A network of authentic heritage villages, located in remarkable landscapes

All Rights Reserved, 1998 / 2012, Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec

“How many captains, how many sailors
Glad to set off towards some distant port…
Where did they go, the sailors quenched in the dark!
Waves! What terrible stories you could tell!” (Victor Hugo, translated by Brooks Haxton)

In 1633, some 100 kilometres east of Quebec City, Father Lajeune sailed past a boulder located on the river’s edge. At the time, this boulder formed “a tiny islet”, otherwise known by the Natives as “Atisaouacanichetagoukhi”. This seems to explain why only the French name has since been retained.

In 1677, two seigneuries were granted to the families of Couillard and Belanger. By 1721, a total of fifteen families had established themselves in the community, all of whose properties were put to fire by the English during the conquest of 1759, as were the majority of homes on the coast during this period.

A marine community with its own sailing school, the village of Islet (which was first named Bonsecours) is comprised of two areas. Islet-sur-Mer houses older heritage buildings and stretches along the Saint-Lawrence River. Saint-Eugène-de-l’Islet is scattered across the marine terrace a few kilometers to the south, across from highway 20. This area features many interesting architectural groupings within a typically agricultural setting.

In Islet-sur-Mer, stroll along the main road, (rue principale), which is beautifully lined in traditional houses, along the river’s edge with grounds that gently border the water, welcoming the ebb and flow of the tides. Note the two dominant buildings, the Church of Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours, a registered historical building, and the Maritime Museum of Quebec (Musée maritime du Québec).

The church houses two belfry towers following a recollect plan which was a single nave wider than the choir to allow for side chapels. Construction of the church first began in 1770, with many embellishments to follow in the years thereafter. In 1818, coffers were added to the ceiling, which is decorated with stars; in 1840, a new sacristy was added to the choir; in 1865 a coffered ceiling in plaster was added; in 1898 side galleries were built, but have since been removed; and in 1882, the church was endowed with a new façade. The decoration of the choir was carried out by Jean Baillargé and his son, François, and was completed in 1787. The tabernacle dates back to 1730. Beautiful 19th century art works adorn the church; admire the angel sculptures and the paintings by Antoine Plamondon.

Near the church, the salle des habitants (or settler’s hall) was built on the river’s edge in 1827, then moved to the village centre in 1956. This historically registered building is a superb structure re-covered in wood, with a four-sided roof covered in aluminum sheeting—a typically Canadian feature.

Further east in the village, admire the magnificent wooden processional chapel, and its raised clock tower. Historically registered, the building dates back to 1835, and bears the inscription, “For Saint Joseph, Patron Saint of Sailors”.

Lastly, the Maritime Museum of Quebec, (le Musée maritime du Québec), located close to the church, pays homage to the maritime past of the village, which trained and was home to most of the river’s captains and sailors. Among them was Captain J-E. Bernier, who explored the Canadian arctic and was the first to stake a Canadian claim to the region in 1909. The museum is an imposing stone structure located near the river, and includes three sections: exhibition rooms dedicated to maritime history and heritage; a boat workshop (chalouperie) that displays how the traditional flat-bottom boats (chaloupes) were constructed; and dry-dock displays such as icebreakers, hydrofoils, and schooners.

In the village centre, the rue du Quai (a street name found in virtually every town that borders the Saint Lawrence) leads to a small natural cove that is protected by the quay and which serves as a shelter for small boats. From here, enjoy the gentle water landscape unfolding before your eyes: the sand bars, the rounded edges of Charlevoix on the opposing bank, and the faint silhouette of the island of Île-aux-Oies, which is just barely visible through the fog. An ideal spot for a picnic, come here to enjoy the lightshow on the ever-changing river.

In spring and in autumn, thousands of migratory white geese come to rest at the beach shores. They offer a majestic show, taking off in great flocks to continue on through their journey.

Take a tour of Saint-Eugène, south of highway 20, which affords another glimpse into local life and landscape. From the backcountry roads, don’t miss the panoramic view overlooking the plains, the river, and the north bank. Lovely agricultural buildings sprinkle the surrounding areas. Saint-Eugène began to develop in the second half of the 19th century and became officially recognized in 1867.

In addition to its bed and breakfasts, the Islet area offers three typically charming inns, each with different character. In the heart of the village, La Marguerite is housed in a 1754 manor; in the eastern part of the village on the river’s edge, La Paysanne, features gastronomic cuisine; and lastly, housed in the old flour mill of 1841, the Auberge des Glacis in Saint-Eugène specializes in fine cuisine

A corridor of 19th century houses

Between the river and the mountains...

Life in l'Islet is fun to live in summer as well as in winter 

When visiting l'Islet, the Maritime Museum is a must see because of its international reputation. I also invite you to stop by our Municipal Park closeby the Municipal Campground. The Rocher Panet within the Municipal Park is located on the shore of the Saint-Lawrence River offering an exceptional view of our beautiful surroundings.

Don't miss our sunsets and enjoy the hospitality of our people.

This is a personal invitationto visit us and hoping to meet you on the streets of l'Islet !

André Caron,

Maire de L'Islet