Explore Portneuf through its museums
By David C, April 18 2024
Travelling through the region of Portneuf is, of course, synonymous with marvelling at the beauty of the land, the St. Lawrence, the mountains and the fertile soil. It’s also about stepping back in time as you pass by mills, churches and ancestral homes. During the summer season, you can visit these places to learn about their history or discover the local contemporary artists and craftspeople. This summer, explore the cultural wealth of Portneuf in our museums and cultural venues.
Culture et patrimoine Deschambault-Grondines
In the western part of the region, along the Chemin du Roy, Culture et Patrimoine Deschambault-Grondines welcomes you to its two museums and a number of heritage sites.
Built in 1816, the old presbytery in Deschambault is a landmark of Quebec’s heritage. The permanent exhibition Garder le cap tells the story of the building, the site and the people who have left their mark on it. Un art d’habiter presents the rich architectural heritage of Deschambault-Grondines and the measures taken to preserve and promote it.
Moulin de La Chevrotière, a French-inspired building erected in 1802, is the centrepiece of this site of great architectural, heritage and natural interest. Its permanent exhibition Savoir, faire, durer : l’art des gens de métier presents the traditional trades of wood, iron and stone while covering the history of the mill and the seigneurial family. Upstairs, a number of areas have been dedicated to the history of the navigators and schooner builders of the St. Lawrence.
Note that these two sites also offer temporary exhibitions that are renewed each summer season. The summer program will be available here shortly.
Built in 1674, the Grondines windmill is one of the oldest windmills in North America. The permanent summer exhibition tells of its dual role as a flour mill and a landmark for navigators on the St. Lawrence.
Find out more about the mill and other heritage sites
Maison Plamondon
Listed as a heritage building in the Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec, Maison Plamondon was built around 1908 following the devastating fire that ravaged downtown Saint-Raymond. This remarkable site offers a rich array of events while remaining in tune with the local community.
Its permanent exhibition Paroles et musique, une histoire de Saint-Raymond pays tribute to three figures who contributed to the town’s development: explorer, cartographer and surveyor Joseph Bureau, his granddaughter Augustine Plamondon, organist and music teacher, and her pupil, the famous lyricist Luc Plamondon.
Other exhibitions include Paysages, a celebration of Saint-Raymond’s natural heritage; Artisans de la lumière, presenting the legacy of Saint-Raymond’s 20th-century photographers; and the in-situ digital experience Secrets de charbonniers, offering a journey through the making of charcoal, a key economic activity in the region’s history.
For further information and to find out more about the summer program, click here.
Site Déry
Site Déry is home to a historic toll house—a beautiful heritage building from 1804—a bridge, a section of the former King’s Road (Chemin du Roy), gorges, and a section of the Jacques-Cartier River known for its salmon pools.
A visit to Maison Déry’s permanent exhibition À cause d’une rivière will take you to the heart of a summer’s day in 1909. During this experience where time seems to stand still, from the house to the bridge, from the farm to the river, you will get to know the people who lived on the site and their history. There are two easy trails through the region, the longer one (6 km) leading to Moulin Marcoux.
Find out more
Moulin Marcoux
At Moulin Marcoux, the old mill has become host to diverse cultural productions. Music and comedy shows await you in an intimate and unique venue. From June to September, art exhibitions bring this magnificent heritage building to life.
This year’s exhibitions will be announced here shortly.
Les Voies du Sacré
For the naturally passionate or curious, be sure to explore Portneuf’s religious heritage on the Voies du Sacré circuit, which reveals some of the oldest and most remarkable religious art and architecture in Quebec. During the summer season, the guides on site will show you where the most fascinating features are!
Find out more
This summer, visit these must-see sites and meet the artisans of today and yesteryear. Make the most of your visit and savour some of Portneuf’s rich agrifood culture with a relaxing on-site picnic! And be sure to tag us in your social media posts with #PortneufInegalable and #regionportneuf.