On the Route des métiers d'art
The Route des métiers d'art de Charlevoix leads visitors on a journey of discovery through the astonishing expertise of the region's artists and craftspeople. From one workshop to the next, the artisans at work are happy to welcome visitors and entice them with unique and original creations inspired by various elements of Charlevoix's rich natural environment.
The itinerary begins in Baie-Saint-Paul, right downtown, where you'll meet some 40 of the region's artisans and artists, all grouped together in a single location, the Corporation's Métiers d'art Boutique. Through sculptures, pottery, stained glass and jewelry, you can admire the work of these passionate artists, sometimes working in clay, other times in wood, and even in wool.
In Les Éboulements, as you drive along the Route du Fleuve, you'll notice a wooden house that stands out from the rest. This workshop and gallery combine two very distinct crafts. Normand Simard showcases his folk art in unique birdhouses, while Jean-Michel Simard unveils his stone and bronze sculptures.
In the heart of the picturesque village of Les Éboulements lies a glass artist with a 35-year career. Jean-Pierre Léger welcomes visitors to his studio/boutique, where you can see traditional and contemporary stained glass in a variety of forms, both utilitarian and decorative.
In a bucolic setting at the foot of the Éboulements mountains, you'll find some very friendly little creatures. At Alpagas Charlevoix, the animal is at the heart of the inspirations of the artisans who create garments using its wool. Scarves, woollen stockings, tuques and even boot soles for the more chilly. On site, you can also meet the animals and go hiking with our four-legged friends.
Nestled in the woods of peaceful Isle-aux-Coudres is designer Pascale Perron's atelier/boutique. The versatile islander offers clothing, jewelry, children's accessories and a magnificent range of products for the home. Inspired by her island surroundings, the various collections immediately transport us to vacation.
Antiques lovers? A little corner with a multitude of treasures awaits you at Charlotte's!
Visit Les Ateliers Charlevoix in Saint-Irénée, a place where different art forms come together. On the one hand, Stéphane Bouchard creates one-of-a-kind pottery pieces, some very artistic, others more functional, such as magnificent tableware. On the other, in the art gallery area, you can admire and get your hands on paintings by painter Marc DeBlois. And then there's Nancy Giguère, head of Signature N, who makes surprising collections of jewelry and textiles.
If you're unfamiliar with the Raku technique, the potter will be happy to teach you more about this incomparable Japanese firing method.
Continuing along Route 362 towards Pointe-au-Pic, you'll come across Boutique Charlevoix. A contemporary showcase, next door to Chez Truchon, it offers extraordinary visibility for fine crafts. It features a variety of artists' works and exceptional products made by many of the region's artisans.
The Musée de Charlevoix is a must-see cultural stop in La Malbaie, presenting several exhibitions year-round that will appeal to young and old alike. For the curious, one of the exhibits is permanent, allowing visitors to learn more about the history of Charlevoix and the great moments that have marked the region. In addition to the various exhibits, the museum has a boutique offering a wide range of objects, books and local crafts.
Indigène is a lively cultural stopover in Pointe-au-Pic where, in addition to raising awareness of arts and crafts through short films and presentations of the work of local artisans, you can buy unique handcrafted products at the boutique.
Indigène is also the artistic home of jeweler Bénédite Séguin, who offers elegant jewelry collections in gold and silver. Her jewelry is made using a technique that reproduces natural elements and preserves the imprint of flowers and other plants typical of the region on the metals used.