Nestled in the heart of the Old Port, the Auberge Saint-Antoine is spread over a trio of historic stone buildings. When it was built, a major archaeological took place on the site. As a result, the family owned luxury hotel is replete with intriguing artefacts from the French and British colonial regimes. And, while we’re visiting, everyone’s full of excitement as the Price family has announced their acquisition and renovation plans for the old bank building next door, stay tuned.
The one-of-a-kind hotel that’s a Relais & Chateaux member, boasts 95 individually designed rooms and suites meticulously decorated to reflect the history and allure of old Québec City.
The hotel’s Restaurant Chez Muffy, a perennial favourite of ours, continues to help put Québec’s modern gastronomic cuisine on the map with ingredients from its family farm on Île d’Orléans and local suppliers.
In line with the personalized service offered at the Auberge, our private touring experience was tailor made by seasoned guide and co-owner of La Conciergerie du Terroir, Frantz Noel.
Steeped in wanderlust Frantz blends passion and a wealth of cultural knowledge with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of history. His well-travelled life as a retired private butler and 5 star hotel concierge has fueled his passion for sharing captivating tidbits and weaving tales that bring the past to life.
In his spacious black SUV Franz takes us to sip, savour and swirl our way around the fabled 8 km wide and 33 km long, Ile d’Orleans in the Saint Lawrence River—just 5 kilometres east of Québec City. Accessible from the mainland via a bridge of the same name, the island is home to 7,000 permanent residents who live in 6 charmingly unique municipalities (seasonal workers and vacationers double the population during the summer months).
Under his watchful eye we literally taste the terrior with an up-front and behind the scenes look at unique local wineries, family-owned restaurants, orchards, fertile farms, and markets. Franz knows everyone and happily Introduces us to traditional and coming producers, shows us organic farms and boutique/gourmet shops and lets us in on the family secrets behind local products. Highlights include a visit to the Price family farm to meet the Auberge St. Antoine’s farmer Alexandre Faille. Fruit, heirloom and rare vegetables that are grown with this much pride and care have got to be good for us. Ever seen a “red brussel sprout”, filled with antioxidants? Alexandre promises nice, sweet flavour.
Other stops include sipping ice wine at Isle de Bacchus Winery, a sweet treat at Chocolaterie de l’île and sampling the black currant products from Cassis Monna & Filles. There’s also a chance to stroll through the orchards and savour cider at Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau and Domaine Steinbach, try a brew or two at Micro-brasserie de l’île and cheese sampling at Fromagerie de l’île
There’s nothing better after a day of exploring than heading back home—to the Auberge St. Antoine, that is. Refreshing cocktails at the hotel’s Artefact bar, a unique “farm to fork” tasting menu prepared by Chef Arthur Muller in a restored Maritime warehouse and an after dinner walk to check out the nightlife in the Old Town, bring a memorable day to a perfect close. Simplement magnifique.
Homefront Recommends
The Tour Gourmand à Île
The package starts at $955 per night including overnight accommodations at Auberge Saint-Antoine based on double occupancy, breakfast for two, and a 5-hour gourmet tour of Ile d’Orléans.
Ride in Style
Auberge Saint-Antoine’s new limited time partnership with Volvo Canada lets guests have the exclusive opportunity to explore Québec City or the Island in the comfort of a Volvo XC90 house car.
