This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
The Véloroute gourmande is a tasty cycling route between Montreal and Sherbrooke along paths that are as safe as they are appetizing. Reflection of a trend that is confirmed in Quebec.
Linking Sherbrooke to Montreal by bicycle by multiplying the agrotourism stages is the invitation issued this year by two regions criss-crossed by an abundant cycling network: Montérégie and the Eastern Townships. This brand new circuit, which takes the Route verte 1, was born of an unprecedented interregional collaboration to reveal the backyard of Quebec and to make known, over these some 235 km, the good addresses which abound between villages and rural landscapes.
Cheese shops, microbreweries, vineyards, delicatessens or local restaurants: this year, we (re)discover these two charming destinations at the gateway to Greater Montreal with the bike as a pretext for tasty discoveries. As a bonus, more than 70 welcoming accommodations are offered on the course.
We’re leaving Montreal!
As soon as Montreal’s urban congestion, its traffic jams and its chaotic roads are behind us, the bike path unrolls its silky ribbon to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and its historic site. From Chambly, the ride takes us along the eponymous canal, 20 kilometers of pure happiness along the Richelieu River. There are plenty of stops for a picnic (compulsory stop at the Les Petites Bonneville grocery store, to pick up local cheeses and charcuterie, washed down with kombucha or homemade cider). The peaceful environment is conducive to cycling exploration.
Welcome to La Montérégiade
Before heading to Farnham, renowned for its microbreweries, a detour is a must at the artisanal brewery Lagabière, for its white or blonde Saint-Jean or even its IPAs, its stouts or its deliciously fruity brews. The Montérégiade track, made of rock powder, evolves in the heart of the natural environment accessible to all riders, families included.
In Farnham, you arrive early enough to stop at the Fromagerie des Cantons and grab a piece of Tourbillon cendré and a generous slice of Brise des vignerons, a creamy soft cheese from the region. Before ending the evening on the warm terrace of the Farnham Ale & Lager microbrewery, in front of sausages and other products washed down with local beers.
In the heart of the land
To get to Granby and cross the “border” of the Eastern Townships, you immerse yourself in agricultural landscapes punctuated with bales of wheat all along La Montérégiade. It’s impossible not to give in to the urge to take your time as the route unfolds its bucolic charm. Here, a herd of cows grazing the pastures come, curious, to observe us as we pass. As soon as you reach your destination, you discover the heritage buildings on Principale Street, including the Imperial Tobacco, a remnant of Granby’s industrial era, and its vintage signs.
Just to taste local delicacies, at the Café de la Brûlerie, we treat ourselves to eggs Benedict with shredded duck and sautéed mushrooms, all served on an English muffin, washed down with a creamy espresso macchiato. If luck smiles on you (you are there on a Saturday!), head to the Granby public market to discover the offer of local producers and market gardeners. You can unearth fruits, vegetables, cheeses and honey in a genuinely friendly atmosphere.
Along the Estriade
Granby is the perfect gateway to several cycling loops on the Estriade trail, including the Lac Boivin trail, a short 10 km that will appeal to active families thanks to its low elevation. As long as we’re there, we continue towards the Yamaska National Park loop (40 km), the most family-friendly of the parks in the SEPAQ network, to ride around Lac Choinière in a pampered environment. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming and paddle surfing will complete a beautiful summer day.
Finally, the Artria cultural loop (54 km), via Waterloo, is an invitation to explore astonishing open-air sculptures. Along the way, we find ourselves, time to say it, in Orford by taking the paved or unpaved trails in Estrie. There, a succession of vineyards and cider houses punctuate the walk, including the famous Cep d’Argent, in Magog, or the Stopping Place for Pilgrims in Sherbrooke. These vineyards recognized for the quality of their wines offer tastings that divinely complete this delectable exploration.
Kitchen favorites
— For a tasting of wines, cheeses, charcuterie and other delights for the palate: Domaine Cartier-Potelle in the heart of the Montérégie orchards.
— For the perfect brunch, quality products, flawless presentation and impeccable service: It’s Belgian, in Granby, a highly recommended address.
— For an amazing dinner, a fusion of local products and creative techniques inspired by the chef’s Polish origins: Bistro Kapzak, in Granby.
Favorite accommodations
— La Virée familial, in Granby: a certified Welcome cyclists apartment, as charming as it is comfortable, close to everything, an ideal base camp for exploring the Bromont region.
— The Fruit Forbidden hostel: three rooms are available and the hosts welcome you warmly and, as a bonus, your bike is safe.
Rent your bike
The perfect address, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, to find the bike that will take you to your destination without a hitch (electric bikes available): Cycles LM.