the Orée des Champs of today. Today, their grandchildren Myriam and Dany are carrying on this tradition by diversifying the farm with the country-style restaurant À l’Orée des Champs. Myriam’s market-fresh cuisine showcases regional produce, particularly lamb reared on site, in an enchanting setting that is perfect for gourmet relaxation.
Ready for adventure? Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean is a beautiful place where nature and culture blend harmoniously, offering visitors an experience rich in artisanal discoveries and commitments to sustainable tourism.