Cycling the Véloroute Gourmande, Culinary Highlights of the Véloroute, Best Stops on the Trail
Launched in 2022, the Véloroute Gourmande is a new cycling path threading through Québec’s charming villages and lake-filled landscapes. It offers over 100 culinary stops along a 235km trail, connecting Montréal and Sherbrooke. This food trail is perfect for those who want to mix the joy of biking with an exploration of local flavors.
Cycling the Véloroute Gourmande
The Véloroute Gourmande takes cyclists through picturesque areas, offering a mix of paved and gravel trails. While pedaling through the countryside, riders can refuel on local specialties like gravy-covered French fries, tarts filled with blueberry jam, and coffee enhanced with maple syrup. The trail is essentially a slow travel food tour, providing cyclists with opportunities to experience the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Culinary Highlights of the Véloroute
The interactive map of the Véloroute Gourmande features 120 stops, marked by icons for culinary experiences such as local cheeses, craft beers, and farm-fresh produce. One standout is Yamaska Café in Farnham, known for its delicious baked goods and gourmet local products. Another favorite is Absintherie des Cantons, a distillery in Granby where visitors can sample absinthe and other spirits.
Aside from food, the trail also includes culturally significant sites, like Le Vieux Clocher concert hall in Magog, and offers recommendations for charming B&Bs and elegant hotels. The path follows part of the Route Verte, the longest cycling network in North America, making the Véloroute a unique combination of adventure and culinary tourism.
Best Stops on the Trail
The initial segment from Montréal to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is filled with 55 culinary stops, including quaint cafes and local markets. In Chambly, cyclists can explore the charming main street lined with coffee shops, artisanal chocolate makers, and smokehouses. Moving east towards Granby, riders pass through farmland, forests, and small towns, all offering opportunities to sample local flavors.
On the last two days, the scenery becomes more dramatic with deep-blue lakes, grazing cattle, and early autumn colors. Stops like La Station in Eastman, a cafe and art gallery, and Massawippi Mercantile in North Hatley, offer delicious food and welcoming atmospheres, making them perfect places to rest and refuel.
A Perfect Blend of Adventure and Flavor
The Véloroute Gourmande is more than just a cycling trail. It’s an immersive experience that combines Québec’s culinary culture with the joy of biking. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, this food trail offers an ideal way to explore the region’s landscapes while indulging in gourmet delights. Next time, bring an empty pack to fill with local cheeses and other treats you discover along the way.
For more information, visit BBC News or check out related content on Kenkou Land.
