Pocatois picnic on the road to vacation

Rédaction

Olivier Gingras, lover of terroir and wide open spaces, always looking for discoveries and experiences to share.

When you’re on the road in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, there’s no better reason to take the time… to make a stop! A breathtaking landscape, a family stop at the next rest area, one, two or three snacks…

If there’s one thing the Bas-Saint-Laurent region knows how to do, it’s satisfy the cravings! What better way to satisfy the appetite and thirst for discovery of epicureans like me than to visit some of the local artisans.

Fromagerie Le Mouton blanc

First of all, when you arrive in La Pocatière, you hear the usual exclamation, “ finally, the salty air!” so it goes without saying that a stop at the Fromagerie Le Mouton blanc is a must.

A veritable institution in the region, this family sheep farm makes its divine little cheeses from the raw milk of its own ewes.

Each one is a real delight and makes you want to come back for more: delicious local cheeses with a unique flavor and character, demonstrating all the finesse and rigor of the work of our dear cheese-makers.

It’s a pleasure to stop off for a tasting session at their boutique, open from Wednesday to Saturday. Grab a famous Tomme du Kamouraska, or any of the other delicious products, and continue your escapade to quench your thirst!

Microbrasserie Ras L’Boc

You can visit the microbrewery, which is 2 minutes from the cheese factory, taste some of the brewery’s creations, buy clothing and merchandise bearing the brewery’s logo, or simply grab a 4-pack.

Ras L’Bock is first and foremost three childhood friends who have developed a real passion for making delicious hoppy beers.

Obviously offering their flagship beers, such as Solution – an American IPA – and Sénior Cacao – a stout with lactose and cocoa – this dynamic microbrewery surprises us again and again with its hyper-accessible new beers, as well as its barrel-aged brews for more refined palates!

So we grab a few beverages and continue on our trip.

Boulangerie Du Pain… c’est tout!

Five minutes to the east is the charming Boulangerie Du Pain… c’est tout!

Since 2023, this brand-new business has been offering delicious breads and pastries made exclusively with flours from La Seigneurie des Aulnaies, renowned for its supply of stone-ground, local organic wheat.

Boulangerie Du pain... c'est tout! - La Pocatière

La Boulangerie Du Pain… c’est tout! La Pocatière

La Boulangerie Du Pain… c’est tout is a family-run business whose values lie in using healthy, local ingredients and natural sourdough.

You’re sure to find a fresh loaf or baguette to match your victuals and a tasty little dessert for those with a sweet tooth!

Marché public de la Grande-Anse

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, the Marché public de la Grande-Anse is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as local gourmet and artisanal products!

A basket of berries, a few freshly-picked crudités, some lovely local greenery and we’re off again!

All you need is find a nice little spot to enjoy your gourmet finds: and the region is full of them! The Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière municipal rest area is now renowned for its famous wooden observation tower offering a breathtaking panoramic view, while the Cap Martin rest area and its belvedere offer a view of the river and the shores of Grande-Anse. A breathtaking view!