This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Between two seasons, a certain comfort is required. Here are three new accommodations in three regions of Quebec.
1. Chalets on stilts with a view of Lac Saint-Jean
If you’ve been to Lac-Saint-Jean in the past few months, you’ve no doubt noticed the small chalets under construction near Route 169 and the bike path. Rented since the end of July, the 14 apartments with huge windows all face the lake. Designed by the architectural firm Delordinaire, 11 one-bedroom chalets are built on stilts and 3 two-bedroom chalets, accessible to wheelchairs, are at ground level.
At the time of our visit, the development of the site was still under construction. “We are lucky to have an incredible horticulturist, Claude Ouellet, who also does the landscaping of the village,” says Patrick Savard, general manager of the Village historique de Val-Jalbert. When we commissioned him for the development around the 14 chalets, we gave him carte blanche. He chose around fifty plants from the Boréalie. Everything has been considered: sunshine in relation to the chalets, seasonality so that there are flowers and fruits at all times to attract birds and butterflies. »
Each chalet has a bathroom, electricity and the necessary for cooking. The downside: despite the addition of a sound barrier, the noise of cars speeding along Route 169 is omnipresent. Not ideal for chatting around a campfire…
However, additions will be made to mitigate it. “As for soundproofing, the landscaping will improve it over time,” believes Patrick Savard. Several species will grow to human height, which will block out some of the sound. » The chalets are also well soundproofed.
Rental is possible until the end of October and will resume in December, according to the calendar of the Village historique de Val-Jalbert. The site also has accommodations in the heart of the village, ie 8 rooms above the general store and 16 in period houses transformed in 2012. Price of one night in the new accommodations: from $240.
2. Dome, pod or cottage?
At Bel Air Tremblant, in La Conception, in the Laurentians, some fifty domes are scattered over 543 acres, in addition to pods, small modern chalets in various shapes and more luxurious chalets. Toilets, shower, wifi and kitchenette are among the amenities. Each of the accommodations offers access to a sauna – sometimes shared – and to an outdoor spa. A year-round adventure center invites vacationers to enjoy a host of outdoor activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding. A spa, a bistro and a small grocery store are also close to the accommodations, as well as the excellent Ekki sushi Tremblant (save some room for the tasty mochis!). About ten minutes from Mont-Tremblant, Bel Air Tremblant especially appeals to those who want to be in nature while keeping the spirit of the city. Price: from $370 for a dome. Note that there are double or triple domes for families.
3. Chelsea Village Lofts
If you too like to have access to everything on foot, the charming village of Chelsea, in Outaouais, is likely to please you. Close to many restaurants and shops, the Lofts du Village — 9 studios and 12 lofts that can accommodate up to 4 people — are ideal refuges to recharge your batteries after a day of hiking in Gatineau Park. Everything here has been thought out, from the choice of furniture to that of bathroom products. None of the senses is neglected: the olfactory atmosphere and the music that welcome us help to make us want to stay as long as possible. We take the opportunity to reserve a table at L’Orée du bois — a safe bet — and stop at Roberto Pizza Romana, inaugurated barely a year ago by an Italian-Quebec couple (our favourite: Mortadella Pistache ) and take a break at the Nordik Spa-Nature. Price for one night: from $250.
Our journalist was the guest of Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Tourisme Laurentides and Tourisme Outaouais. All opinions expressed are 100% his own.