Whether you’re a leisurely cyclist who enjoys taking in the scenery or an ambitious rider looking for a longer adventure, this itinerary is sure to meet your expectations. Better yet, you’ll be treated to a truly royal cycling experience.
Welcome to the Chemin du Roy, stretching from Berthierville to Québec City. This route is the second section of Historic Routes, an itinerary offered by Voyager à vélo that connects Montréal to Québec’s capital while following the majestic St. Lawrence River.
Passing through heritage villages, vast farmland, and picturesque riverfront landscapes, the Chemin du Roy offers one of Québec’s finest cycling experiences.
You’ll be riding on Québec’s oldest carriage road, a route steeped in more than 350 years of history.
The journey is also filled with delicious culinary stops, all connected by quiet roads that encourage you to slow down and savour the ride. It’s the perfect itinerary for a multi-day cycling getaway focused on authenticity, culture, and discovery.
From Sorel-Tracy to Trois-Rivières
After stepping off the ferry at Saint-Ignace-de-Loyola from Sorel-Tracy, you’ll find yourself on the Chemin du Roy, which follows Québec’s renowned Route verte cycling network.
The route winds along a variety of roads toward Maskinongé. Be sure to stop at Magasin Général Lebrun, a fascinating general store museum. This authentic 19th- and 20th-century country store also features L’Grenier, a performance venue, as well as a lovely terrace and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Inside, you’ll discover an impressive selection of locally made products and regional specialties.
The Enfilade-de-Maisons-en-Brique-Rouge-de-Yamachiche. / Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec.
The journey continues primarily along Highway 138, where attractions appear one after another. Among the highlights is the Enfilade-de-Maisons-en-Brique-Rouge-de-Yamachiche, a remarkable collection of twelve red-brick homes, most of which were built during the second half of the 19th century.
In Pointe-du-Lac, history comes alive at the Tonnancour Seigneurial Mill, one of Canada’s last remaining water-powered mills. The site includes both a flour mill and a sawmill that illustrate Québec’s rich heritage.
The discoveries continue in Trois-Rivières. Strolling through Old Trois-Rivières, you’ll encounter historic monuments, beautiful churches, and charming streets. Nearby, lively Rue des Forges is the perfect place to enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Beyond Cap-de-la-Madeleine, an important pilgrimage destination, the Chemin du Roy once again follows the St. Lawrence River, drawing close to the shoreline several times. To your left, expansive farmland still reflects the long, narrow seigneurial land divisions established during New France.
Cyclists pass through charming villages that have preserved their authentic character, with stone houses, impressive churches, and traditional windmills.
Peaceful village
Along the way, gourmet stops are plentiful, including the renowned Fromagerie de Grondines, where visitors can enjoy guided tours and cheese tastings.
In Batiscan, the old presbytery and the Moulin de la Chevrotière in nearby Grondines stand as remarkable reminders of Québec’s heritage, dating back to 1674.
Finally, in the peaceful village of Deschambault, take time to admire the St. Lawrence River from the church grounds and its historic presbytery.
The stage is now set for your grand arrival in Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its cobblestone streets and fortified walls.
After days of cycling along this historic road, passing through the gates of Old Québec is an unforgettable experience. Between the imposing fortifications, the iconic Château Frontenac, the charming streets, and the breathtaking views from Dufferin Terrace, it’s a fitting finale to a truly… royal journey.