Road map of Beauce and Saint-Georges city surrounding area (Quebec, Canada)

The Beauce      

The Beauce is one of the oldest settled rural areas in North  America. It's a region resplendent with natural and man-made contrasts:  the proud peaks of the Appalachians overlook idyllic river plains that  give way to the raging water of the Chaudiere River in spring. Solitary  maple stands dot the lush fields of the Etchemin River valley, while in  the towns, curious tourists explore a miniature village, examine a  well-known covered bridge, or visit an historic Trappist monastery. The  mighty Etchemin River, which crosses the northern Beauce, is an enduring  reminder of the region's Native roots. "Etchemin," a name the river  shares with a beautiful lake in the area, is derived from the Abenaki  Etemankiaks, meaning "those of the land of snowshoe skins."      

Lac-Etchemin [A6]      

Nestled on the shores of grand Lac Etchemin, this is one of  the most popular all-season vacation spots in the area. Enjoy a wide  list of activities, including golf, cycling, fishing, hiking, and in  winter, snowmo-biling, skiing, and inner-tubing. The Eco-Park is a  lovely green space on Lac Etchemin, with a supervised public beach,  nature trails, and boat rentals.      

Notre-Dame-des-Pins [C5] The point of departure for many  Appalachian gold seekers in the 19th century, Notre-Dame-des-Pins is  particularly proud of its covered bridge, built in 1928. At 154.5 m,  Pont Perreault is the longest bridge of its kind in Quebec, and the  second longest covered bridge in Canada. The town also offers a  snowmobile center and trails.      

Saint-Georges-de-Beauce [D5] This dynamic city is the  economical and industrial capital of the Beauce. Among its attractions  are a magnificent church with three silver bell towers, a convention  center and health spa, the Sartigan Dam, a miniature village with 75  houses and buildings that are reproductions of actual structures in the  Beauce, and lively traditions such as the Beauce Grand Prix cycling  competition and the Beauce Maple Festival.      

Sainte-Justine [A7-8]      

Trappist monks first colonized this now-prosperous area, and  their influence is still highly visible today. The Trappist Monastery  and Historic Site includes a heritage home that played a large role in  the order's history, a dairy, and an archeological site. In the summer,  stroll through Sainte-Anne's Chapel in the village's core, where local  craftspeople sell their wares.      

Sainte-Rose-de-Watford [В7] After a visit to this friendly  village, you'll have a good idea of what life was like Chaudiere River  in Quebec at the turn of the 19th century. Start with a tour of the  General Store (1910) and Ancestral House. This home, which is attached  to the store, showcases antiques and photos that belonged to area  families. Don't miss a visit to the famous hiding place of World War II  conscripts, or a guided tour of the Church Museum from May to October.      

Thetford Mines [D1] Although a major industrial center,  Thetford Mines provides over 7.5 km of pathways for cyclists, strollers,  and nature enthusiasts. Elegant old homes and stately churches such as  Saint-Alphonse Cathedral (1907) will delight those with an eye for  architecture. Rock hounds will want to visit the Mining Museum, and from  June to September, you can journey deep under the earth in guided tours  of the city's famous asbestos mines, in operation since 1876.      

Vallee-Jonction [A4]      

With the arrival of the Quebec Central Railway system, this  city became the hub of Quebec railway traffic in 1881. Relive Beauce's  railway history at Vallee-Jonction's Quebec Central Railway Museum,  located in the Old Stone railway station (1917).      

ATTRACTIONS      

LAC-ETCHEMIN      

Eco-Park Mont Original      

NOTRE-DAME-DES-PINS      

Pont Perreault (covered bridge)      

Creativites Beauceronnes      

Art Gallery      

SAINT-GEORGES-DE-BEAUCE      

Saint-Georges Church      

Sartigan Dam Baillargeon Miniature Village Saint-Georges Convention Centre      

SAINTE-JUSTINE      

Trappist Monastery and Historic Site Sainte-Anne's Chapel      

SAINTE-ROSE-DE-WATFORD      

Sainte-Rose Church Museum General Store and Ancestral House      

THETFORD MINES      

Thetford Mines Museum Frontenac Park Mont Adstock      

Thetford Asbestos Mines      

VALLEE-JONCTION      

Vallee-Jonction Railway Interpretation Centre Chaudiere-Appalaches Tourism Trains