A network of authentic heritage villages, located in remarkable landscapes

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

A village basking in old-world charm

Located twenty-five kilometres from Quebec City, Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly continues to preserve its character and charm. Located on two ranges, one atop the cape and the other on the riverbanks, the village lives in complete harmony with the Saint Lawrence. From the small road that descends from the church, take in the expansive view of the river. A truly serene atmosphere reigns over Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly—come and appreciate its charm.

The lower part of the village called Les Fonds de Saint-Antoine is made up of clusters of villas and chalets located on the waters’ edge. Lull to the rhythm of the waves, stroll in the gentle breeze, and admire a majestic parade of vessels cutting across the channel. The quay ramp leads you directly to the river. The river marsh is a place to rest or walk, and blends seamlessly into the St. Lawrence from the beach to the quay. The Fond's park is an inviting space for tourists to relax and enjoy the landscape.

The upper—and original—part of the village saw its first settlers arrive around 1680, and offers fine examples of various styles of architecture, exemplified by three seigneurial manors: The Tilly Manor, built in 1786 for Militia Captain Jean-Baptiste Noël de Tilly, is a beautiful display of French style. It has since been converted into a charming riverside resort and health spa. Normand’s General Store (1894) was built in the Second Empire style, and the Dionne Manor (1850) was designed by Charles Baillargé in the Victorian and Regency styles. Since 1963, the church of 1788 has been a registered historical monument. Among other notable heritage buildings is the presbytery, which now serves as City Hall. Finally, at the parish entrance, note the crucifix (sculpted by Louis Jobin) and the American-styled octagonal barn, a rare and beautiful architectural feature in Quebec.

If it is culinary pleasure you prefer, stop by Tilly Manor and try the excellent regional cuisine. The Bergeron cheese dairy features tours and tastings, and the surrounding orchards brim with apples at the beginning of each fall. Two municipal parks, one at Les Fonds, (in the lower part of the village), and the other in the heart of the village, offer superb views of the St. Lawrence River and its northern banks. On route to the neighbouring village of Saint-Nicolas, stop to feast at the Saint-Nicolas cider factory and orchards, which produce not only local ciders, but fruit wines and jellies as well. Since 2000, Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly has become one of the main distributors of maple syrup in Quebec.

Moreover, the street posts and cables have been removed to revive the appearance and atmosphere of bygone days.

The municipal Council invites you to visit our village known for its well preserved architectural heritage along the shore of the Saint-Lawrence River.

Ghislain Daigle, mayor