1. The Tour of the Island

Le tour de l'ile
 * Quebec-Portneuf
 * 70km
 * Beginner
 * Marine environment, historic resort.
 * Access: Quebec, by Via Rail (Levis) or by autubus Voyageur.

Steps
Milestones:
 * Sante-Petronille 3
 * Saint-Laurent 14
 * Saint-Jean 25
 * Saint-Francois 36
 * Saint-Famille 50
 * Saint-Pierre 62
 * Montmorency 70

To reach the island of Orleans, scanning the old King's Road and Royal Avenue. You will encounter on the island the rural Quebec of ancient times, of very beautiful ancestral homes, sometimes small, stocky and strong, but often spread out, wide and smiling, the old churches of Sant-Pierre, of Holy Family and St. Francois are among the finest of Quebec. The tour of the island has long been a very popular bicycle excursion.

L'ile d'Orleans is a historic district is located 5 km downstream from Quebec. It was so named in honor of the Duke of Orleans. Visited in 1542 by the Marquis de Roberval, and in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec, was not until 1648 that the first settlers established themselves on the west side (St. Petronilla). Bishop de Laval, first bishop of New France, was active in the colonization of the island group which now has six villages.

Saint-Petronille (St. Petronilla): recut picturesque village and its neighborhood General Wolfe at the siege of Quebec in 1759. During the summer, the transatlantic run nearby wharf and provide a magnificent spectacle complete with panoramic views of Quebec and Levis.

Saint-Laurent (St. Lawrence): village which extends along a charming road of champagne. The old mill Gosselin is transformed into an art center. You will also find a few art galleries and craft. Opposite, on the south shore, the city of Beaumont.

Saint-Jean (St. John): village that straddles the river and the river Bellefine Maheu. The church, which dates from 1732, has retained its original appearance. Some other historic homes dating from the French diet: the houses Larue, Blouin and Pouliot. Lighthouse and panoramic view from the dock, and the provincial park campground on the island of Orleans.

Saint-Francois (St. Francois): a superb view of the island and the island to Mrs Ruaux, and on the Cap Tourmente. At the roadside, an observation tower 18 meters (60 feet) premet to observe the entrance of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its surrounding area has not manquier. A farm accommodation.

Sainte-Famille (Holy Family): the oldest parish, a church of 1749, perhaps the most beautiful of the island. Morency home-Demers and Atre (farmhouse transformed into typical restaurant).

Saint-Pierre (St. Pierre): village of tranquility, or the old church (1717) is open to visitors. A cheese factory and the theater of the island. View of Montmorency Falls.

It should be noted that there is also, in the vicinity of the island, several attractions that are worth visiting, namely the Montmorency Falls, the coast of Beaupre (Royal Avenue) until the cap Tourmente Wildlife reserve, and bike trails of Mont Sainte-Anne.

For accommodations, to Quebec, see the map of Old Quebec.