From highway 20 take exit 253, then highway 265 north, and drive through Lotbinière. Alternatively, take exit 291 at Saint-Apollinaire, then highway 273 north, which brings you directly to Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly. Coming from Quebec City, take exit 305 to Saint-Nicolas and follow the river westward.
Located 25 kilometres west of Quebec City, Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly is ranked one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec, A village basking in old-world charm, dating back to its 1702 grant of the Autieul seigneury to Noel Legardeur de Tilly continues to preserve its character and charm. From the small road that descends from the church, take in the expansive view of the river from the clusters of villas and chalets located on the waters’ edge that make up the lower part of the village, called Les Fonds de Saint-Antoine. The Fond’s park is an inviting space for tourists to relax and enjoy the landscape.
The original part of the village, lies higher up and saw its first settlers arrive around 1680, and offers three examples of architecture, seigneurial manors:
- The Tilly Manor (3854 Chemin de Tilly), built in 1786 for Militia Captain Jean-Baptiste Noël de Tilly, is a beautiful display of French style. It has since been converted into a charming riverside resort and health spa, offering diners excellent excellent regional cuisine
- Normand’s General Store (1894) was built in the Second Empire style, and the
- Dionne Manor (1850) was designed by Charles Baillargé in the Victorian and Regency styles.
Also of note, the 1788 Eglise Saint-Antoine (3870 Chemin de Tilly) has been a registered historical monument, as well as the the presbytery, which now serves as City Hall. Finally, at the parish entrance, note the crucifix (sculpted by Louis Jobin) and the American-styled octagonal barn, a rare and beautiful architectural feature in Quebec.
Two municipal parks, one at Les Fonds, (in the lower part of the village), and the other in the heart of the village, offer superb views of the St. Lawrence River and its northern banks.
On route to the neighbouring village of Saint-Nicolas, stop to feast at the Saint-Nicolas cider factory and orchards, which produce not only local ciders, but fruit wines and jellies as well. Since 2000, Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly has become one of the main distributors of maple syrup in Quebec.
The year 2002 marked the village’s tercentennial, when the street posts and cables were removed to revive the appearance and atmosphere of bygone days.
St Antoine de Tilly Attractions
Fromagerie Bergeron
3837 Rte 132, Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly, Quebec G0S 2C0
(418) 886-2234
Award-winning factory of Gouda cheese and raw milk cheeses for sale
Cider and orchard À l’Orée du Bois,
3161 route Marie-Victorin, Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly, G0S 2C0, Quebec
(581) 989-0509
Specializing in the artisanal production of ice ciders, strong and sparkling. In season, pick your own apples, blueberries and raspberries, alongside the St. Lawrence River.
Cider and orchard Saint-Antoine
3101, Marie-Victorin, Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly, Quebec, G0S 2C0
1-418-886-2375
Specializing in the artisanal production of ice ciders, still, sparkling and sparkling, and mistelle, which have won several prizes in several Canada-wide competitions. Also, the picking of more than 10 varieties of certified organic apples is offered in season.