Manoir du Lac William and Central Quebec - a region to discover!
Central Quebec isn't the best-known region for cyclists, yet it's packed with features that will make you want to discover its beautiful roads! Whether you're looking for gourmet, sporting or cultural activities, we set out to discover this beautiful region in partnership with Manoir du Lac William. Home of the maple and cranberry, Centre-du-Québec stretches from the St. Lawrence River to the foothills of the Appalachians. Over the course of 2 days, we discovered several of the region's must-see sites: Manoir du Lac William and its surroundings, Domaine Fraser, the Jackhalope microbrewery, Espace Sophia and the Route des Éoliennes. Let's hit the road!
Manoir du Lac William
Located in the town of St-Ferdinand, on the shores of Lac William, Le Manoir is a superb 4-star hotel where you'll be pampered, amazed by the beauty of the scenery, nourished by the quality of the meals offered and relaxed by the spa and facilities offered by the hotel. Also, Le Manoir was voted Hotel of the Year 2023 by the Hôtellerie et spas du Québec conference.
Located on Route 165, some 40 km from Victoriaville, Manoir du Lac William is a must for cyclists visiting the Centre-du-Québec region. A true jewel nestled in the heart of nature, this manor offers the service of a grand hotel while retaining the charm of a regional hotel. With 55 rooms, 22 of which are suites, the Manoir is ready to welcome the most discerning traveler. Arriving at the Manoir is breathtaking. You're greeted by a vast 7 km lake, a majestic valley and the beginnings of the Appalachian Mountains. The manor house, located on one side of the lake, offers a breathtaking view of the lake and well-defined access. The Manoir du Lac William's location is ideal, just an hour from Quebec City and Sherbrooke, and an hour and a half from Montreal. What better way to end a day's cycling than by admiring a sunset over the lake from the comfort of this welcoming manor? It's an experience well worth a few pedal strokes.
Would you like to explore the surrounding area on foot or on four wheels? Just cross the road, and there are several signposted trails leading directly from the Manoir, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding countryside.
Curious to learn more about the history of the lake, the town of St-Ferdinand or the entire region, we can only recommend a boat tour with Franco, co-owner and general manager of Le Manoir. A true jack-of-all-trades, he is a living encyclopedia of the region and will enthusiastically take you on a tour of the lake. He'll be happy to tell you all about its history, the surrounding villages and the anecdotes about the various houses that line the lake. It's also an excellent opportunity to get advice on which routes to explore before getting on your bike. Don't miss this opportunity!
Domaine Fraser
Enjoying the region with your family? Take a detour to Domaine Fraser! It's an animal lover's paradise. Domaine Fraser is an animal sanctuary (NPO) located in the heart of Quebec's natural environment. Today, it is home to over 50 horses, numerous alpacas, dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, peacocks... more than 200 animals in all.
But Domaine Fraser is also an exceptional dog center, considered one of the best places in Quebec to keep your dog. With its 100% family-friendly, cage-free approach, the animals' well-being is at the heart of their concerns. Dogs receive unconditional love. And for lovers of Appenzell Mountain Dogs, the estate has something to delight you! You'll find several of them, and sometimes there are even puppies available.
Much more than just a farm, Domaine Fraser stands out for its educational mission and commitment to animals. Run by a very warm couple from Switzerland who have been living in Quebec for many years, it's an opportunity to spend an afternoon surrounded by nature and animals. This haven of peace offers a multitude of activities and experiences for the whole family. There's something for every age and taste, from day camps for children aged 5 and over, to riding packages for teens and adults, to group activities.
Different packages are available for horseback riding. Whether you're a complete beginner, an expert or a seasoned rider, there's something for everyone!
A visit to Domaine Fraser is an opportunity to learn, connect with nature and animals, and support a good cause. Don't hesitate to contact them to find out more about what they offer and how you can contribute to their mission!
Jackalhop Microbrewery
A thirty-minute bike ride from Manoir du Lac William, nestled in the charming village of Plessisville, is the Jackalhop Microbrewery. A must for beer lovers, it stands out for its artisanal approach, love of local ingredients and undeniable passion for brewing innovative, tasty beers.
From the moment you step inside, the charm is there: the friendly, authentic atmosphere of this human-scale brewery, the generous terrace where you can enjoy a fresh beer in the Quebec sunshine, and the enticing smell of hops wafting from the brewhouse. The stage is set, and you'll feel right at home at Microbrasserie Jackalhop!
The brewery staff, just as passionate as the brewmaster, will be delighted to help you discover the range of beers on offer. Our favorites among the full range of beers on offer include "Brett pas trop", a Brett IPA hopped with fruity notes of citrus and tropical fruit, "Rasselbock", a free-range Lager hopped with Saaz and Motueka, and "Frambweisse", a raspberry-flavored wheat sour beer. A real treat! Perfect for quenching your thirst after a long bike ride.
Don't miss the seasonal beers, brewed in limited quantities and always with a touch of originality for which Jackalhop is renowned. Whether you prefer light and fruity beers, bitter and hoppy or dark and full-bodied, Microbrasserie Jackalhop is sure to please.
And to accompany these delicious beers, the brewery offers a small catering service featuring local products: boards of local cheeses and charcuterie, and a variety of salads. Everything is done so that you can extend your visit and fully enjoy the Jackalhop experience.
The Jackalhop Microbrewery is more than just a tasting room, it's a true experience that plunges you into the heart of the art of Quebec brewing. Whether you're a cyclist passing through, a beer lover or just curious, Jackalhop is a must-see on your visit to Centre-du-Québec. You'll be charmed by the warm ambience of the premises and discover the pleasure of tasting a beer brewed with passion and expertise.
Espace Sophia / Ste-Sophie-d'Halifax
For the second day of our tour, we're off to Espace Sophia in Ste-Sophie-d'Halifax.
If you're coming by bike from the Manoir du Lac William, we're only talking about a dozen kilometers, but be prepared to work up a sweat! There are several climbs and steep inclines. Nevertheless, the quality of the asphalt is excellent and the lack of traffic means you can make the most of these few steep kilometers.
Sainte-Sophie-d'Halifax is a small municipality tucked away in the picturesque setting of the Centre-du-Québec region. Here, nestled in the heart of this charming landscape, you'll find Espace Sophia, a converted former church that has become the cultural heart of the town.
Espace Sophia is a unique place that combines history and modernity. The building's architecture was preserved during its transformation into a multi-service venue, making it a place of exceptional beauty. But make no mistake, the inside of Espace Sophia is just as impressive as the outside. The varied programming includes comedy shows, lectures, music and much more, attracting renowned Quebec artists and audiences from the Centre-du-Québec region and beyond. This autumn, you'll be able to enjoy a concert by Roch Voisine, for example, or the group Bleu Jeans Bleu in early 2024.
At the time of our visit, the venue was in full preparation for a wedding. The quality of the facilities and the intimate atmosphere are sure to make the experience even more special. And for those with a sweet tooth, you can dine on site at the Espace Sophia bistro in summer, offering a complete experience.
We were also impressed by Espace Sophia's commitment to the local community. Thanks to the support of private financial partners, they have succeeded in attracting a variety of renowned artists. At the heart of all these activities is Adam Sévigny, the driving force behind this local project and deeply involved in the life of his region. General Manager of Espace Sophia since autumn 2022, with experience in politics, business administration, IT and marketing, he is an undeniable asset in bringing the necessary dynamism to such a place and such a project.
Espace Sophia isn't just a place to see, it's a place to gather, discover and belong. It's a testament to their dedication to enriching the region's cultural life. Above all, it's a hidden gem in the Centre-du-Québec region that's well worth a detour on any cycling trip.
Route des éoliennes
If you're passing through Espace Sophia, you're ideally placed to discover the "Route des éoliennes"! Nature and ecology lovers will be delighted by this itinerary, and if you're on a bike, get ready to discover some unique landscapes.
It's fascinating to see these gigantic structures up close, their impressive height standing out against the blue sky. The sound of the blades turning in the wind is a soothing sound, a kind of natural symphony that lends a sense of tranquillity to the ride.
But that's not all: the Windmill Route is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about wind power and its importance for sustainable development. The Parc Éolien de l'Érable tour, which starts at Espace Sophia, offers detailed information on how wind turbines work and their contribution to clean energy production. In all, some fifty wind turbines are now in operation.
The Windmill Route is more than just a bike ride, it's an educational and environmental experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Centre-du-Québec while learning about the importance of renewable energy. Tours of the Parc Éolien de l'Érable are available from Espace Sophia or Manoir du Lac William. Allow around 2h30 for the entire tour, costing between $13 and $23. More information on the dedicated website. A must for all visitors to the region.
Back to the Manoir
After all this sightseeing, we can't recommend that you come and enjoy the Manoir du Lac William's restaurant. It's the perfect opportunity to sample a wide variety of delicious dishes. Largely inspired by French cuisine, and offering a wide selection of wines, you won't be disappointed!
If you still have a little time, take advantage of it to relax at the hotel spa! Treatments, a whirlpool bath, a Jacuzzi and a health center with massages are just some of the activities available at the manor. If you'd rather enjoy the great outdoors, you'll be spoilt for choice: pontoon rides, kayaking, pedal-boating, hiking or, of course, cycling if you've got any energy left in your legs!
It's already time for us to leave this beautiful region of central Quebec. We'll be back for sure!
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