Weekend in Charlevoix: at the heart of know-how

Charlevoix‘s power of attraction dates back more than 400 million years to the arrival of a meteorite that sculpted Quebec’s most beautiful setting, an inhabited crater unique in the world. Captivation? Magnetism? It’s hard to explain, but there’s definitely a special energy here. We all want to stop, breathe, get active, wake up. Like a connection finally rediscovered.

As spring approaches, here is the rich itinerary of the Artisans at work network in the Charlevoix region. There is so much to discover!

Time by bike: 11 hours
Time by car: 4 hours

Safran Nordique [Clermont]

Guided tours in small groups, with family or friends, will show you the facilities at Safran Nordique. An hour of discovery demystifies the cultivation of the world’s oldest spice, from its importance in trade to its profitability, not to mention its history and benefits. This precious saffron, which has enhanced flavours for thousands of years, is transformed here into culinary delights.

Centre de l’Émeu de Charlevoix [Saint-Urbain]

Welcome to the Oil making ÉCONOMUSÉE®, the largest emu farm in Canada with over 400 head. Take a guided or self-guided tour of an interpretation trail dedicated to the emu. You’ll get a close-up look at this large bird, learn about the exceptional history of the farm and its owner, and enjoy homemade body and gourmet products. All in an enchanting setting.

Laiterie Charlevoix [Baie-Saint-Paul]

Visit the Cheese making ÉCONOMUSÉE®, Laiterie Charlevoix, a unique opportunity to discover the cheese-making trade. Discover the heritage, lifestyle, history and culture of the artisan at work. Enhance your experience on site by taking in the La Goutte de Lait exhibition or joining a guided tour that ends with a tasting of their cheeses at the Maison Charles-Simard. There is plenty to keep you busy!

Les Moulins de l’Isle-aux-Coudres [Isle-aux-Coudres]

Experience the fascinating world of windmills and watermills at the Flour milling ÉCONOMUSÉE®! Find out how these two heritage gems, which have ensured the survival of the islanders, work. Watch wheat, buckwheat or rye being ground using real stone millstones in the water mill. Learn about the history of the mills, the life of the millers and the traditions of this special island.

Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault [Isle-aux-Coudres]

From the orchard to the cellar, you will know it all at the Pomiculture ÉCONOMUSÉE® Cidrerie et vergers Pedneault. Learn about the history of apples, how they have crossed time and the ocean to end up on the shores of the St. Lawrence. A guided tour followed by a tasting will allow you to savour the wonderful house cider, the Pedneault family passion.

Hydromel Charlevoix [Baie Saint-Paul]

Soon to be Fine honey wines & spirits ÉCONOMUSÉE® offers products that are “100% terroir of Charlevoix”. Take a behind-the-scenes look at honey wines and spirits, intimately linked to the work of bees. The beehives, located in different sub-terroirs of Charlevoix, produce unique honeys depending on their location. It is these particularities and subtleties that are bottled in small batches, sometimes with the addition of local fruit or herbs. Taste the unique flavours of Charlevoix.

​​Papeterie Saint-Gilles [Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive]

At the Paper making ÉCONOMUSÉE®, you will meet the artisans who make paper as it was made in the 17th century. You’ll see cotton pulp paper with a petal pattern embedded in its thickness, a watermark bearing the effigy of the St-Gilles family. Find out more about the different stages in papermaking, the history of paper and the origins of Papeterie Saint-Gilles. Discover a timeless tradition that cannot be ignored in the original economuseum.

Chez Léon & Lily [Saint-Irénée]

The Cookie maker ÉCONOMUSÉE®, Chez Léon & Lily, run by Guy and his daughter Julia, tells the story of cookies from all over the world, right up to their manufacture in Charlevoix. Feeling peckish? A variety of regional products are on offer: cheese, charcuterie, breads, jams, honey, artisan creations and, of course, their delicious cookies and summer sandwiches. The SAQ-certified store also has everything you need for a picnic on the nearby Sainte-Irénée beach.

In short, whether for a gourmet stop or the discovery of ancestral know-how, Charlevoix offers a unique Artisans at Work experience.