From Quebec City spend an hour driving east along the north shore of the St Lawrence River and you’ll find the wee town of Baie-Saint-Paul in Charlevoix. Skip around the quaint town and you’ll find a rambling river, slew of local art galleries, speciality foodie shops and an endless array of restaurant patios which offer the perfect perch for people watching.
Ready for a foodie road trip? Hop in your car and you’ll find plenty of farmers producing a wild variety of treats including organic lavender, oozing sheep’s cheese, the world’s only tomato wine, and creamy duck rillettes.
Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel
Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel is Baie-Saint-Paul’s most luxurious property, recognized with Top Design in the World at the 2013 Retail & Leisure Interior Awards. The charming country hotel blends a chic urban vibe with a farmhouse aesthetic offering visitors a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The clean lines and contemporary style of Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel’s property are found on the site of a former farm belonging to the Petites Franciscaines de Marie, a religious congregation. Great care was taken to preserve the link between past and present, with each building on-site paying homage to the style of those historic farm buildings.
Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel Suite
The most instagram-able of the hotel’s posh pads is The Superior, featuring plush queen sized bed, relaxing lounge, antique soaker tub, rain shower, sky-high ceilings, and pretty views overlooking the farm. Amenities include free wifi, goose down comforter and feather pillows, 300 thread count bedding, HD flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee machine, techy work station, artisanal toiletries, comfy cotton bathrobes and heated bathroom floors.
Breakfast at Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel
In the morning skip over to Les Labours Restaurant and plop yourself on the open air patio to indulge in the hotel’s decadent brunch buffet. The culinary team does a great job at showcasing locally made products which include freshly baked pastries, ooey gooey cheese, crispy bacon and an endless stream of maple syrup. If you’re keen to sample Quebecois classics be sure to nibble through dark chocolate filled croissants, ooey gooey fromage, creamy creton, maple butter slathered pancakes, and savoury charcuterie quiche.
The Farm at Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel
Take a stroll to the hotel’s farm and you’ll find a cast of hilarious characters. André and Philippe tend the organic garden which provides fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs for the hotel’s kitchen. Look towards the edge of the garden and you’ll find fifteen hives that produce up to 600 kilos of honey which can be enjoyed with a pot of piping hot tea or incorporated into the restaurants signature dishes and desserts. You’ll also find hens clucking, ducks squawking and a herd of Scottish Highland cattle moo’ing all morning.
The Spa at Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel
If you’re looking to indulge in a moment of rest and relaxation spend an afternoon at the hotel’s Spa Nordique. The refreshing thermal spa experience is enjoyed year round and features a Finnish sauna, eucalyptus steam bath, relaxation room and ice fountain indoors, while outside you can sit in the sun while plopping through steaming hot tubs, ice cold pools or slowly sway on hammocks which overlook the farm.
The Bar at Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel
Cocktail hour is best enjoyed at Le Bercail, a casual restaurant located on the hotel’s main floor which features a hop up bar and booming fireplace. The mixologist here does a great job at incorporating local flavours into each glass with highlights including the Verger Sour (belle de brillet, pedneault ice cider, lemon, ginger ale, cinnamon) and Le Quebecois (gin ungava, pedneault ice cider, cranberry juice, maple syrup).
The Restaurant at Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel
If you’re keen to treat your sweetie to a fancy feast make a reservation at Les Labours and indulge in a parade of pretty plates served straight out of the restaurants open kitchen. The culinary team creates whimsical seasonal dishes utilizing products grown right in the hotel’s garden as well as popular products raised by local farmers. Highlights include wild shrimp with lamb bacon, duck breast with dates and lavender, and veal striploin paired with grilled octopus with leek and lemon.
Campfire at Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel
Before heading to bed huddle with friends around the hotel’s booming fire pit. When the night sky is clear you can sit back and relax while gazing up at the twinkle of stars. Or pop by the front desk and they’ll provide you with marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate for a sweet DIY s’mores experience.
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