Kamouraska, photo credit Paul Charbonneau
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I very much enjoy car trips and have noticed that we are pampered in the province of Quebec by the very number of circuits offered. When I drove down the Navigators’ Route (signposted Route des Navigateurs), in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, I got to appreciate a fabulous circuit in a truly magnificent region, Kamouraska. My circuit, which included a portion running alongside the river and another through the countryside, provided me a chance to make great discoveries.
1st Stop: Kamouraska
Leaving from La Pocatière, I took Route 132 in an easterly direction to Kamouraska. At the time I was there, the Symposium de peinture du Kamouraska was being held. I took advantage of the occasion to admire the works of art before visiting the Musée régional de Kamouraska. The guided tour taught me a bit more about the heritage and history of people living in the region. For example, did you know that the author of the lyrics to “Ô Canada” lived in Kamouraska?
Then, I discovered lovely little shops with a short walk in the village. If you happen to be passing through, a stop at the chocolate shop La Fée gourmande will allow you to appreciate a variety of 30 fine chocolates or take part in their tasting workshop.
2nd Stop: Saint-André
Back on the route, I admired the river running along beside me before stopping, a few minutes down the road, in Saint-André to visit its magnificent church, built 200 years ago. It holds splendid works of art within.
3rd Stop: Saint-Pascal
From there, I left the river’s edge to follow Route 230 in a westerly direction, which leads to La Pocatière via villages like Saint-Alexandre or Saint-Pacôme. I was advised to stop in Saint-Pascal, at the peak of Coton Mountain, to admire the splendid view of the whole region. And what good advice indeed! Breathtaking!
Last Stop: Sleeping at the Manor!
Le Grand Fortin
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Back in La Pocatière, I was staying at the only five-sun gite in the region, Le Grand Fortin. In this handsome manor tucked in the calm of nature, I was enveloped in the friendly welcome given by my hostess and the beauty of the site. I spent my night in the honeymoon suite (nothing less!) dreaming of all the beautiful things I had discovered along the circuit!
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