This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
The start of the school year ? What return? Some ideas to extend the holidays… by dreaming of the next ones.
Pick up at L’Estérel
Well known in the Laurentians, L’Estérel has spacious suites renovated in 2021. “We offer an urban experience, but in nature”, underlines Marie-Claude Racine, director of marketing and communications. Here, it’s rest, outdoors, meals, wine, repeat. After paddling on one of the three lakes or cycling along part of the Le P’tit train du Nord linear park, the Nordic spa is ideal. Without forgetting the obligatory stop at the beach!
The history of the site makes the place even more unique. Fallen under the charm of the region, the Belgian baron Louis Empain imagined a resort project in 1935. The Domaine l’Estérel was then considered to be one of the most ambitious in North America. Inspired by the Belgian pavilion at Expo Paris 1937, architect Antoine Courtens opted for art deco rather than a certain historical romanticism, which was favored by hotel establishments in Quebec at the time.
When, in 2015, the Estérel acquired the last 5,000 bottles of Champlain Charest, one of Quebec’s best-known collectors, the hotel renamed its gourmet restaurant “Bistro à Champlain”. Tastings are also offered in the wine cellar, which has around 20,000 bottles. “In particular, we do tastings of Canadian products and the Canon of the week, which allows you to taste an exceptional wine from the Champlain Charest collection,” explains Ms.me Root. Great discovery made thanks to François Raby, sommelier manager: the Quebec orange wine En Roue Libre. Two other restaurants are also accessible to hotel residents, Chais58, more convivial, and Rok, with hot stone cooking.
esterel.com
Tremblant Music Festival
An annual event at the end of summer, the Fête de la musique de Tremblant will offer more than thirty free concerts from September 2 to 5. It’s a real world tour in music that visitors will be able to experience this year. In addition to the unmissable Angèle Dubeau, surrounded by the La Pietà ensemble and Daniel Bélanger, who will offer an even more classic version of her classics, the 40-year career of pianist and composer Lorraine Desmarais, a Chopin concert with Charles Richard-Hamelin, winner of several Opus and Félix awards, and a new show with Yves Lambert and Bon Débarras, many artists with various influences will sway the spectators. Founded in 1995 by violinist Angèle Dubeau, the event is a fabulous excuse to enjoy Tremblant’s pedestrian village and its many activities. Between two services, we head for the Scandinave spa Mont-Tremblant to enjoy hydrotherapy, far from the hustle and bustle.
fetedelamusiquetremblant.com ,
scandinave.com/mont-tremblant
Farniente at the Château Frontenac
This summer, the Fairmont Château Frontenac is offering hotel visitors and Club Frontenac members the opportunity to enjoy the pool terrace at 6e floor in a different way with the addition of luxury “cabanas”, a private outdoor massage therapy service, morning yoga sessions and a mixology service. The cabanas, which can be rented, are equipped with a flat screen, high-end furniture, a safe, towels and bathrobes. Different packages are offered. A true oasis of peace, the terrace offers superb views of Old Quebec. A cocktail with that?
fairmont.fr/frontenac-quebec