Les Éboulements – From Farmers Fields to a Beautiful Vista

April 2, 2024 by admin

I had attempted to spend the weekend in Charlevoix to explore Baie St. Paul, La Malbaie les Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. Unfortunately when it came to the latter I could not climb up to the legendary L’Acropole-des-Draveurs summit as day-passes to the park had already filled up. Scrambling for a hike to do, I came across a strange trail cutting across a farm and was privy to beautiful views. Éboulements roughly translates to rockslide in English and in this region of Quebec the wind swept hills looks like they could slide right into the St. Laurence, so I would say that the name is accurate.

Note: Upon further investigation I found out that the name “Les Éboulements” comes from a 1663 earthquake causing a giant rockslide/landslide where part of the coast was washed down into the St.Lawrence River.

Town of Les Éboulements

This small one street town located on a ridge is home to La Chocolaterie Du Village, a chocolate house and a small, yet beautiful stone church.

The church is typical of Quebec but still charming.

Paysan Trail (Peasant Trail)

This is one of the most random hikes i’ve done in Canada. There is parking near a farm and sales office called eboulmontaise.

The parking can be accessed between the silos and the sunflower building.

The farm is an active one and will take you across the fields where you will find plenty of farm animals.

The hike is 8kms. You will eventually get into a forested area and climb up for a view of the St. Lawrence and the later mentioned Isle-aux-Coudres, an island.

Moulin Seigneurial Des Éboulements (Town Mill)

Built in 1790, by the colonist Jean-François Tremblay it is one of the regions most important heritage sites. The complex includes an old Seigneuria mill. The complex is known for its completeness, its mechanical prowess and its large water drop.

Other Attractions

L’Isle-aux-Coudres

Just across the water, you will find this beautiful island that is home to a cider house and a historic hotel. The island is accessible by way of a short ferry ride.