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What to do in St-François? * Founded in 1679, the village of St-François is situated at the eastern tip of Orleans Island and offers breathtaking views on the St-Lawrence River. On the north shore, your eyes are drawn by Mount Ste-Anne and Cape Tourmente. On the south strands, you can take a walk and admire nearby Madame and Ruau islands. Take a few more minutes to gaze at the paintings done on the boulders by a local artist and let the cargos and liners impress you as they go right by you. At the end of the nearby dock, you’ll feel you can touch them! You can’t stay in St-François without a
stop at the «boutique» À l’ombre
du vent.
Located on the northern part of the village, the artists will welcome
you in their century old house, in which the shop shelters magnificent
pieces: popular art such as island bird or animal sculptures, textile
creations, weaving and knitting. You will be charmed for sure! Depending on the season, watch the fruit and vegetable booths by the road. A few minutes away from the campground, on the north side, you can get all you want of farm products, fresh from the fields. What’s better for an outdoor meal back on your campsite? On your left hand side, turn on the Argentenay route and find many self-picking strawberry fields. An activity that cannot be ignored! Mechanical problem? Solve it
at the Garage Dallaire a little bit further. General mechanics and
more. One feature of St-François is its very high observation tower, back on the Chemin Royal. Sixty feet from the ground, you’ll be marvelled by the beauty of the surrounding mountains and islands, by the view on the river that seems to draw you right to the Atlantic, and mostly by the particular geometry and colours of the fields and land of Île d’Orléans. At the foot of the tower, the car stop includes a snack bar. The heart of the village includes
two governmental historical sites : the old school, at the left of
the church, where you will find the Brûlerie de l’île
d’Orléans for a good coffee, and the church itself dating
back to 1734. Even if the 1988 fire destroyed part of the religious
patrimony, a visit to the church is still a must. While
you’re there, take a couple of steps to your right and visit
the old presbytery. That is where you’ll meet the talented
sculptor Marc Côté with his exposition of «unique
and original pieces to be discovered, tamed and enjoyed».
And the garden is an enchantment by itself. On the left of the church, the Lemelin road brings
you to Camp Saint-François. This summer camp, a few minutes
from the campground, offers to youngsters a varied activity program,
be it for one day or for longer periods. It provides camping for
the parents and day camp for the kids. A memorable experience for
both parties and a joyous reunion at the end of the day! On the left of the entrance to
the Lemelin road, the centre Le Sillon regroups «boutiques» not
to be missed. The bookshop Note à la page offers new and used
books, collection comics, and a large choice of books pertaining
to Île d’Orléans. You can even rent DVDs there
and the appropriate reader if you need it. Ideal on a rainy afternoon.
Just beside it, the shop Fontaine-Negrin will seduce lovers of art
: the uncommon Raku ceramics with its original pieces and its wood
baking. You can watch the artists at work in this shop opened to
all. On your way back to the campground, discover the Brocante’s treasures. Located in the gardens in the back of the house, this
shop with a particular charm offers « a great variety of antiques
and collection pieces ». From the campground going west, La Seigneurie
de l’Île
d’Orléans invites you to “arouse your senses”.
Walk through four hectares of lavender and Japanese or fruit gardens.
Visit the magnificent vineyard and try local products. You’ll
be delighted! A little bit further on, the restaurant
Resto du Sud keeps one of its 32 interior tables for you. In a « family
and countryside atmosphere », take a look at the Montmagny
archipelago while enjoying family cooking : breakfast, patinas, pizzas,
and more. Is the
coming evening a romantic one? Two minutes away from the campground
is the Auberge Chaumonot, with its dining hall offering a view on
the river, or just watch for the full moon… Your journey will be complete
with a visit to Caroline Daigle, a jeweler. Apart from magnificent
paintings, she has unique pieces such as brooches, fibulas, bracelets,
rings, etc. You’ll be fascinated! Quite evidently, your stay at our campground has to be longer than expected! * This list is indicative only and the opening hours may vary. |
