An island for foodies: Exploring Île d'Orléans

 

@Île d'Orléans

In our last road trip, we crossed the Pont de l'Île suspension bridge off of Quebec city to Île d'Orléans. The island is made up of 6 municipalities with 6 beautiful churches (of which we saw 3) and one main road along the perimeter, the Chemin Royal. We absolutely loved the historic houses especially those with tin roofs!

L'église Sainte-Famille

 We went to several shops along the island-- perfect to get goodies from and assemble a picnic basket. This was what we should have done, and what I recommend, but we did sample/took home the goodies instead.

Create a picnic basket with:

Cheese from Les Fromages de l'isle d'Orléans (Sainte-Famille). They sell the cheese from the recipe of the first cheese ever produced in North America. We tried the iced cheese which is like a sherbet, but made with local cheese, of course. It was pricey but really yummy.

iced cheese @Les Fromages de l'isle d'Orléans

Bread from Boulangerie Blouin (Sainte-Famille). We tried this bakery because it was reputed to be over a century old. If it lasted this long then it must be good, right? We tried the brioche aux fraises (strawberry brioche) and it was good. It was not really to die for but good, nonetheless. They have a wide selection of breads and pastries. It was a bit commercial and I would have preferred something with more of a neighborhood bakery, local feel.

Boulangerie Blouin

Brioche aux fraises @Boulangerie Blouin

Cider from Bilodeau (Saint-Pierre). I had tastings of their lovely iced ciders from the orchard behind the boutique. They keep some bottles refrigerated and even offer some in individual bottles, which are perfect to drink on your picnic. Their vinaigrette and iced cider jelly were also delish!

Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau

You can then bring all your goodies and picnic by Parc-des-Ancêtres de l'île d'Orléans with a view of the Laurentians. Here you can also find La Maison de nos Aïeux (historical center of the île d’Orléans). We didn’t go into this old rectory turned museum which houses information on the founding families of the island.

view of the Laurentians @Parc-des-Ancêtres de l'île d'Orléans 

La Maison de nos Aïeux 

You can get dessert from the chocolateries in the island or have a soft serve blackcurrant ice cream (which I regret we didn’t get to try as we were too full) at Cassis Monna & Filles (Saint-Pierre). A winery with a bistro. Cassis Monna was where we had our lunch of Poutine with duck confit and wine. It was definitely the best poutine we have had. They didn’t skimp on the duck and the flavours of the wine just burst through every bite, with the taste rounding out with the pillowy curds. Sinful and yet heavenly. They have several picnic tables and futons at the back, or you can just sit on the grass to enjoy a glass of wine.

Cassis Monna & Filles

Duck poutine @Cassis Monna & Filles

There are also many wineries, other cideries, even restaurants, on the island! You just have to pick what you want and indulge! This is truly an island for foodies!