This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Autumn, the regions of Quebec are not just synonymous with picking apples and cucurbits, harvests or shimmering colors. Some of them bring together the tastiest things they have to offer and invite us to take to the fields in a different way, armed with our curiosity and our cooler. Close-up on fall agrotourism events not to be missed.
Stock up on groceries in Centre-du-Québec
For 23 years, dozens of farmers, processors and artisans in the Victoriaville region have been busy with the arrival of fall. Not to prepare for winter, but to welcome some 40,000 visitors, 60% of whom came from outside, on the occasion of La Balade gourmande, which won the prestigious Best prize last year. influence of local agriculture and culinary tourism awarded by the World Food Travel Association.
This flavorful event is major for the producers, who generate up to 40% of their annual turnover on this occasion, but also for the participants, who return year after year, and even from generation to generation. How strong is he? “It’s like a large open-air market, fun and completely free,” replies Sandra Vigneux, director of the non-profit organization which coordinates the festivities. People make discoveries, meet people and shop there. They have a blast there, whatever their age! »
There is indeed plenty to keep you busy at La Balade gourmande, which will take place this year on the weekend of September 30 and 1er October, as well as that of October 7 and 8. Six circuits throughout the region, marked by 400 signs, lead to 42 sites, where producers of all kinds will welcome visitors with savory and sweet bites featuring their specialties.
“Each year has its share of surprises,” explains the organizer. For example, on the red circuit, you can visit the Ferme des 2 L, which aims for self-sufficiency by cultivating a large garden and raising 200 sheep, Highland cows as well as chickens and turkeys. By following the green circuit, you can enjoy Un Gout de Miel, which offers, among other things, vegan ready-to-eat meals. The yellow circuit will allow you to discover Rosé Mignon, a pig breeder and processor, who designs a host of delicious products. I could spend hours introducing all these producers. »
If the six circuits of La Balade gourmande are very popular, it also has eight markets (Victoriaville, Princeville, Chesterville, Warwick, Sainte-Sophie-d’Halifax, Daveluyville, Saint-Pierre-Baptiste and Sainte-Clothilde-de-Horton) , 10 attractions, 6 restaurateurs and 6 hoteliers to welcome festival-goers.
“The markets are organized in often unusual places, such as old churches, and bring together producers and artisans who do not usually receive an audience. It’s a complementary offering to our circuit activities, with an equally sustainable and gourmet vision,” says M.me Vigneux, which invites visitors to use the new free Tami Gourmand application to prepare for their visit and find their way during their activity.
Gourmet trip in the Eastern Townships
Now we’re heading to the charming village of Compton, where an initiative set up by a committee of women wishing to promote local agriculture and agritourism is celebrating its 17th anniversary this year. This is the Comptonales, a gourmet event on a human scale which welcomes on average 5000 to 6000 visitors, many of them from the surrounding area.
“It’s an interesting clientele, because they don’t come here for attractions or shows, but for the pleasure of discovering products and having a good time,” says the director, Julie Mayrand, who is actively preparing the next edition. , which will take place from October 7 to 9. To do this, she works closely with the 55 producers who will be spread over 6 sites the first two days, then partly gathered on Monday October 9 at the Harvest Market to close the event.
Each site has, according to the organizer, its own personality. “At the village Érablière,” she says, “the kiosks are located under colorful trees, with a musical ambiance provided by a singer. While at the Compton Cider House, you’re up high with a beautiful view and a jazz duo. Everyone is very involved in the project, it’s great teamwork. »
Although strictly local, the Comptonales’ offerings are very varied, reflecting the region’s agricultural dynamism. You will therefore be able to find award-winning products from the La Station cheese factory and Asian vegetables from Rizen, as well as the first blackcurrant wine made by Domaine Ives Hill, creative sheep’s milk yogurts from Flavora, or even wild meats from wild boar and red deer from La Ferme Renaissance. There is also something new, thanks to a 30% turnover of participating producers. “There’s plenty to spend a lovely day,” assures M.me Mayrand, who points out that children have free coupons and that 14 free shuttles connect the 6 sites.
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