Lanaudière is a region that breathes pure nature. Less frequented than some of Quebec’s major tourist areas, it retains an authentic character and peacefulness that captivate those who love getaways off the beaten path. Here, water, forest, and mountains meet in a grand landscape dotted with welcoming villages and passionate producers.
Staying in a Chalets Zenya property in Chertsey, Sainte-Béatrix or Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie places you right in the heart of this natural playground. We’ve crafted a full-day itinerary that blends exploration, relaxation, and gourmet discoveries.
8:00 AM – A Nature-Filled Wake-Up at Your Zenya Chalet
Morning light filters through the pines and birches, flooding the large windows of your Zenya chalet. The scent of wood, the crisp air, and the quiet broken only by the murmur of the river or the rustling leaves create the perfect backdrop to start your day.
Prepare a simple yet delicious breakfast: fresh bread, local honey, regional cheeses, and strong coffee. Out on the terrace, every sip tastes better, every breath feels deeper. Here, everything invites you to slow down.
9:00 AM – Immersion at Parc des Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles
In less than 20 minutes, you’ll reach this exceptional nature park, shared between Sainte-Mélanie, Saint-Jean-de-Matha, and Sainte-Béatrix. The site is a true ode to the power of water and the raw beauty of Lanaudière’s nature.
The park is divided into three sectors, each offering spectacular viewpoints of the waterfalls and the L’Assomption River. Trails (over 20 km in total) are dotted with footbridges, lookouts, and rest areas.
Whether you choose the easy 1 km loop or a longer hike, you’ll be immersed in vibrant nature, with the river as your soundtrack.
Why it’s a Zenya must-see:
- Variety of trails for all levels
- Well-maintained infrastructure
- Perfect in any season: refreshing in summer, ablaze with colors in fall, magical in winter, full of life in spring
Practical tip: bring good footwear and water. Parking is paid, and the park is open from May to October (weather permitting).
11:30 AM – Gourmet Break: Picnic or Local Table
Two lunch options await you.
Picnic option:
Make use of the park’s picnic areas to enjoy a meal prepared in the morning: gourmet sandwiches, fresh salad, fruit, cheese, and a good local ice cider.
Restaurant option:
- Café du Village (Sainte-Mélanie): friendly atmosphere and tasty homemade dishes.
- La Microbrasserie du Tré Carré (Saint-Côme): excellent burgers paired with local beer.
- Boucherie Staner: the perfect stop for a hearty lunch, offering excellent home-cooked meals made with fresh ingredients.
1:00 PM – Afternoon Discovery: Nature and Local Delights
Lanaudière is rich in artisans and passionate producers. Here are three ideas to fill your afternoon.
1. La Terre des Bisons – Rawdon
A 25-minute drive away, this unique site lets you observe bison and elk in a natural setting while learning their history. The shop offers meats, terrines, and other gourmet products.
2. Musée Louis-Cyr – Saint-Jean-de-Matha
Step into the fascinating life of the strongest man in the world in the 19th century. This interactive museum appeals to children and adults alike.
3. Bonzai Gros-Bec – Saint-Alphonse-de-Rodriguez
A peaceful haven where you can stroll through themed gardens and admire over a hundred collectible bonsais displayed throughout the grounds. Immerse yourself in a zen experience with a forest bath, the Pavilion of the Three Wisdoms, and Quebec’s very first Feng Shui garden.
4:00 PM – Cultural Stop or Sweet Treat
Depending on the season and your mood, end the day with:
- A visit to the Yves Louis-Seize Art Gallery (Saint-Jean-de-Matha) for an inspiring moment
- A sugar shack stop (in spring) to enjoy maple taffy on snow, crispy pork rinds, and baked beans
- A gourmet break at a local cheesemaker or chocolatier to bring treats back to the chalet
5:00 PM – Back to Your Zenya Chalet: Comfort Regained
As the day winds down, the drive back to your Zenya chalet is a pleasure in itself. Let yourself be enveloped by the comfort of your space: outdoor spa, crackling fireplace, fully equipped kitchen.
Ideas for the evening:
- Prepare a meal with the products you picked up during the day
- Book a private chef for a gourmet dinner
- Relax in the spa with a glass of local wine
Lanaudière Through the Seasons
The beauty of this itinerary is that it reinvents itself each season.
- Summer: hiking, picnics by the falls, farmers’ markets
- Fall: colorful trails and food festivals
- Winter: snowshoeing, sledding, viewing the frozen falls
- Spring: sugar shacks, blossoms, gentle walks
Zenya Practical Tips
- Transport: a car is essential to connect the stops.
- Ideal duration: plan a full day to make the most of this itinerary.
- Reservations: some activities and restaurants require booking.
- Gear: dress for the season and wear appropriate shoes.
Conclusion: The Essence of Lanaudière
A day in Lanaudière is an immersion into an authentic, generous Quebec, deeply connected to its natural surroundings. Between spectacular waterfalls, gourmet discoveries, and relaxation at your Zenya chalet, every moment is an invitation to slow down and savor.
Here, luxury is measured in space, silence, and authenticity. And every stay naturally calls for another.
✨ Naturally made to explore. Naturally made to return.
