A network of authentic heritage villages, located in remarkable landscapes

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

The Saint-Lawrence pilots village facing the channel

An integral and historical part of Île d’Orléans, Saint-Jean showcases delightful houses that were once home to generations of ship pilots, sailors and ship captains who lived and died sailing on the Saint Lawrence, ever since the colonization of New France began.

The naval cemetery extends from the edge of the sandbanks to the foot of a brightly red-roofed church (1734), that clings to the shores like an abandoned vessel. In town center, the Mauvide-Genest Manor, built during the same period, is the oldest remaining building of its kind in Quebec. It is considered one of the finest extant examples of rural architecture from the French Regime, with its fine windows, white-washed walls, dormer windows and turret.

Behind and along Main Street (la rue principale) runs a natural terrace. There, dairy and market gardening farms as well as maple syrup producers preside over the river landscape on a small slope that ascends to the heart of Île d’Orléans. As Quebec City’s own backyard vegetable garden, Saint-Jean and its neighboring villages provide all of the city’s fresh vegetables. The sheer variety includes such treats as strawberries and raspberries, along with maple syrup products that will make your mouth water. Delight in picking your own fruits and vegetables as you triple the pleasure by combining a pleasant walk on the island, frequent sampling of the goods, and the gracious smiles of the farmers, many of whom have been doing business on the island for generations, as far as the seventeenth century!

From Saint-Jean, be sure to travel the wonderfully desolate Route du Mitan (the middle road) across to Sainte-Famille. This country road passes a maple grove (a spectacular site in the autumn) and overlooks the river and the Laurentian mountains on the northern bank of the Saint Lawrence. It is a magnificent site to behold, especially at sunset.

You are invited to visit our village on the Island next to Quebec City.

The architectural heritage is preserved beautifully, wires are now underground et the view of the St-Lawrence River is exceptional.  No matter the weather, you will feel at home with us !!!

Mr. Jean-Claude Pouliot,

Mayor of Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d'Orléans and the Municipal Council