Experience Québec
Getaway
My lord, what a mill!
Whether they’re powered by water or wind, not all mills are remnants of the past-some are operating to this day. Thanks to a series of tours and exhibits, the general public can now learn their fascinating stories. It’s time to play Don Quixote and set off tilting at windmills!
Back in the days of New France, in addition to the rights he enjoyed, a seigneur, or lord, had three important duties: maintain a residence, grant lands and build a flour mill (or communal mill) for the use of his censitaires (the habitants living and working on the land).
Mills that ground flour and grains were the stars of this "industry." The Charlevoix region is home to two prime examples, the communal mill of Sales-Laterrière and Les Moulins de l’Isle-aux-Coudres. The mills at Isle-aux-Coudres were erected in 1824 and are still running in their splendid setting. You’ll learn all about their history, their workings and the daily life of the typical miller. At the end of your tour, the warm aroma of freshly baked bread will make it impossible for you to leave without enjoying a sample.Heritage treasures
As it did in the good old days, the Moulin Michel de Gentilly still mills its famed buckwheat flour. One of the few flour mills whose water-driven turbine is still in operation, this French-style structure welcomes weekend visitors to a sumptuous brunch of buckwheat crepes and pancakes.
Next, visit the most comprehensive seigneurial regime interpretation centre in Québec: the Seigneurie des Aulnaies. Guides in period costume will take you around the seigneurial gardens, the Victorian manor and, naturally, the mill, which is powered by the largest bucket wheel in the province.
Lastly, take a detour through the Montérégie region to visit the Parc historique de la Pointe-du-Moulin. Its windmill has been milling grain since... 1705! Close to three centuries!Grind... saw and weave
When you think Québec, you think wood. And there’s certainly no lack of sawmills along the banks of our rivers. In the Saguenay--Lac-Saint-Jean region, the Moulin des Pionniers, on the rivière-aux-Saumons, is a lively testimonial to the days of Québec’s colonization. You can attend demonstrations and watch the workers ply their trade.
Lastly, no tour would be complete without a stop at the Ulverton Wool Mill, in the Centre-du-Québec region. The only textile interpretation centre in Canada, this historical site boasts an exhibition on the history of cotton... right up to blue jeans! An educational and entertaining experience!| Follow the blue signs! |
 On Québec’s road network, as well as on Bonjour Québec.com’s web network, the tourism signage is easy to spot: it’s blue. There’s signage identifying all the mills mentioned in this text. These are the signs that will help you find your way. |
Guillaume Rivard
Photos: 1. Les Moulins de l'Isle-aux-Coudres; 2. Seigneurie des Aulnaies; 3. Moulin des pionniers
2008-04-10
