Three Pines Inspirations Map (Louise Penny)

Do you know Armand Gamache? He’s the famous investigator of the just as famous sleuth novels written by Louise Penny. Translated in 29 languages, having sold millions of copies, and received several awards, Louise Penny’s books have deeply marked the Eastern Townships landscape. Or is it the other way around?

Louise Penny, inspired by Knowlton

After all, it was in her hometown, Knowlton, and the surrounding area where the renowned author found her inspiration for many of her bestsellers. And although she never mentions Knowlton by name, but rather calls the town Three Pines, fans know very well that she’s talking about this magnificent Townships village. Many places in and around the town are said to be like little story segments in these popular novels… Some examples?

Knowlton village

Abbey – The Beautiful Mystery – Chapter 3

A waitress took their plates and a cheese platter arrived. “These are all from the monastery at Saint-Benoit-du-Lac”, said Olivier, waving a cheese knife over the platter. “Their vocation is making cheese and Gregorian chants. All their cheeses are named after saints. Here’s Saint- Andre and this one’s St-Albray”. Inspiration destination: Abbaye St-Benoit-du-Lac, 1 Main St., Saint-Benoit-du-Lac Qc. J0B 2M0

Abbaye St-Benoit-du-Lac

Bistro – Brutal Telling – Chapter 2

It was a restful room. The fires at either end of the beamed bistro took the gloom out of the day. Their light gleamed off the polished wood floors, darkened by years of smoke and farmer’s feet. Sofas and large inviting armchairs sat in front of each fireplace, their fabric faded. Old chairs were grouped round dark wooden dining tables. In front on the mullioned bay windows three or four wing chairs waited for villagers nursing steaming café au lait and croissants, or scotches, or burgundy wine. Inspiration destination: Any Knowlton Bistro / Restaurant.

Le Relais Restaurant Bistro

Bookstore – How the Light Gets In – Chapter 4

The walls were lined with bookcases filled with hardcovers and paperbacks. With fiction and biography, science and science fiction. Mysteries and religion. Poetry and cookbooks. It was a room filled with thoughts and feeling and creation and desires… A black cast-iron woodstove sat in the center of the room, with a kettle simmering on top of it and an armchair on either side. Inspiration destination: Brome Lake Books, 45 Lakeside road, Knowlton Qc. J0E 1V0

Brome Lake Books

Three Pines Tours

These places have become so popular that a tour— The Three Pines Tour—was created a couple of years ago. A guided tour that will take you to significant venues which inspired Louise Penny, and which will allow you to learn more about the story behind each place, and how they’re linked to the author’s books. Each of the tour’s planned stops represents, as such, a chapter of a Louise Penny novel. A great way to satisfy your passion for the novelist’s work, but also an excellent pretext to delve into the heart of such a beautiful and inspiring region.

Three Pines Tours

Louise Penny, inspired by Knowlton

Three Pines Tours

Sights to see

Package Deals

You should read

Official partners

Taste the Townships

Arts, culture and entertainment

Shopping

Lodging

Nature, sports and outdoor activities

Restaurants

Tourist routes

Family outing

Spa and wellness

Three Pines Inspirations Map (Louise Penny)

Louise Penny, inspired by Knowlton

Three Pines Tours

When out and about - here, there or anywhere - let’s bring the greatest version of ourselves

THE INFORMED VISITOR'S PLEDGE

At a distance - and aware of the measures - i will stand.

“Patience and kindness” will be my vacation motto.

I will reserve my outings, dining and sleeping ahead.

Even if it’s just a sniffle, i’ll reschedule my stay

Official partners

Taste the Townships

Arts, culture and entertainment

Shopping

Lodging

Nature, sports and outdoor activities

Restaurants

Tourist routes

Family outing

Spa and wellness