Gravel Cycling and Foodie Discoveries: Val-Saint-François from a New Perspective

Taking a Deep Breath of Fresh Air while Cycling

The Valcampagnarde Loop

Leave the city behind and head out to the Municipality of Melbourne. This verdant environment on the shores of the Saint-François River, invites you to leave your car in their townhall parking area before you head out on your fun-filled ride along the Valcampagnarde Loop. This magnificent gravel cycling route will take you across delightful rolling hills and a peaceful, rural setting. For a sweet pause, you must take a short detour that will take you to the Kingsbury Marsh! It’s the perfect place to relax awhile or to enjoy a snack, as you admire the landscapes all around. Please note: you must have a good supply of water and food because there are very few places where you can refill on this circuit.

Discover

Enjoy Meeting a Local Producer

As well as the beauty of its gravel roads, the Valcampagnarde route stands out for its peaceful, hilly landscapes. A highlight not to be missed on your way: the Vallée du Moulin, one of the few fig producers in Québec! Whether it’s for its enchanting, natural setting, to sample its sweet fruit or to order a delicious grilled cheese, we highly recommend stopping here!

Discover

Fill Your Basket with Terroir Flavours

Another essential! If you’re planning to come to the region on a Saturday (between May and October), you absolutely must include a trip to the Melbourne Country Market (open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). First, because it’s right next to the start/finish point of your cycling route and, second, because you’ll find both quantity and quality in the stalls of the local producers on site. Indeed! You’ll have plenty to take home with you!

Discover

Relax on a Terrace with a View

End the day with a cocktail or enjoy supper while admiring a breathtaking view at the restaurant Le Belle-View. Golfers, cyclists or simple epicureans will be thrilled by the culinary offer, the friendly ambiance and the magnificent terrace!

Discover

Stay at a Certified Bienvenue Cyclistes Accommodation

In Melbourne, notably, you’ll find the Auberge Papillon-Lune inn, adjoining the Camping Melbourne campground, both offering cyclists two fine overnight options. For couples, the first option is truly a dream choice. With its four rooms, a suite, an apartment and the spa, the Auberge welcomes its guests inside a warm and friendly wooded environment. Whereas groups of friends and families with teens will want to opt for the welcoming ambiance, the pool and entertainment ideas (among these, an escape game) they’ll find by staying at the campground.

Discover

Start Your Day on the Right Foot!

A local treasure nestled in a historic building, Richmond’s Café du Couvent (approved by Fièrement Vélo!) welcomes you starting at 9:00 a.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Discover this intimate Eastern Townships certified Café de Village, where the aroma of hot coffee and homemade pastries drifts through the air. For on-site consumption, the kitchen offers healthy and vegetarian options, which we recommend you eat on the terrace among the flowering hydrangeas. For take-out options, it’s also a must! Delicious lunch boxes and frozen ready-to-eat meals are also available.

Discover

Immerse Yourself in the Countryside Riding a Bicycle

La Petite Laine Loop

For this second day of cycling, opt for La Petite Laine, a short 31 km circuit on gravel roads. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the surrounding attractions while cycling through the magnificent agricultural landscapes of Val-Saint-François. A tip: the Ulverton Wool Mill offers day-use parking for cyclists wishing to visit this heritage site before heading out for their bike ride.

Discover

Visit the Ulverton Wool Mill

For its natural setting, its exhibitions, its craft shop... These are just three excellent reasons why you should take a moment to discover this fully restored former Wool Mill, where you can learn more about this important industry of the time. And if that’s not enough, you’ll find that cyclists are always welcome here. There’s also a picnic area where you can bring your own lunch and drinks. For refreshments, a beverage service is also available. A little hidden gem in Val-Saint-François, this is the ideal place to relax and have something to eat during your outing. Just remember to plan on bringing $5 per person for daily access.

Discover

Savour a Glass of Wine

At the end of the day, reward yourself with a glass of wine in the heart of the Vallons de Wadleigh vineyard. Sitting on the terrace, order a charcuterie and cheese platter accompanied, of course, by the four-wine tasting option. At this family-run vineyard, the vines are cultivated with love and respect, using sustainable practices to produce their nectar with character. Looking for a festive ambiance? On Fridays throughout the summer, you’ll enjoy live music as you sample the on-site food truck’s menu!

Discover

What to do On a Rainy Day?

Musée de l'Ardoise and Galerie Perkins

If it should rain, visit the Musée de l’Ardoise, Richmond’s Slate Museum, or La Galerie Perkins. Located in former churches, these two establishments will amaze you with the beauty of their surroundings and the diversity of their exhibitions! The first highlights the history and rich heritage of the slate industry in the Richmond region. The other showcases more than thirty artists from across Canada and the United States, including Joseph-Richard Veilleux, Jean-Claude Poitras, Andrew Kiss, Jessica Potenza, Anne Marrec, M. M. Ciciovan and Sylvie Cloutier.

Taking a Deep Breath of Fresh Air while Cycling

The Valcampagnarde Loop

Leave the city behind and head out to the Municipality of Melbourne. This verdant environment on the shores of the Saint-François River, invites you to leave your car in their townhall parking area before you head out on your fun-filled ride along the Valcampagnarde Loop. This magnificent gravel cycling route will take you across delightful rolling hills and a peaceful, rural setting. For a sweet pause, you must take a short detour that will take you to the Kingsbury Marsh! It’s the perfect place to relax awhile or to enjoy a snack, as you admire the landscapes all around. Please note: you must have a good supply of water and food because there are very few places where you can refill on this circuit.

Discover

Enjoy Meeting a Local Producer

As well as the beauty of its gravel roads, the Valcampagnarde route stands out for its peaceful, hilly landscapes. A highlight not to be missed on your way: the Vallée du Moulin, one of the few fig producers in Québec! Whether it’s for its enchanting, natural setting, to sample its sweet fruit or to order a delicious grilled cheese, we highly recommend stopping here!

Discover

Fill Your Basket with Terroir Flavours

Another essential! If you’re planning to come to the region on a Saturday (between May and October), you absolutely must include a trip to the Melbourne Country Market (open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). First, because it’s right next to the start/finish point of your cycling route and, second, because you’ll find both quantity and quality in the stalls of the local producers on site. Indeed! You’ll have plenty to take home with you!

Discover

Relax on a Terrace with a View

End the day with a cocktail or enjoy supper while admiring a breathtaking view at the restaurant Le Belle-View. Golfers, cyclists or simple epicureans will be thrilled by the culinary offer, the friendly ambiance and the magnificent terrace!

Discover

Stay at a Certified Bienvenue Cyclistes Accommodation

In Melbourne, notably, you’ll find the Auberge Papillon-Lune inn, adjoining the Camping Melbourne campground, both offering cyclists two fine overnight options. For couples, the first option is truly a dream choice. With its four rooms, a suite, an apartment and the spa, the Auberge welcomes its guests inside a warm and friendly wooded environment. Whereas groups of friends and families with teens will want to opt for the welcoming ambiance, the pool and entertainment ideas (among these, an escape game) they’ll find by staying at the campground.

Discover

Start Your Day on the Right Foot!

A local treasure nestled in a historic building, Richmond’s Café du Couvent (approved by Fièrement Vélo!) welcomes you starting at 9:00 a.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Discover this intimate Eastern Townships certified Café de Village, where the aroma of hot coffee and homemade pastries drifts through the air. For on-site consumption, the kitchen offers healthy and vegetarian options, which we recommend you eat on the terrace among the flowering hydrangeas. For take-out options, it’s also a must! Delicious lunch boxes and frozen ready-to-eat meals are also available.

Discover

Immerse Yourself in the Countryside Riding a Bicycle

La Petite Laine Loop

For this second day of cycling, opt for La Petite Laine, a short 31 km circuit on gravel roads. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the surrounding attractions while cycling through the magnificent agricultural landscapes of Val-Saint-François. A tip: the Ulverton Wool Mill offers day-use parking for cyclists wishing to visit this heritage site before heading out for their bike ride.

Discover

Visit the Ulverton Wool Mill

For its natural setting, its exhibitions, its craft shop... These are just three excellent reasons why you should take a moment to discover this fully restored former Wool Mill, where you can learn more about this important industry of the time. And if that’s not enough, you’ll find that cyclists are always welcome here. There’s also a picnic area where you can bring your own lunch and drinks. For refreshments, a beverage service is also available. A little hidden gem in Val-Saint-François, this is the ideal place to relax and have something to eat during your outing. Just remember to plan on bringing $5 per person for daily access.

Discover

Savour a Glass of Wine

At the end of the day, reward yourself with a glass of wine in the heart of the Vallons de Wadleigh vineyard. Sitting on the terrace, order a charcuterie and cheese platter accompanied, of course, by the four-wine tasting option. At this family-run vineyard, the vines are cultivated with love and respect, using sustainable practices to produce their nectar with character. Looking for a festive ambiance? On Fridays throughout the summer, you’ll enjoy live music as you sample the on-site food truck’s menu!

Discover

What to do On a Rainy Day?

Musée de l'Ardoise and Galerie Perkins

If it should rain, visit the Musée de l’Ardoise, Richmond’s Slate Museum, or La Galerie Perkins. Located in former churches, these two establishments will amaze you with the beauty of their surroundings and the diversity of their exhibitions! The first highlights the history and rich heritage of the slate industry in the Richmond region. The other showcases more than thirty artists from across Canada and the United States, including Joseph-Richard Veilleux, Jean-Claude Poitras, Andrew Kiss, Jessica Potenza, Anne Marrec, M. M. Ciciovan and Sylvie Cloutier.

Taking a Deep Breath of Fresh Air while Cycling

The Valcampagnarde Loop

Leave the city behind and head out to the Municipality of Melbourne. This verdant environment on the shores of the Saint-François River, invites you to leave your car in their townhall parking area before you head out on your fun-filled ride along the Valcampagnarde Loop. This magnificent gravel cycling route will take you across delightful rolling hills and a peaceful, rural setting. For a sweet pause, you must take a short detour that will take you to the Kingsbury Marsh! It’s the perfect place to relax awhile or to enjoy a snack, as you admire the landscapes all around. Please note: you must have a good supply of water and food because there are very few places where you can refill on this circuit.

Discover

Enjoy Meeting a Local Producer

As well as the beauty of its gravel roads, the Valcampagnarde route stands out for its peaceful, hilly landscapes. A highlight not to be missed on your way: the Vallée du Moulin, one of the few fig producers in Québec! Whether it’s for its enchanting, natural setting, to sample its sweet fruit or to order a delicious grilled cheese, we highly recommend stopping here!

Discover

Fill Your Basket with Terroir Flavours

Another essential! If you’re planning to come to the region on a Saturday (between May and October), you absolutely must include a trip to the Melbourne Country Market (open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). First, because it’s right next to the start/finish point of your cycling route and, second, because you’ll find both quantity and quality in the stalls of the local producers on site. Indeed! You’ll have plenty to take home with you!

Discover

Relax on a Terrace with a View

End the day with a cocktail or enjoy supper while admiring a breathtaking view at the restaurant Le Belle-View. Golfers, cyclists or simple epicureans will be thrilled by the culinary offer, the friendly ambiance and the magnificent terrace!

Discover

Stay at a Certified Bienvenue Cyclistes Accommodation

In Melbourne, notably, you’ll find the Auberge Papillon-Lune inn, adjoining the Camping Melbourne campground, both offering cyclists two fine overnight options. For couples, the first option is truly a dream choice. With its four rooms, a suite, an apartment and the spa, the Auberge welcomes its guests inside a warm and friendly wooded environment. Whereas groups of friends and families with teens will want to opt for the welcoming ambiance, the pool and entertainment ideas (among these, an escape game) they’ll find by staying at the campground.

Discover

Start Your Day on the Right Foot!

A local treasure nestled in a historic building, Richmond’s Café du Couvent (approved by Fièrement Vélo!) welcomes you starting at 9:00 a.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Discover this intimate Eastern Townships certified Café de Village, where the aroma of hot coffee and homemade pastries drifts through the air. For on-site consumption, the kitchen offers healthy and vegetarian options, which we recommend you eat on the terrace among the flowering hydrangeas. For take-out options, it’s also a must! Delicious lunch boxes and frozen ready-to-eat meals are also available.

Discover

Immerse Yourself in the Countryside Riding a Bicycle

La Petite Laine Loop

For this second day of cycling, opt for La Petite Laine, a short 31 km circuit on gravel roads. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the surrounding attractions while cycling through the magnificent agricultural landscapes of Val-Saint-François. A tip: the Ulverton Wool Mill offers day-use parking for cyclists wishing to visit this heritage site before heading out for their bike ride.

Discover

Visit the Ulverton Wool Mill

For its natural setting, its exhibitions, its craft shop... These are just three excellent reasons why you should take a moment to discover this fully restored former Wool Mill, where you can learn more about this important industry of the time. And if that’s not enough, you’ll find that cyclists are always welcome here. There’s also a picnic area where you can bring your own lunch and drinks. For refreshments, a beverage service is also available. A little hidden gem in Val-Saint-François, this is the ideal place to relax and have something to eat during your outing. Just remember to plan on bringing $5 per person for daily access.

Discover

Savour a Glass of Wine

At the end of the day, reward yourself with a glass of wine in the heart of the Vallons de Wadleigh vineyard. Sitting on the terrace, order a charcuterie and cheese platter accompanied, of course, by the four-wine tasting option. At this family-run vineyard, the vines are cultivated with love and respect, using sustainable practices to produce their nectar with character. Looking for a festive ambiance? On Fridays throughout the summer, you’ll enjoy live music as you sample the on-site food truck’s menu!

Discover

What to do On a Rainy Day?

Musée de l'Ardoise and Galerie Perkins

If it should rain, visit the Musée de l’Ardoise, Richmond’s Slate Museum, or La Galerie Perkins. Located in former churches, these two establishments will amaze you with the beauty of their surroundings and the diversity of their exhibitions! The first highlights the history and rich heritage of the slate industry in the Richmond region. The other showcases more than thirty artists from across Canada and the United States, including Joseph-Richard Veilleux, Jean-Claude Poitras, Andrew Kiss, Jessica Potenza, Anne Marrec, M. M. Ciciovan and Sylvie Cloutier.

Gravel Cycling and Foodie Discoveries: Val-Saint-François from a New Perspective

Taking a Deep Breath of Fresh Air while Cycling

Enjoy Meeting a Local Producer

Fill Your Basket with Terroir Flavours

Relax on a Terrace with a View

Stay at a Certified Bienvenue Cyclistes Accommodation

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