The Charlevoix art trade route will take you on a journey of discovery through the expertise of the region’s artists and artisans. From one studio to the next, the artisans at work are happy to welcome visitors and charm them with unique and original creations inspired by various aspects of Charlevoix’s rich natural environment.
Along the Charlevoix Art Trade Route
Day 1
Corporation des métiers d’art de Charlevoix
Day 1
Corporation des métiers d’art de Charlevoix
The itinerary starts in Baie-Saint-Paul, right downtown, where you’ll meet some 40 local artisans and artists, all in one place. Through sculptures, pottery, stained glass and jewelry, you can admire the creations of these passionate artists, some of whom work with clay, others with wood and still others with wool.
La Cabane d’Oiseaux - Simard Sculpteur
La Cabane d’Oiseaux - Simard Sculpteur
La Cabane d’Oiseaux - Simard SculpteurIn Les Éboulements, on the St. Lawrence Route, you’ll notice a wooden house that stands out from the rest. In this studio gallery, two very different crafts are combined. Normand Simard reveals his folk art in the form of unique birdhouses, while Jean-Michel Simard showcases his stone and bronze sculptures.
Ô Vitrô et cie
Ô Vitrô et cie
Ô Vitrô et cieIn the heart of the picturesque village of Les Éboulements lies a glass artist with a career spanning over 35 years. Jean-Pierre Léger welcomes visitors to his studio/shop, where you can see traditional and contemporary stained glass in a variety of forms, both practical and decorative.
Alpagas Charlevoix
Alpagas Charlevoix
Alpagas CharlevoixIn a bucolic setting at the foot of the Les Éboulements mountains, some very sweet little creatures can be found. At Alpagas Charlevoix, animals are the main inspiration for craftspeople who use their wool to create clothes. Scarves, wool socks, tuques and even boot insoles for chilly feet. On site, you can also meet the animals and go hiking with our four-legged friends.
Day 2
Papeterie Saint-Gilles
Day 2
Papeterie Saint-Gilles
Not far from the river, in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, you’ll find the paper economuseum. For over 60 years, Papeterie Saint-Gilles has been making paper from cotton inlaid with local leaves and flowers. The workshop is the place to learn more about the paper-making trade and the techniques used to produce this high-quality product, while the shop is the ideal spot to purchase one-of-a-kind creations and creative materials.
Charlotte! Studio/Shop and its Petit Place d’art
Charlotte! Studio/Shop and its Petit Place d’art
Charlotte! Studio/Shop and its Petit Place d’artNestled in the woods of peaceful Isle-aux-Coudres is designer Pascale Perron’s studio and shop. The multi-talented islander sells clothing, jewelry, children’s accessories and a magnificent range of products for the home. Inspired by her island surroundings, the various collections instantly evoke vacation.
Do you love a good flea market? A cozy corner with all sorts of treasures awaits you at Charlotte!
Les Ateliers Charlevoix
Les Ateliers Charlevoix
Head over to Saint-Irénée and visit Ateliers Charlevoix, a place where diverse art forms are brought together. There’s Stéphane Bouchard, who creates unique pottery, from highly artistic to more functional, including magnificent tableware. Then, in the art gallery section, you can admire and acquire paintings by artist Marc DeBlois. Last, but certainly not least, is Nancy Giguère, head of Signature N, who makes surprising collections of jewelry and fabric creations.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Raku technique, the ceramist will be delighted to teach you more about this incomparable Japanese firing technique.
Boutique Charlevoix
Boutique Charlevoix
Continuing on Route 362 towards Pointe-au-Pic, you’ll come across Boutique Charlevoix. A contemporary showcase, next door to Chez Truchon, offering extraordinary visibility for artisanal trades. It brings together the works of a variety of artists and exceptional products made by many of the region’s artisans.
Day 3
Musée de Charlevoix
Day 3
Musée de Charlevoix
The Musée de Charlevoix is an essential cultural stop in La Malbaie, featuring many exhibitions throughout the year that will appeal to young and old alike. For the curious, one of these exhibits is permanent, giving you the chance to learn more about the history of Charlevoix and the major events that have shaped the region. In addition to the various exhibitions, the museum has a shop that sells a wide range of items, books and local crafts.
Indigène, Art & Culture and Joaillerie L’Amulette
Indigène, Art & Culture and Joaillerie L’Amulette
Indigène is a lively cultural stopping place in Pointe-au-Pic where, in addition to learning about the art trade through short films and presentations of the work of local artisans, you can buy unique handcrafted products at the shop.
Indigène is also the artistic haunt of jeweller Bénédite Séguin, who offers elegant collections of gold and silver jewellery. Her jewelry is made using a technique that recreates natural elements and retains the imprints of flowers and other common local plants on the metals used.
Forge-menuiserie Cauchon
Forge-menuiserie Cauchon
The Charlevoix art trade route itinerary ends at an unusual location in the region. Built in 1882, the Forge-menuiserie Cauchon welcomes visitors every summer, eager to share its history and expertise in a craft from another time. As one of the best-preserved forges in Quebec, visitors will be impressed from the moment they step inside.