Association des plus beaux villages du Québec

A network of authentic heritage villages, located in remarkable landscapes

120, rue Saint-Joseph,

Deschambault-Grondines,

(Québec)

418-652-8150

villages@videotron.ca

Français

An exceptional site classified as a natural area

To be completed...

History of our village

The Town of Percé, thanks to its magnificent surroundings, its maritime heritage, and its famous Rock, has become a well-known holiday destination, as well as an inspiration for many artists. Located on the point of the Gapsé Peninsula ( from the Micmaq word "gespeg", meaning "end of land"), Percé is part of a territory visited by members of the Micmaq nation, as well as Basque whalers long before explorer Jacques Cartier established a French presence in 1534.

The first colonists settled in the Seigneury of Percé in the year 1672 at the request of Pierre Denys, who had recently gained possession of the land. At the same time, missionaries established a seasonal mission and took it upon themselves to evangelize the Micmaq of the region.

In 1678 there were five permanent residents and two missionaries established in the Seigneury; during the fishing season however, one could count nearly 600 fishermen, as well as many natives who had come in order to trade and barter for goods. This seasonal influx of inhabitants created public disorder; in 1690, two English ships disguised as French ships took over the village and burned-down all buildings, including the chapels, forcing the population to flee into the woods.

It was not until after the English conquest in 1760 that life in Percé resumed, with the creation of a fishing post supplied by fishermen from a wide variety of regions. One could find fishermen from Jersey, Ireland, Canada, as well as American loyalists, all who established themselves on Bonaventure Island. The beginning of the 20th century saw the first tourists arrive in the region, well-off visitors in search of exotic adventures and fascinated by the Percé Rock-covered by a thin layer of evening fog, or the spectacular view of the rising sun behind it. Attention early-birds…you will not be disappointed.

This famous ochre colored rock is 471 meters long and as wide as it is high, weighing in at 5 million tonnes. It is estimated to be 375 million years old; hidden within its many layers of rock are thousands of fossils. This majestic rock appears to be a large ship that has run aground. The Percé Rock counted two large holes, sculpted by the wind and water, until 1845, when one collapsed due to a lightning strike.

The village is nestled along a coastline sculpted by various capes (Pic de l’Aurore, Mont-Joli, les Trois-Soeurs), cliffs, and coves, between the bay and Mont Sainte-Anne (340m). Behind the magnificent St. Michael’s Church, walking trails lead up past panoramic lookouts to the summit of Mont Saint-Anne, the Grotto, and the Crevasse. A little further, Mont-Blanc offers a spectacular view of the region.

The rich waters of Percé attract many species of marine mammals. Seals and whales are frequently observed off the coast of Percé. As a result of an abundant food supply and nesting grounds, the region is naturally favored by thousands of migrating marine birds, who each spring crowd the rock faces of the Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé. Among the almost 250 000 birds nesting on the cliffs of the island, there are almost 120 000 Northern Gannets, thus making the island the largest Northern Gannet colony in the world.

Located 3.5 km off the coast of Percé, Bonaventure Island forms a rough circle with a surface area of 5.8 km2 . Various interpretive activities are offered during the summer season. Though uninhabited since 1970, one may still find remains from the era of the cod fisheries, such as the LeBoutillier House. The village of Percé as well as Bonaventure Island counted heavily on the cod fishery as the basis of its local economy; today lobster has replaced the cod as the principal fishing industry in the Bay of Percé.

Because of its history, Percé offers an original architectural heritage, a blend of historical fishing structures and ancestral homes. The Charles Robin historic sector located in the heart of town includes fisheries-era buildings such as the Neigère (where merchandise was stocked in summer, and snow collected in winter), and the Chafaud (now a museum and the Interpretation Center). Over the years, tourist facilities have developed around these historical buildings.

A few kilometres west of Percé, one finds the typical port village of Anse-à-Beaufils, with its small fishing boats, the Vieille Usine, and historical general store, offering interpretive activities and animation, as well as being steps away from a beach renowned for its agates and jaspers - with a little patience, children young and old may find a small treasure.

One may also explore the small country roads and discover Val d’Espoir, or the sand arm and the tidal marsh of Barachois, known for its many birds and long beach.

In Percé, you cannot help but be amazed by the forces of nature and the heritage of a maritime community, creating a truly unique experience.