Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Aug 6, 2024
Country-style dining is definitely very trendy these days. After all, what could be finer than eating a delicious meal directly at a farm? To make your experience even more exceptional, why not add some activities and, perhaps, an overnight stay in a nearby accommodation? Here are our suggestions!
Just outside the village centre of Cookshire Eaton, the restaurant Les Mal-Aimés stands between the forest and the surrounding fields of garden produce. Here, a story of friendship and passion is told through the 7- or 10-course gourmet menu. Just as in a play, a meal at Les Mal-Aimés is divided into several acts, with the chefs taking centre stage for an immersive farm experience.
Located less than 5 minutes from the restaurant Les Mal-Aimés, the village centre of Cookshire-Eaton is well worth a visit for its rich heritage and interesting history. Directly on the Townships Trail, you’ll discover no fewer than 4 churches established around this former Loyalist village. One of the local attractions is the Maison de la Culture John Henry Pope, a former presbytery now converted into an art gallery. And for those craving a beer as rural as it is remarkable, the 11 Comtés microbrewery is also quite nearby.
Either before or after you’ve eaten, taking a stroll in this natural setting is always a great idea! And the timing is perfect, because you have two options close to Les Mal-Aimés: the Johnville Bog and Forest Park and the Parc des Deux Rivières. In the first, the trails will take you past a peat bog and an esker type ridge dating back to the last Ice Age. In the second, follow the trail where the Saint-François and Eaton rivers meet to admire truly stunning vistas. Two absolutely perfect places to get some fresh air!
Extend your Townships taste experience all the way home by shopping for groceries at some of the local producers during your visit to Les Mal-Aimés. In Cookshire-Eaton, Ferme boucherie le Sabot d’Or raises and processes red deer meat. As well as visiting their farm, you’ll find a boutique full of local delicacies. And in Ascot Corner, Ferme au Pré Bleu offers pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. As for cheese lovers, the Ferme les Broussailles invites you to its self-service boutique open 7 days a week from May to December.
The warm and vibrant heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke’s gateway is just 25 minutes from Les Mal-Aimés. Once in town, your culinary experience can continue! Here you’ll discover the wealth of talented restaurateurs ready to transport you into their world of flavours. Sherbrooke also offers a wide range of gastronomic, cultural and festive events throughout the year. In short, whether it’s for a cup of coffee, a restaurant or an overnight stay, a visit to Sherbrooke is a must!
For a 100% bucolic getaway in the Haut-Saint-François region, pack your bags and head for the agricultural domain of La Généreuse in Cookshire-Eaton, where a number of charming wooden chalets await you. As well, you’ll find that the Étang Boisvert B&B is quite charming! A little country gem on the shores of a private lake, where you’ll receive a warm welcome.
If you prefer a self-catering experience, try the Square Victoria Hotel in East Angus. In this ancestral home, completely renovated in boho-chic style, you won’t need to go to the front desk to collect your room keys. The entire hotel is securely managed with a code system.
And for a touch of the unexpected, book your stay at Bora Boréal in Bury. On the shores of Lake Batley, climb aboard one of their fabulous floating chalets and forget about time for a night or two (or more)!
