Vallee Richelieu Attractions

From its source in Lac Champlain, south-east of Montréal, the Rivière Richelieu winds its way northwards to enter the St Lawrence at Sorel. The 130 km (80 mi.) long river played a significant role in the history of both New France and New England, but even before the arrival of Europeans it was a busy trade route and communications corridor for the Indians. During the period of Anglo-French conflict, especially the years between 1754 and 1763, the Richelieu gave the warring nations and their Indian allies two-way access to the area east of Montréal. Only a few information boards along the river's course now recall those troubled times; today the quite delightful Richelieu Valley is the preserve of tourists and others in search of relaxation.

Boucherville, Canada

Boucherville still has a large number of 18th c. houses, among which are La Chaumière (416 rue Ste-Famille; built 1741), the Manoir Pierre-Boucher (468-470 Bd. Marie-Victorin) and the Maison Lafontaine (1780). In addition the church of St-Famille possesses some of the finest wood carvings in the whole of Canada, including side altars (dated 1808) by Louis Amable Quévillon and a 1745 tabernacle by Gilles Bolvin.

Chambly, Canada

Chambly, an industrial town, lies on the edge of the Montréal plain. Its principal tourist attraction is the well-preserved Fort St-Louis, steeped in 18th c. French colonial history. The stone fort was built in 1709, replacing the wooden fortifications constructed earlier by Jacques de Chambly in 1655. In 1760 the fort fell to the British, and in 1775 to the Americans. It was used to hold American prisoners of war during the 1812-14 conflict and in 1837-38 Québécois "Patriotes" were also interned here.

Hours

May 1 to September 30

	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Open	Closed	10:00	10:00	10:00	10:00	10:00	10:00
Close		17:30	17:30	17:30	17:30	17:30	17:30

Mont-St-Hilaire, Canada

Mont-St-Hilaire nestles at the foot of a hill bearing the same name. The town is best known for its orchards while the hill, 411 m (1350 ft) high and volcanic in origin, offers splendid views across to Lake Champlain and the U.S. states of New York and Vermont.