Île d’Orleans & the Beaupré shore

Île d’Orleans

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/destinations/Quebec_City/le_d_Orleans_the_Beaupr_shore.html
This day drive takes you downstream from Quebec City to the tranquil Île d’Orléans (Orleans Island) and then along the Beaupré shore to one of North America’s great centers of pilgrimage, the shrine of Sainte-Anne. Jacques Cartier is supposed to have cried “Quel beau pré!” (What lovely meadows!) on sighting the lush grasslands along the shore of the St. Lawrence, downstream from where Quebec stands today.
Sainte-Pétronille Leave Quebec City heading north via Hwy. 440 and, after about 6 miles [10 kilometers], cross the bridge over the northern arm of the St. Lawrence. At the junction, turn right toward Sainte-Pétronille. It was here that farmers laid out the island’s first settlement, and it was here that General Wolfe pondered his assault on the city which so splendidly fills the view upstream.
Saint-Laurent Continue your tour around the island in a counterclockwise direction. In the 19th century, Saint-Laurent was a famous boatbuilding center, with 20 yards turning out chaloupes (longboats) in great numbers. The yard once known as the Chalouperie Godbout is now a museum, the Parc Maritime de Saint-Laurent (+1 418 828 9672).
Saint-François The next parish, Saint-Jean, has one of the finest examples of an early manor house, the imposing Manoir Mauvide-Genest (+1 418 829 2630), now a restaurant and museum. Climb up the viewing tower in the parish of Saint-François at the downstream tip of the island and savor the superb views in all directions.
Sainte-Famille Competing for your attention in Sainte-Famille are an old forge, the little visitor center in the Maison Drouin, and, above all, the twin-towered Sainte Famille parish church, consecrated in 1749. The north side of the island gives splendid views of the Beaupré shore. Just before the bridge, Saint-Pierre boasts the island’s oldest church (St.-Pierre church).
Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Cross the bridge back to the mainland, and turn right along Hwy. 138. After about 18 miles [29 kilometers] turn into the parking lot for the great pilgrimage church of Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré (Ave. Royale, +1 418 827 3781). This great basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Quebec and attracts pilgrims from all over North America. Its legendary origins go back to the mid-17th century, when storm-tossed sailors were delivered from disaster by praying to Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary. Other miracles and healings followed, and successively greater shrines were built on the site. The present, magnificent building was completed in 1934 and rivals the great cathedrals of Europe in splendid proportions and opulent decor.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency Unless you are in a hurry, go back in the direction of Quebec City along the Rte. 360, the Avenue Royale, laid out in the late 17th century by Bishop Laval as one of the first roads in Quebec and originally known as le Chemin du Roy (the King’s Road). Close to the bridge to the Île d’Orléans lies the parking area for Parc de la Chute-Montmorency (+1 418 663 2877)—where you will find one of the area’s great natural attractions, the Montmorency Falls. These spectacular 272-foot [82.9-meter] waterfalls have long been a popular tourist site and have featured in many a painting. The elegant mansion known as the Manoir Montmorency (+1 418 663 3330) houses a visitor center with displays on the falls and their history.

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