Roadtrip in Quebec: let yourself be carried away by the breeze of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine

An isolated archipelago in the center of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and made up of a dozen islands, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine are a popular destination and, when you set foot there, you quickly understand why. As soon as you arrive, you will let yourself be carried away by the salty air and the unique landscapes.

In addition to admiring breathtaking sunsets and tasting a variety of seafood dishes, you will have the opportunity to discover several local businesses that will charm you with the authenticity of the owners.

Here are four companies that you will come across on your way during your trip to the Islands.

Alphiya Joncas and Borlicoco & co

Alphiya Joncas and Borlicoco & co share a workspace and a small shop on the chemin du quai in Cap-aux-Meules. In this small house covered with cedar shingles, Madelinan heritage architecture, you will find the creations of the two companies. Alphiya offers you its photographic works which are part of an island poetic flavor, while Borlicoco & co is a collection of utilitarian and decorative objects inspired by life by the sea and the art of living in all simplicity.

The two women behind these companies realized that they had to team up. They decided to work together in order to achieve their goals while sharing a workspace and a shop with ease.

The Daughter of the Sea

The artisanal soap factory La Fille de la Mer , which has existed since 2003, will transport you with its aromas inspired by the seascapes of the islands. All products are handmade in the workshop located in L'Étang-du-Nord.

In each soap, ingredients from the terroir of the islands are integrated. These come either from local producers or are picked by Ariane Arsenault, soap maker at La Fille de la Mer.

A jellyfish

This blown glass workshop, which has existed for over 35 years, is the oldest in Canada. It was founded by François Turbide and was located behind his house before being relocated due to an increase in tourist traffic.

In addition to being able to provide you with many glass creations, the La Méduse team wishes to pass on its knowledge of blown glass work by offering introductory courses in glass, guided tours and demonstrations to discover the world of blown glass in a magnificent setting.

Trendy Art Shop

Come and soak up a breeze of creativity by visiting the Art Tendance boutique located in Cap-aux-Meules. You will discover the original creations of several craftsmen, including those of François Forest, co-owner of the shop. The latter continues to renew itself by using different materials such as recycled utensils or mussel shells to create unique memories.

It is already more than 20 years since François began to make sculpture. He began his work with alabaster, a stone found on the Islands. He opened his shop with Hélène Boudreau, the one with whom he shares his life, with the aim of sharing his art as well as that of other artists from the Islands.

Visiting the Îles-de-la-Madeleine means letting yourself be transported by breathtaking landscapes, savoring local specialties, discovering local creations and meeting warm people with a charming accent. But visiting the Islands is above all letting yourself be immersed in the present moment, because as the Madelinots say so well: "On the Islands, we don't have the time, we have the time!" »

Reviewed by MF Editorial