Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Updated on Jul 9, 2018
I had the chance to be on the set all day for the shooting of “Complètement animal”. I discovered three places in the Townships, all new for me: l’Asinerie Les Ânes en culotte, the Norli farm and De la Bauge vineyard. What a fantastic day! I already miss Théo, the cute little donkey!
I met Theo at l’Asinerie, he started braying as soon as I arrived! Gaston, answered back from the other side of the road. I approached him and he let me pet his head. That’s when I realized how sweet, affectionate and adorable these animals are.
There was also a little ewe that crawled under the fence to say hello. Being a true animal lover, I felt as if I had found heaven.
Also, besides the animals, the landscape surrounding the farm was simply breathtaking. As I looked out into the horizon, I could clearly see mount Orford and the impressive White Mountains of New Hampshire. Before leaving, we visited their charming boutique where we found all kinds of products made with donkey milk. It was really great!
Why go to the Asinerie des ânes en culotte? Because we can feel the love Céline, the owner, has for her donkeys; Because these animals live together, like a little community; it’s simply amazing to observe.
Our second stop of the day takes us to the Norli farm. I couldn’t wait to arrive. First, it’s no secret, I simply adore alpacas! Second, the Norli farm has a herd of more than 150 animals. I knew this would be a very charming place to visit.
My wish came true: less than 24 hours before our visit, a baby alpaca was born. Very carefully, we were able to approach and pet him. He was incredibly sweet.
Did you know that alpaca fibre is hypo-allergenic? Lise, the owner of the farm, transforms it into knitting yarn right here, on site. In the spacious boutique, you can purchase magnificent products such as toques, sweaters, socks, cushions and much more! My favourite: their soft stuffed animals.
Why should you visit the Norli farm? Because Lise and Normand, the two owners, are so welcoming and love their animals very much. Lise can tell her 150 alpacas apart and can even call them each by their name. Impressive, right?
We ended our day of filming at the Vignoble de la Bauge where for the first time in my life, I saw boars and yaks. We got in Simon’s pick-up truck, he’s the owner of the vineyard, and we explored the animal domain under a warm summer sun. Many exotic animals showed up for us: New Zealand red deer, Australian emus, llamas from the Andean mountains… it was simply spectacular.
Then, we headed towards the vineyard as we sipped a glass of white wine. We had finished our work day, but we wanted to take advantage of the vineyard a little while longer. While talking with Simon, I learned that wild boars were the emblem of the farm and that “Bauge” meant boar nest. As I looked all around, I was awed by this beautiful environment. There was an old but renovated barn, a terrace set in the middle of the vineyard and grape vines as far as the eye can see.
At that moment, I realized I was truly in love with the Eastern Townships.
Check out the outcome of this day trip here. I’m sure that you too will fall absolutely in love with the region if it’s not already the case!
To see other animals in the Eastern Townships, it's here!
Spa and relaxation
Here We Go! The Family’s Heading to the Spa!
What to do this weekend?
What to Do in the Townships During the March Break
Arts, culture and heritage
Enjoy the summer… indoors!
