Québec to Ste-Anne de Beaupré

A bare 10 km (6 mi.) north of Québec the Montmorency River plunges over an 84 m (275 ft) high escarpment. Despite being 30 m (98 ft) higher than the Niagara Falls the Chutes Montmorency are not nearly so spectacular.Trails with many fine views and attractive picnic places have been marked out in the vicinity of the Falls.In the 1790s Maison Montmorency (also known as "Kent House") to the left of the Falls was a great favorite of the Duke of Kent (father of the Victoria who later became Queen). From the house there are particularly fine views.

Beyond Montmorency the road passes through the agricultural "garden" of Québec Province, known as Côte de Beaupré. This is an area of countryside blessed with a particularly favorable local climate and dotted with old mills, farmsteads and unusual cellars half-buried in the valley sides. At some of the attractive old farmhouses and country inns travelers stopping for a welcome rest can savor the local produce (especially the bread, butter and maple syrup). This is a part of Québec also popular with artists; their work, religious and non-religious, is to be seen displayed in a number of places.

Where the little Petit-Pré flows into the St Lawrence there is an old mill open to visitors during the tourist season.The Petit-Pré mill dates to the late 17th Century and still maintains some of the original works. It has been restored to working condition, grinding flour as it did in the days of old.

A small exhibition in the village of Château-Richer is devoted to local agriculture and the local economy.The town is located along the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River.