A hospitable region with magnificent scenery that captivates painters, poets, writers and visitors; Charlevoix combines in perfect harmony, the duality of nature and farming.
Covering a territory of 6,000 km2 and located in the heart of the Laurentian shield (the oldest soil on earth), Charlevoix has a population of 30,000. The region's economy is based mainly on forestry, farming and tourism. Most of the agricultural land of Charlevoix lies between BAIE SAINT-PAUL and LA MALBAIE, in the belt between highways 138 and 362. One must leave the highways and travel along the secondary roads of the towns and villages to grasp the way of life, that ensured the livelihood of local residents. These concession roads offer breathtaking scenery you can't resist.
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The romanticism of the region is present as much in the important hotels, such as the Manoir Richelieu built at the beginning of the 20th century, as in the congenial, cordial smaller Inns.
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SCENERY AND CHARACTERISTICS
bay side view of Baie-Saint-Paul
The main elements that beautify Charlevoix are undeniably the majestic Laurentian Mountains and the Saint-Lawrence River. The wildlife and the exceptional richness of its flora has warranted its classification as a world biosphere reserve.
The fall colors alone make the detour worthwhile;
enchantment is assured.
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Village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
Upon arrival in BAIE SAINT-PAUL from Quebec, the landscape that unfolds covers a vast territory.
To the right, we see l'ÎLE-AUX-COUDRES. In front, a chain of mountains watch over BAIE SAINT-PAUL, |
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established at the bottom of the valley and reached by descending a steady and impressive slope. To the left, the foothills of the Laurentians encircle the region.
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"The flora of the hinterland is mostly dominated by Boreal forests. However, the varied relief and the rigorous weather associated with the natural history of the forest (forest fires, insect epidemics) lead to the establishment of particular plants and forest species (vegetation with arctic alpine aspects, tundra, elm and oak Laurentian maple groves). Furthermore, the ice age which affected the territory of Charlevoix molded the region, leaving an impressive rock front at the palissade, near SAINT-SIMÉON, or the morainic deposits of Nairn Lake , near SAINT-AIMÉ-DES-LACS." |
Of a Grandiose Nature
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At the junction of the Saguenay and St-.Lawrence Rivers, where salted and unsalted water mix, live six (6) different species of migratory whales. Cruises offer the possibility of viewing those majestic mammals.
Charlevoix shelters several restaurants and parks, including the "Parc Marin du Saguenay-Saint-Laurent", with a surface of 1138 km2. You will discover the splendor of the Saguenay fjord, one of the most beautiful in the world. |
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It's in the regional park of Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, that you will observe the highest rock faces in Eastern Canada. One of the central grounds of the Biosphère reserve of Charlevoix is the Parc Des Grands-Jardins, located at the entrance to Quebec's southern urban regions. There are also some controlled exploitation zones (ZEC) and some outfitters opened to the public at large.
These vast spaces invite lovers of nature to try one or more of these activities.
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Some of these activities are seasonal and require reservations.
It is preferable to check in advance.
Other Activities
For those looking for thrills, the Casino is a must !
--) Attention! Faites vos mises, rien ne va plus...
Or they can relax in a thalassotherapy center (SPA Health Center).
Access to the Region
From the Quebec region to the north of the Saint-Lawrence river, we can reach Charlevoix by taking highway 138.
Several ferry boats also offer access to the region.
SAINT-JOSEPH-DE-LA-RIVE --> ÎLE-AUX-COUDRES --> Duration 15 minutes (Free)
SAINT-SIMÉON --> RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP (Bas Saint-Laurent region) --> Duration 75 minutes
TADOUSSAC --> BAIE-SAINTE-CATHERINE ( Saguenay/Lac Saint-Jean region) --> Duration 8 minutes
Global Réservation: Lodging and accomodation, Charlevoix region
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