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For your first day, begin your journey in the charming Vieux-Longueuil neighbourhood with a visit to the Centre Marie-Rose, named in honour of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. In addition to exploring the history of this education-focused congregation, the centre also offers insight into the social context of the time. While the museum space is currently closed to the public, themed outdoor tours are occasionally available, notably during events like Journées du patrimoine religieux (Religious Heritage Days).
Just steps away stands the Cocathédrale Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue. Its museum, located in the basement, features a permanent exhibition highlighting the area’s historical and religious heritage, from the earliest Mohawk inhabitants to the present day, including the story of Blessed Marie-Rose. The co-cathedral itself is a masterpiece of built heritage, with its Neo-Gothic architecture and a Neo-Byzantine dome housing decorative frescoes, striking statues and a Casavant organ.
For your second day, head to Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville for a visit to St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, a remarkable example of modern architecture. Considered one of Quebec’s most beautiful places of worship, the church captivates with its distinctive design by Canadian-Polish architect Victor Prus, who also designed Montréal’s Palais des congrès and Québec City’s Grand Théâtre de Québec. With its cedar-clad exterior seamlessly anchoring the building in the surrounding landscape, this striking site is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Next, make your way to Châteauguay to visit and stay at the Hôtel Manoir D’Youville, a splendid retreat that preserves the heritage of the Grey Nuns along the Châteauguay River and Lake Saint-Louis. Its historical significance and picturesque surroundings, steeped in both nature and culture, make a lasting impression. During your visit, you can admire one of North America’s oldest mills, explore a former dairy converted into a bistro and wander a network of 8 km of hiking trails.
For the final day of your itinerary, continue on to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to explore the Site patrimonial L’Acadie, which includes a church dating back to 1801, a presbytery built in 1822 and a calvary inaugurated in 1840. A witness to the Acadian deportation, this heritage site highlights the Acadian people’s contribution to the local cultural legacy. Visitors can enjoy interactive tours with costumed guides, summer cruise packages, historical scavenger hunts and a variety of cultural activities.
