In Charlevoix, there are many ways to encounter art. Visiting towns and villages, the outdoor sculptures are sure to surprise and delight. Each sculpture in Charlevoix has its own story to tell, revealing the immense talent of local and international sculptors.
Let yourself be swept along on this fascinating journey, highlighting these unique works that gradually reveal the history of our region.
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Stop 1
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François – Dominique Maltais, Olympic medallist and five-time world snowboard cross champion
Stop 1
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François – Dominique Maltais, Olympic medallist and five-time world snowboard cross champion
Born in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Olympic medallist Dominique Maltais has earned herself a special place in the hearts of the village’s residents. The sculpture shows Dominique on her snowboard, the five crystal globes won by the athlete and the five Olympic rings.
Location: Intersection of route 138 and rue Principale leading to the heart of the village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
Inaugurated: October 2014
Artist: Martin Brisson, sculptor
Stop 2
Baie-Saint-Paul – Oeillée vers le large
Stop 2
Baie-Saint-Paul – Oeillée vers le large
In the heart of Baie-Saint-Paul, this oversized sculpture depicts an indigenous person looking out to sea. Made of oxidized metal wire, the iron was recovered from boats that had sailed the waters of the St. Lawrence. This work pays tribute to Charlevoix’s rich maritime heritage.
Location: In front of the René-Richard library
Inaugurated: 2002
Artist: Gérard Thériault
Stop 3
Baie-Saint-Paul – Riopelle’s Le Poisson
Stop 3
Baie-Saint-Paul – Riopelle’s Le Poisson
Riopelle’s last major exhibition was in Baie-Saint-Paul. This sculpture by Jean-Paul Riopelle, estimated to be worth $2 million, was donated to the Musée d’art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul. Made of bronze in 1974, this abstract work evokes Riopelle’s attachment to nature. “Le Poisson” is linked to the sculptural grouping La Joute, a unique fountain-sculpture that spent several years being exhibited in downtown Montreal.
Location: In front of the Musée d’art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul
Inaugurated: 2018
Artist: Jean-Paul Riopelle
Stop 4
Saint-Irénée – Harmonic Sculpture Garden
Stop 4
Saint-Irénée – Harmonic Sculpture Garden
Open year-round and free of charge, the Harmonic Sculpture Garden at Domaine Forget de Charlevoix unveils the flamboyant world of some twenty sculptors in a remarkable setting. These monumental works of art can be admired on a walking tour of the site.
Location: Domaine Forget de Charlevoix
Inaugurated: The Harmonic Sculpture Garden was inaugurated in June 2015.
Artists: Cooke-Sasseville, Lucienne Cornet, Jacques Dansereau, Marc Fugère, Jack Gron, Claude Le Sauteur, Jean-Michel Simard, Suzanne Martel, Lewis Pagé, Gérard Thériault, Bill Vazan, Isaac Duncan III, Bryan Rasmussen, Peter Lundberg, Terrence Karpowicz, Doug Schatz, Christopher Boyne, Jean Brillant, Carole Baillargeon & Armand Vaillancourt.
Stop 5
La Malbaie – Le Jardin de Germaine
Stop 5
La Malbaie – Le Jardin de Germaine
Collector and folk art enthusiast Richard Dubé acquired over a hundred works by Gaspesian artist Roland Joncas. Over the years, Mr. Dubé “sowed” these works in the garden of his wife, Germaine Normand, who passed away in 2016. These works of art, generously donated to the Musée de Charlevoix, now adorn the museum’s grounds. Le Jardin de Germaine features several sculptures made of assembled pieces of iron, depicting fantastic animals and mysterious flowers. The stunning backdrop of La Malbaie Bay enhances this prized collection.
Location: Musée de Charlevoix
Inaugurated: 2020
Artists: Roland Joncas
Stop 6
La Malbaie, Pointe-au-Pic – Libertatis
Stop 6
La Malbaie, Pointe-au-Pic – Libertatis
This 15-foot-tall iron giant, looking out over the river, immortalizes the hope and resilience of the people of Malbaie, who, like most Quebecois, have experienced difficult times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece is made from recycled steel rods, wrought-iron flowers and cast bronze.
“Look outwards and draw on the creative energy of Charlevoix’s landscape and magnificent environment to bring out the inner strength we all carry within ourselves; this is the message we want to convey,” says artist Bénédite Séguin.
Location: Rue Richelieu, on the land opposite the Hôtel-Motel Le Castel de la Mer
Inaugurated: 2020
Artists: Bénédite Séguin, jeweller, Marc Douesnard, blacksmith, and Jimmy Perron, artist.
Stop 7
La Malbaie – Le Poisson-Lune
Stop 7
La Malbaie – Le Poisson-Lune
This concept of a 12 ft tall ocean sunfish, sculpted from wood, won a grant as part of the #CovidArtQc competition. The ocean sunfish is an exotic species that is becoming increasingly common in the St. Lawrence River. The sculpture is exactly 6 ft wide, a reference to the social distancing measure recommended by the government during the pandemic. Among other things, this multi-purpose structure serves as a backdrop for the screening of film productions by filmmaker and producer duo Suzie Gagnon and Jean-Luc Dupuis.
Location: Parc du quai Casgrain
Inaugurated: 2021
Artists: Jean-François Lettre, woodwork artist, and Pierre Bouchard, painter.
Stop 8
Clermont – Alexis Lapointe, a.k.a. Alexis Le Trotteur
Stop 8
Clermont – Alexis Lapointe, a.k.a. Alexis Le Trotteur
In 2010, during the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the municipality of Clermont, a sculpture of the legendary Alexis Le Trotteur was unveiled. The sculpture depicts Alexis, a native of Clermont, as half-man, half-horse, in keeping with his legendary exploits. A legend in which the truth flirts with fantasy, the story goes that Alexis Le Trotteur ran fast—incredibly fast—perhaps even faster than racehorses and trains.
Location: Parcours des berges Alexis Le Trotteur, Clermont
Inaugurated: 2010
Artist: Léonce Émond