Celebrate 125 years of history and hospitality in Charlevoix this summer
More than just a hotel, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is an integral part of La Malbaie’s history and soul, and my friends and I are more than a little excited about the prospect of staying here for a few days, while we explore the Flavour Trail of Charlevoix.
Located in the heart of the Charlevoix region, it is blessed with a stunning natural backdrop on the edge of a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, luxurious accommodations, a spa and entertainment options galore.
Built 125 years ago and home to one of the region’s first golf clubs — the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Golf Club that was inaugurated in 1925 by former U.S. President William H. Taft — the legendary institution will be hosting a series of special events to commemorate the anniversary this summer.
Starting with an exhibition in collaboration with Cité Mémoire Charlevoix, the hotel is integrating augmented reality and short audio excerpts in twelve tableaux, allowing visitors to discover key moments in the Manoir’s history.
Unique and exclusive products are being developed in collaboration with local partners, including Hydromel Charlevoix, and will be available to mark the occasion. A Whiskey Barrel Aged Honey Reserve is currently available, as is a Bourbon Barrel Aged Honey Reserve.
In addition to the sweet treats, Gin 1899, an exceptional creation to captivate connoisseurs of fine spirits will also be available. Along with the reserve honeys, the bottle will be available for purchase at Café Bellerive. The local gin will also be used to craft signature cocktails at Bar La Brise and Restaurant Le Saint-laurent.
Many events will also be held during the year as part of the 125-year celebrations.
SAGUENAY-SAINT-LAURENT MARINE PARK
A short drive from Le Manoir Richelieu and located between the fresh water of the fjord and the salt water of the river, the Saguenay–st. Lawrence Marine Park is a protected marine area that covers 1,245 square-kilometres in the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay River.
More than 2,200 species can be found in the waters, and there are several activities to choose from, including boat and sailing excursions, sea kayaking and scuba diving.
We decide on a whale watching excursion, aware that the location is a prime destination for both whale and seal watching. In addition to the resident species, many migratory marine mammals will travel thousands of kilometres each year to be there.
The St. Lawrence beluga lives in the St. Lawrence year-round, and the Marine Park has several areas where females give birth to their young and care for them. In addition to belugas, it’s possible to see minke, fin, humpback and blue whales, depending on your
luck, and we were blessed by a rare sighting of a family of dolphins, which was magical.
CHARLEVOIX’S NIGHTLIFE
After heading back to the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu and enjoying dinner under the auspices of Chef Simon Fortin, we decide to spice up our night with a visit to the Casino de Charlevoix and a unique open-air museum: Cité Mémoire Charlevoix
Directly connected to the hotel through an underground passageway, the casino is a classic Riviera-style resort casino with slot machines for every taste and table games like roulette, baccarat, blackjack and poker.
The casino is also the site of the fifth projected painting by artist Michel Lemieux, which is part of Cité Mémoire.
A true open-air museum, Cité Mémoire Charlevoix unfolds over more than 2000 square-kilometres and is projected once it gets dark at night, along the St. Lawrence River in the Pointe-au-pic sector of La Malbaie.
The free, magical multimedia experience filled with artistry and
poetry features 62 points of interest, five large-scale projections — including the one at the Casino de Charlevoix — augmented realities and a podcast.
The tourist and cultural project is the result of a collaboration between Cité Mémoire, Tourisme Charlevoix and local partners.
After a relaxing stay at the Fairmont, we’re excited about our next stop in Petite-rivière-saintfrançois.
Charlevoix has a rich history and tradition of hospitality, and we’re looking forward to discovering even more of what the region, and its local residents, have to offer.