This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
The tourist offer in our countryside is no longer confined to rustic meals, activities or pick-your-own. In several regions, it is now possible to combine vacations and stays on the farm in order to experience the daily lives of producers, reconnect with the land and build lasting memories.
The sincere love that nutritionist, writer and speaker Julie Aubé has for agritourism goes back many years. She has devoted books and activities to it, and is one of its most fervent defenders. For her, the proliferation of farm stay offers across Quebec is excellent news. “Beyond the magnificent products that can be found there and the pleasure that one can feel within these beautiful landscapes, a stay on the farm allows you to become attached to a place, to people, to memories, she said. Waking up to the sound of animals, seeing the sun rise over the fields, living at the same pace as the farmers, changes our perspective. We are no longer the same eater after such experiences, we get our supplies differently. »
Caroline Delorme, Director of Marketing and Partnerships at Terroir et Saveurs du Québec, an organization that promotes agritourism and gourmet tourism in the province, is also positive about the popularity of this type of vacation. . “Since the pandemic, we have felt a real desire among the public to get closer to the earth and to know where the products they consume come from. Farm tourism then takes on its full meaning. »
The farm, life-size
Like other tourism offerings, farm stays can take all sorts of directions, from camping-style to four-star lodging. For example, in Chaudière-Appalaches, Domaine La Charmante, which specializes in permaculture, the production of honey and artisanal soaps, has two small pods rustic in the woods. While in the same region, the Domaine de l’Oie toquée, created by chef Gaston Couillard, offers a comfortable experience with a bed and breakfast and popular country meals.
Another region, other proposals. In Charlevoix, Le Genévrier campground is next to a farm highly prized by gourmets, the Laiterie Charlevoix, to which we owe the 1608, Hercule and Fleurmier cheeses. But it is also possible to stay in the pretty gite at Ferme Ambrosia, which specializes in raising free-range ducks.
Let’s continue our walk through Quebec with various suggestions. Fans of well-being activities will be delighted at Farouche, a Nordic farm nestled in Tremblant (Laurentides) which offers glamping combined with Nordic baths and yoga sessions. At the farm Au pied levé de Magog (Estrie), gardens, a variety of animals, cozy rooms and good food await visitors. For those who like to travel without taking the plane, the Vignoble Carpinteri (Bas-Saint-Laurent) looks like a prestigious Italian wine estate. But it is also possible, with a small budget, to park your trailer or RV in dozens of farms in Quebec thanks to the Terego application.
2 regions, 2 farms, 2 experiences
How is a tourist stay on a farm? We met farmers like the owner (and chef) of La Rabouillère, in Montérégie, to find out. Founded in 1992 and initially dedicated to raising rabbits coupled with a country table, this farm has gradually diversified its livestock and its activities. Boutique, hiking trails, upscale accommodation in a loft (2-6 people) and house (up to 12 people), outdoor pool, fancy animals (llamas, donkeys, miniature pigs and ponies, ducks, chickens colored, etc.); everything has been put in place to welcome tourists as it should.
“We do receive a lot of city families who want to live an authentic experience while enjoying their usual comfort and autonomy,” says Jérémie Pilon, chef and owner at La Rabouillère. Some of them have been coming here for over 20 years and have become friends. »
Because at La Rabouillère, we don’t just see and taste. It is also possible to feed the animals there, bring in the hay and move the herds. “It’s a magical place for children, who can fetch eggs for meals, spend time with goats, sheep, rabbits,” explains Mr. Pilon, who plans to add two yurts to its accommodation offer.
Let’s take a look at Couleurs de la terre, a Mauricie farm specializing in potato cultivation (35 varieties) since 1997 and which had the good idea to promote its products in the form of fries and poutines, as well as small dishes cooked with this tuber. So much so, moreover, that following the visit of a tiktokeur and the media hype he triggered by decreeing that it was there that we ate the best poutines in Quebec, the little the farm’s gourmet counter received more than 70,000 visitors last summer!
Alongside this unexpected summer success, the Claveau-Fradette family lead a normal farming life. She has, however, converted the old chalet that she occupied occasionally into a gîte (up to 5 people) since 2022. “It is planted in the heart of our orchard, so when there is action on the farm, our hosts see everything! exclaims Patricia Claveau. But we also invite them to follow our “programming” if they wish. The latter ranges from feeding the animals to harvesting potatoes, vegetables, fruit or eggs in the henhouse. “This allows us to introduce our profession, and our guests to know what they eat, continues the farmer. And children love being behind the wheel of the tractor, enjoying the animals, the woods and the river. » Change of scenery guaranteed!
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.