8 Stops on the Chemin du Roy
The Chemin du Roy (King’s Road) is the first roadway built between Québec City and Montréal that could accommodate wheeled vehicles along its entire length. It runs from Old Québec and winds through Old Cap-Rouge, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Portneuf and several villages before coming to an end in Montréal. Complete the tour by car, following the tourist route signs. Today, nearly all of the Chemin du Roy has been integrated into the ‘‘Route verte’’ provincial bike path network. Enjoy the many outstanding panoramas along the majestic St. Lawrence River.
- Day 1
- From Québec City to Deschambault-Grondines
©Collection Assemblée nationale. Claude Mathieu
1Parliament Building
1.29 kmThe most important historical site in Québec City, the Parliament Building is one of the few buildings in North America whose architecture is in the Second Empire style.
- Simon Laroche
2Maison Henry-Stuart (house)
2.18 kmStep into this Regency cottage built in 1849 and tour the house. The Maison Henry-Stuart is one of the few remaining examples of a popular style of residential architecture in the 19th century. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Québec bourgeois society in the early 1900s. Before you leave, stay for tea on the wide veranda.
- 3
Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge
3.57 kmBois-de-Coulonge is remarkable on account of its proximity to the St. Lawrence, the beauty of its gardens and its historical characteristics.
- Maison des Jésuites de Sillery
4Maison des Jésuites de Sillery
7.36 kmLocated at the site of the area’s first Jesuit mission, founded in 1637. See the permanent exhibition on the history of the mission.
- Cartier-Roberval Archaeological site, Ville de Québec
5Cartier-Roberval Archaeological Site
43.67 kmThe site of the first French colony in America, this site has provided archaeologists thousands of artifacts and colonial vestiges.
- Chemin du Roy, Yves Tessier
6Vieux-Chemin
14.47 kmThe Vieux Chemin roadway, named one of the 20 most beautiful streets in Canada by the Globe and Mail, overlooks the beautiful St. Lawrence River from atop a promontory.
- Vieux Presbytère de Deschambault
7Vieux Presbytère de Deschambault
12.10 kmThis former presbytery was built in 1815 on Cap Lauzon, a beautiful site overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Visit the permanent exhibit on traditional architecture and the temporary exhibitions on contemporary art.
- Véloroute Portneuvoise, Mathieu Lamarre
8Moulin à vent de Grondines
Built in 1674, the Grondines windmill is the oldest of the 18 windmills in the province of Québec. A permanent exhibition tells of the windmill’s dual role, first as a flour mill, and then as a lighthouse.
For more information: www.lecheminduroy.com
