Montérégie may be known for being Québec’s pantry, but it’s also cycling heaven! Combining bicycle tourism with agritourism is a way for cyclists to discover the charm of the countryside and explore the fruits of local producers’ labour. You can meet winemakers, cider producers and microbrewers and taste their products. Why not add some culture to your experience as well?
Here are some getaway suggestions that combine bicycle tourism and agritourism!
Expect to spend two to three days on this loop, which runs entirely on bike paths. We recommend that you start your gourmet getaway in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
Day 1
Want to discover a charming part of Montérégie? Head to the Vieux Saint-Jean, and check out its many restaurants, boutiques and unique cafés. Stay for a night or longer to discover more of the region’s hidden treasures! You’ll find microbreweries like Domaine Berthiaume and Lagabière, vineyards like Le Mas des Patriotes and other agritourism attractions like Fromagerie Au Gré des Champs. Popular among tourists, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu always makes a great stopover. Want to get the most out of your stay? There are several lodging options available a few steps away from the Vieux Saint-Jean.
From here, you can pick up La Montérégiade bike path. You’ll find a ton of culinary attractions when you arrive in Farnham and Granby!
Day 2
After a good night’s sleep, it’s time to suit up and hop on your bike for more culinary exploration! Take the La Route des Champs, direction Chambly! You’ll ride through the incredible landscapes of Rougemont, Québec’s apple capital. After marvelling at the apple blossoms in full bloom in the spring, veer off the bike bath a bit. You won’t regret it! Don’t miss Chemin de la Petite Caroline, which offers a spectacular view of the Rougemont valley and its thousands of apple trees and grapevines. Make sure to take a break on a stunning terrace or two at the region’s wineries and cideries. Options include Cidrerie Michel Jodoin, Coteau Rougemont Vineyard and Cidery, Domaine Cartier-Potelle and Potager Mont-Rouge Halte Gourmande.
Extend your stay at Auberge le Fruit Défendu, a charming bed and breakfast. (Plus, it has a Bienvenue Cyclistes certification!)
History and culture lovers can visit the Fort Chambly National Historic Site or just stop at the surrounding park to take in the natural landscape and admire the Chambly Basin. Ride the stone dust Chambly Canal National Historic Site path, which is well suited to road bikes. You’ll find microbreweries Délires et Délices and Bedondaine & Bedons Ronds on Bourgogne Avenue right nearby, along with several nice restaurants and cafés. Stroll along Richelieu Street to admire the beautiful heritage homes. The Chambly Canal path is also a great place to watch the boats and countless bird species including cormorants, herons and kingfishers.
They say the best way to Montérégie’s food and drink destinations is on two wheels! With its Wine Route, Cider Route and Circuit du Paysan, you have everything you need to combine bicycling touring and agritourism.
