Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker MontrealNewsBody found inside burning vehicle in Lac-BromeBy Rachel LauPublished: March 03, 2025 at 11:18AM EST Twitter feed ©2025 BellMedia All Rights Reserved Nature and environment news and inspiration for people who love to get outside Untangle the thorny process of cottage succession with expert advice from lawyer Would you be surprised to learn that Canada’s crime capital is in the heart of cottage country “Three Pines” is a gorgeous, secluded village that generates much of the murder and mayhem that Inspector Gamache must contend with in Louise Penny’s novels. It’s home to a cozy bookshop, snug cafes serving up flaky pain au chocolat—and no shortage of trouble. Penny’s writing was inspired by the village of Knowlton, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships and visitors will discover that it’s every bit as charming as Three Pines Knowlton is about 90 minutes east of Montreal and 60 minutes west of Sherbrooke. It’s one of seven villages in the Town of Brome Lake (Ville de Lac-Brome), which was founded by New England Loyalists in 1802 and retains its Anglophone heritage today. Whether you’re a mega-fan of Louise Penny’s work or simply want a mini-getaway here’s what you should check out in Knowlton and the surrounding area In Penny’s fictional Three Pines, Myrna’s bookshop is a source of endless coziness, and Brome Lake Books is the same This sunny spot has an excellent selection of books and cottage-friendly treats (including fun mugs and bespoke coffee blends inspired by Penny’s main characters) Brome Lake Books does a wonderful job offering Three Pines-related content without it overtaking the entire shop add a pin to the world map which tracks how far Penny-fans have travelled to visit Knowlton and French onion soup at its in-house restaurant Just a short drive from Knowlton in the village of Sutton sits La Rumeur Affamee Could this be the inspiration for Sarah’s Boulangerie Three Pine’s fictional bakery hasn’t seen any crime (yet!) but its famous baguettes appear in just about every book This is the perfect place to stock up on yummy picnic fare for exploring the region If the residents of Three Pines invited you out for a day on the lake, you might have a reason for concern (after all, this is where a sneaky electrocution occurred in Penny’s A Fatal Grace). But Knowlton’s real Douglass Beach is gorgeous and family-friendly year round perfect for winter skating and summer swims Art plays a significant role in Louise Penny’s books. While many Three Pines art studios are set in private homes, plenty of public artistic experiences await a visitor to Knowlton. Studio-Galerie France Clavet and Galerie Blanka are two galleries well worth checking out In Three Pines, there always seems to be trouble brewing in the woodland paths around the village, but in Knowlton, plenty of serene hiking is available. Start with the Lac-Brome Path. This 11.km linear trail connects downtown Established in 2019, La Knowlton Co hasn’t appeared in any Louise Penny book yet The modern brewery on the outskirts of town is a warm savoury homemade pizza made with a 72-hour fermented sourdough crust as well as a long list of classic and creative beers You can’t help but imagine characters like Ruth getting in trouble by not paying her tab while Clara works on a mural next to the patio Want to see even more of the iconic spots that inspired Louise Penny, including a nearby monastery, a resort, and a general store? You can participate in a Three Pines tour The only trouble you’ll find is the good kind when you pause for some wine and cheese Quebec provincial police are investigating after a body was found in a burned vehicle in the Estrie region east of Montreal late Sunday Police spokesperson Camille Savoie says officers received a call about a vehicle fire at about 9:45 p.m Responding officers found the victim inside the vehicle and the person was declared dead at the scene While the causes and circumstances surrounding the death are still unknown Savoie says evidence at the scene points to the fire being suspicious She says the police major crimes unit is investigating Police have not revealed any details about the victim adding that it will fall to the coroner’s office to identify the person Report an editorial error Report a technical issue Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following or Quebec Provincial Police patch at a news conference Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community. 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For more information on our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines and our Terms and Conditions Click here to see Canada's most comprehensive listing of projects in conceptual and planning stages founder and CEO of Montreal-based property management firm Leyad has announced the acquisition of Hotel & Spa Lac Brome with the intention of undertaking extensive renovations The lakeside hotel is located at Lac Brome in Quebec It is Leyad’s first investment in the hospitality sector The hotel has 477 feet of lake frontage with 40 rooms The renovation will include esthetic improvements to modernize the premises “We are thrilled to announce Leyad’s entry into the hospitality industry with the acquisition of Hotel & Spa Lac Brome,” stated Zavriyev “This property perfectly aligns with our vision of diversifying investments into new real estate asset classes.” Churchill Downs Racetrack in Kentucky paused a $920 million expansion project la.. 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QUEBEC CITY — Société immobilière Bélanger proudly announces the acquisition of Hotel & Spa Lac Brome a premier lakeside destination nestled along the picturesque Lac Brome This marks Leyad's inaugural foray into the hospitality sector reflecting its commitment to diversification and strategic growth Situated amidst the breathtaking beauty of Lac Brome the hotel boasts 477 feet of pristine lake frontage offering guests unparalleled views and tranquil surroundings a boutique restaurant serving French cuisine Hotel & Spa Lac Brome epitomizes comfort and relaxation Henry Zavriyev expressed his enthusiasm about this milestone acquisition "We are thrilled to announce Leyad's entry into the hospitality industry with the acquisition of Hotel & Spa Lac Brome This property perfectly aligns with our vision of diversifying investments into new real estate asset classes." Leyad plans to enhance the guest experience at Hotel & Spa Lac Brome through a comprehensive renovation program The renovation will encompass various aesthetic improvements to the premises aimed at elevating the ambiance and modernizing the facilities while preserving the hotel's unique charm and character "We are committed to investing in the revitalization of Hotel & Spa Lac Brome to ensure it remains a premier destination for travelers seeking comfort For more information about Leyad and its portfolio of properties, visit www.leyad.ca Leyad is a dynamic real estate development and investment company founded by Henry Zavriyev With a focus on creating value through strategic acquisitions and innovative projects Leyad is committed to delivering exceptional returns and long-term growth across various sectors For media, leasing inquiries and a tour of the premises, please contact: Gregory Castiel, [email protected] Do not sell or share my personal information: MontrealNewsOne person dies in vehicle fire in Quebec’s Eastern TownshipsBy The Canadian PressPublished: February 08, 2025 at 12:19PM EST You can recharge your batteries in this historic village, where everything can be done on foot, and where winter seems to be at its mildest... The trip to Knowlton is an experience in itself, and we hope you have a four-wheel-drive car. You almost want to open the windows wide (and risk frostbite) as you drive past Brome Lake, with its colorful vacation cottages. We’re impressed by those who ice fish on the lake, and those who skate on its uneven surface. We’re a little jealous of the big houses tucked away at the end of avenues of fir trees, and we stop on the lakeshore to walk to the village, or just a few kilometers, in a silence we’d almost forgotten. We pass dogs and locals cross-country skiing, and breathe. When we arrive in Knowlton, we’re not sure we’re not in a micro Twin Peaks of Quebec… Small stone churches, Victorian houses, and a small waterfall lined with large millennial rocks. We’re particularly fond of the Coldbrook Trail, which starts opposite the waterfall and, in spring, becomes the Sentier Féérique , winding its way along the edge of the village to the elementary school, featuring creations by children and adults alike. If you prefer to stroll the village streets, you’ll find some of Quebec’s finest antique and vintage stores, a cozy bookstore with everything you want to read (in French and English), and an old-fashioned toy store. It’s time to forget the passing of time and get nosy, on village time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caron & Frères Knowlton (@caronfreres.knowlton) We eat the best onion rings in the Eastern Townships and duck straight from the Canard Lac-Brome factory down the street at Auberge Knowlton and drink coffee at Caron & Frères with a patina of time and local village life Knowlton is also a village with a rich cultural heritage. Take advantage of your visit to explore its picturesque streets lined with Victorian houses, art galleries and artisan boutiques. Don’t miss the Brome Lake Museum (SHCB) to learn more about the region’s history, and appreciate its English Loyalist architecture. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Musée Lac-Brome Museum (@museelacbromemuseum) What we’re trying to say is that Knowlton is an ideal destination for a fall or winter getaway just two hours from Montreal It’s historic and movie-magic for Quebecers (for those on vacation) and nostalgic for the rest of us So pack your bags (for the weekend or the day) bring your family and friends and set off to discover Knowlton And don’t forget to pack plenty of room because we’re not kidding when we tell you that the village’s antique dealers are the best in the Townships Also read: This picturesque village 2 hours from Montreal is the perfect destination for an autumn weekend getaway. Maison du lac Brome is located on a beautiful site on the shores of Lac Brome in southern Quebec Built on the location of a former cottage on the tip of Cedar Bay emphasizing the surrounding nature and a fluid connection with the natural setting The visual openings and play of volumes make the whole structure light and delicate The opening onto the lake being the essence and initial inspiration of the project the architects called upon Adurra products to frame the spectacular openings The gently sloping terrain towards the lake thus accommodates a volumetry deployed according to the specific topography and outside the wetlands and riparian protection strips The ground floor slab is deployed following the slope a few steps separate the entrance from the living areas as well as the dining room from the living room thus allowing a perfectly clear view of the horizon from each area of the house dining room and kitchen are organized on the ground floor while the intimate areas formed by the bedrooms are upstairs has been placed at the centre of the house offering a view of the lake and the main walkway over the front entrance a separately constructed garage studio provides guest accommodation upstairs while a boat is stored on the ground floor “Away from the hustle and bustle of the city the house becomes a space where life seems lighter and simpler while inspiring creativity and new ideas in the professionals who live there,” explains Sylvain Bélanger The use of white on the surface and black in the recessed areas creates a light and bright house The visual openings and the play of volumes make the whole light and delicate The south-facing facade with its windows and the terraces on two levels establishes a direct relationship with the lake and nature creating a strong link and a fluid connection between the interior and the exterior also makes it possible to take advantage of passive solar radiation to naturally heat the polished concrete floors which act as a thermal mass and are also equipped with a radiant heating system “Products from the Essence collection by Adurra were used in this project Tilt and turn windows and architectural windows were favoured to create a seamless transition to the exterior The use of aluminum systems gave superior structural integrity that allowed for custom-made windows and doors outside the usual standards and without space constraints for a living area in perfect communion with the surrounding nature,” concludes Costa Pantazopoulos of Adurra founded in 2017 by the partnership of Sylvain Bélanger Marie Isabelle Gauthier and Alexandre Gauthier is an innovative and daring company that specializes in creating living spaces and inspirational places The objective is to create and propose a modernist The architects aim to embrace nature and integrate it into their projects Images: Nanne Springner Situated on Lac Brome, a small lake between Montreal and Sherbrooke, is a house built by Atelier Paul Thibault a firm that reinvents crisp takes on vernacular minimalism with each new design Built in an area the firm describes as full of multistorey houses Brome Lake Residence is a non-pretentious design that prioritizes the view of the lake in its sylvan context A single storey split into two separate buildings the home provides a wonderful retreat full of tranquil vignettes and a sense of protection and solitude The two wings come together in a glass connection Noble materials are used throughout to provide a natural colour palette accentuated by the vistas of water and greenery through the many windows A glass walkway connects the two wings of the home with lines of sight running through the entirety of the living spaces The space between the two wings contains ample exterior spaces sheltered from the wind over the lake The gradually undulating roofs are supported by a solid timber structure a tasteful element that brings together the diffuse elements of the design Between the roof and the freestone masonry walls is an intentional space where clerestory windows let in additional light Rich woods and the dark stone create moody contrasts throughout The relationship between inside and outside is porous with the house remaining a durable and protective presence A in-ground swimming pool and outdoor shower let residents make the most of hot Quebec summers Photography by Maxime Brouillet Part of our Home of the Week series. Read more HERE Architectural design studio, La Nony FAMILI is proud to unveil McPherson Residence located in the heart of Quebec's Lac-Brome region In search of a home in the Eastern Townships the clients were captivated by this expansive Mid-century inspired residence They enlisted La Nony FAMILI to revamp the interior experienced in complete renovations and new constructions embraced a new challenge with this project primarily focused on decoration and furnishing with the exception of the bathrooms and kitchen the agency drew inspiration from the striking elements of the existing architecture to establish the project's guiding principles The modernist style took center stage: minimalism and functionality To highlight the windows and enhance the connection with the exceptional surrounding landscape the exterior walls were painted in light tones and left almost bare wood and warm tones predominated in the furniture and decor creating an exhilarating contrast between the outer envelope and the cozy interior The La Nony FAMILI team crafted a unique and cohesive universe by custom-designing most of the furniture for the project and integrating ample storage volumes without cluttering the space The remaining furnishings and accessories were carefully selected from renowned manufacturers with lighting selections from Anony and Luminaires Authentik the kitchen retained its appliances and cabinets with only the facades and countertops being replaced and a mosaic wall completed this transformation a locally sourced wood species rarely used was chosen for the custom furniture in the living spaces Its iconic reddish-brown hue warms and energizes these areas while walnut was preferred in more intimate spaces for its elegance and depth The McPherson Residence pays homage to the modern style of the mid-20th century Through precise interventions and thoughtful consideration of materials and forms the La Nony FAMILI team transformed the space into a home that is both chic La Nony FAMILI is a specialized architectural design studio focused on creating thoughtful personalized residential spaces that are crafted with care Taking a decidedly human-centered approach the team becomes the accomplice of its clients placing their needs at the core of the creative process while guiding them towards an outcome beyond their expectations and built to withstand the test of time La Nony FAMILI stands out for its creativity in solving spatial challenges as well as for its particular attention to flow and the design of tailored integrated furniture are also part of the agency's signature the agency has developed expertise over time in extensive renovations and new construction of country houses and chalets while also undertaking projects in Montreal and elsewhere in Quebec Nothing was going to stop Monique St-Cyr from running the 35th edition of the Tour du Lac-Brome which takes place annually in Quebec’s Eastern Townships This was the 34th consecutive year that St-Cyr would participate in the event St-Cyr and many others in the area feel like they owe a lot to the existence of the race “I was on a campground nearby and was reading the results of the first edition of the race in the local newspaper,” St-Cyr recalls ‘I am going to run in it next year.’ After that I took up running and haven’t stopped.” St-Cyr says that it’s the great organization and the festive party-like atmosphere that makes the Tour du Lac-Brome Merrell so special “I rank it as the best event in Quebec,” she says it’s dwarfed in size compared to the marathon weekends in Montreal and Quebec City which are the two mega events in the province But the Tour du Lac-Brome holds a special place in runners’ hearts who organizes the race along with co-organizer Jean Joly “Most of our runners do it once and then find themselves coming back every year.” organizers polled 700 participants on what they liked best about the event “We thought the duck sausage and the microbrewery beer we serve would rank very high,” he says They told us they come for the thrill and because of the natural beauty of the course We take them through the countryside of the Eastern Townships It is hard to imagine that you are only an hour away from downtown Montreal for people to discover the beauty of this part of Quebec We want runners to have a great time while taking part in a professionally run event.” Monique St-Cyr competed in 15 races a year She has since trimmed down her racing schedule to just a few races it would be this one.” As far as she is concerned there is no other place where a runner is so pleasantly distracted by their surroundings “You get to run alongside the lake and the mountains and you go by the heritage homes in the town of Knowlton It really helps you forget about the distance you are covering.” The picturesque course and strong word-of-mouth from early participants might explain why the popularity of the event has skyrocketed over the years 4000 runners stood at the starting line in the eight different distances now offered considering the town’s population is just 5,609 The event has a huge impact on the local economy He notes that 75 per cent of the runners come from other regions Many spend the night with their family in the area eat at one of the many fine restaurants or buy products at the world renowned Canards du Lac-Brome boutique in Knowlton A 2010 poll shows that the event generates an estimated $350,000 in just two days “The people of Lac-Brome are very proud of their race,” says Cloutier pointing out that every year 350 locals volunteer “They are an important part of the reason we have such a feeling of accomplishment and success Get the digital edition of Running for your chosen platform: Text description provided by the architects. In a clearing of a wooded area in Lac-Brome, Chalet Pics-Bois first saw the light of day. The strength of the project lies in the study of the site and an implantation analysis focused on the strategic preservation of inspiring trees. Among red maple and aspen trees sits a white cedar cabin with a gable roof pointing to the forest canopy. The long chimney, vertical cladding and steep slope of the roof accentuate the chalet’s slim figure. The exterior palette reflects that of the interior design, consisting of soft natural hues that melt into the surroundings. © Maxime BrouilletThe cottage embodies the architect’s desire to create a space that’s simple and well- proportioned. The cantilevered roof overhangs the south-facing wall of the main structure, striking a balance with the shed grafted onto the north side, like an appendage detached from the main body. © Maxime BrouilletThe program was ambitious—three bedrooms, two baths, a sauna, a dining room, a kitchen, and a living room within 1,500 sq. E. Yet the project succeeds in creating comfortable, inviting spaces, whether around the fireplace or in connection with the clearing outside. Thanks to its cathedral ceiling and interior layout, which shrewdly compresses certain rooms to allow the common spaces to breathe, Chalet Pic-Bois epitomizes openness and grandeur. © Maxime BrouilletThe poplar slats of the cathedral ceiling are visible from any room on the second floor, linking the spaces and making them feel bigger. The openings in each room were carefully designed to ensure a connection with the forest outside. In the common area, the high openings frame certain trees, inviting one to contemplate the smooth bark of poplar or the lush foliage of a maple. © Maxime BrouilletThe subtle palette of materials and colours helps create bright bathing them in the glow of the surrounding landscape Chalet Pic-Bois integrates seamlessly into its natural surroundings it stands tall to display its raw beauty and simplicity You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email MontrealNewsSome Quebec businesses wary as VaxiCode QR code reader is disabled By Touria IzriPublished: March 28, 2022 at 10:13PM EDT the Montreal-based manufacturer and distributor of premium hardwood furniture is thrilled to share the Lake Brome Residence the company’s first millwork collaboration with architectural firm Atelier Pierre Thibault Situated on the majestic lake in the Southern Eastern Townships Lake Brome Residence was first inspired by a large covered terrace where the family could live immersed in nature takes full advantage of the sweeping lakeside views and surrounding mountainous landscape. Kastella’s mandate ranged from integrated millwork to custom furniture production The Lake Brome Residence was an inspiring and demanding project that took over a year to plan and complete. The design-savvy clients selected walnut with a water-based finish as the primary caramel tones of the panelled walls and integrated case goods added depth and character to the new construction The highly functional kitchen included two strategically placed 10-foot islands that maximized the lakeside views while maintaining the welcoming nature of the home designed with flat panelled walnut cabinetry open shelving and black Fenix NTM countertops is reminiscent of Kastella’s furniture The seamless flow of panelled wood walls and built-ins extended past the main living space and into the powder room served as the backdrop for their king-size B107 bed. In addition to providing custom millwork and collection furniture Kastella was tasked with designing an outdoor furniture series modelled after central pieces in their collection A custom length version of the T107 dining table found a home in the covered outdoor eating area “The Lake Brome residence was a great opportunity for the company to collaborate with Atelier Pierre Thibault a firm which Kastella has always held in high regard” says Burhop. Kastella is a company of people dedicated to design the Montreal workshop specializes in the production of high-quality solid wood furniture and custom architectural millwork Kastella has built a solid team of local craftspeople dedicated to creating beautiful functional and timeless pieces of furniture being one of the largest resorts in Quebec they could still offer 50+ trails across 5/7 mountain peaks I found myself gravitating to where the crowds did not which conveniently served the two separate faces of Lakeview and Épinettes and offered an evenly dispersed variety of trail options. After all the groomed terrain inevitably got skied out by the end of the morning I worried about the prospect of getting somewhat bored of the mountain Bromont saw warmer weather a week or so back eliminating much of its gladed terrain and steep ungroomed runs that I would typically head towards. Bromont mountain staff on snowmobiles roped off runs and re-groomed the trails three snowcats had covered half a dozen top-to-bottom runs with a new round of fresh tracks available to everyone skiers like myself followed their path and lapped each trail a couple of times before they completed the next one. and my only thought was that I wish more resorts did this I know Bromont and many other resorts offering night skiing will often implement this practice in the evenings but I have never heard of another ski resort doing it midday It completely changed my outlook on the afternoon of skiing and kept me eager and excited to continue throughout the day. Bromont is the most expensive ski resort in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec, but I found a great way to circumvent this problem. While spending the past four days in the Eastern Townships, I have been using the L’Est Go Pass which gives users the option to ski at any of the four ski resorts in the Eastern Townships (Bromont and Owl’s Head) for one rate (which decreases the more days you add on the pass) with no blackout dates an adult weekend lift ticket on Bromont’s website goes for $95 CAD I was only paying $74 CAD or a mere $54 USD as someone who now lives in the US That is a steal in my books compared to most resorts of equal size nowadays next week’s weather outlook is all over the place for Bromont Highs above freezing will bring the possibility of rain and melting while quick and sudden temperatures drop within 12 hours will bring anything that is left into a fast freeze the forecasted snow can bring a fresh surface to soften the icy base below it A random thing I loved about Bromont is the way they have gone about naming their trails all of their trails are named after cities or towns in various regions in North America While I initially thought the move to do that was odd I quickly realized several advantages of this When trails are named after things you are already familiar with it is much easier to remember and refer back to them I found myself quickly doing way more than I otherwise would at a ski resort I was unfamiliar with They also grouped the city/town names into the geographic regions they are from – the front side and Mont Soleil are all Quebec the Lake side is all the East Coast of the US This organizational strategy made it easy to quickly recall where a specific trail may be on the mountain without thinking I also enjoyed this naming system because it is always fun to see what type of trail each city is You have to wonder how they went about deciding which places got which type of trails (my hometown of Toronto was a lovely I had a great time at Bromont and will return soon For more information, check out Bromont’s website. “Welcome to Three Pines!” said Christane Guerra She chose it for its peace and tranquility We were standing in the pretty little village of Knowlton in Quebec’s Eastern Townships region. Guerra was talking about Louise Penny renowned author of the Detective Armand Gamache mystery series and home to its colorful and loving cast of characters how we love Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his lovely Three Pines village We’d been pining over Three Pines since it appeared in Penny’s first book We’ve read all of Penny’s Gamache novels and have already pre-ordered her next novel 29 is the official publication date in the United States We couldn’t wait to finally visit the picturesque area that inspired her book settings A little background: the Eastern Townships about an hour east of Montreal and about 4½ hours from Boston Tiny towns and villages dot the countryside and farmers’ markets and veggie stands line the rural roads and what inspired many of the scenes and characters in her best-selling novels surrounded by gardens and within walking distance of Lac-Brome her name is Louise!) are gracious and knowledgeable hosts — and great cooks if the breakfast they prepare each morning is any indication They also own the Three Pines tour company That evening we dined at Bistro West Brome homey Three Pines bistro that Penny features in her books a local hangout serving delicious comfort food Bistro West Brome is housed in a modern and elegant Auberge local ingredients and the chef’s sophisticated flair Guerra picked us up from the Hillhouse the next morning for our day-long (Larger group half-day bus tours are also offered.) We drove through the scenic town of Magog set on the northern shore of Lake Memphremagog on our way to the first stop: the Old Mansion House in Georgeville in ‘The Cruelest Month,’ right?” one of our fellow tour-goers exclaimed as we walked up to the sprawling historic 1889 mansion this mansion was the inspiration for the Hadley House and a dead body is found in the book “The Cruelest Month.” We toured the house as the caretaker told us about the ghosts that reside here “But they’re nice spirits,” she assured us filled with white Greek Revival-style homes was Louise’s inspiration for the green in Three Pines a small garden in the shape of the British flag Our next stop was the Abbaye Saint-Benoît-du-lac a grand brick and granite monastery overlooking Lake Memphremagog It inspired the fictional Saint-Gilbert-Entre-Les-Loups in Penny’s “A Beautiful Mystery.” The real monastery houses about 25 monks who have taken the vow of silence; the youngest is in his early 30s We toured the beautiful building surrounded by gardens and nature trails learned about the history and daily life of the monks and listened to their beautiful and haunting chanting The monks sell some of their homemade products in the monastery gift shop They also sell chocolate covered blueberries from the Chocolaterie des Pères in Dolbeau-Mistassini “Remember when Gamache and Jean Guy fought over the chocolate covered blueberries and there were none left to take home?” a woman in our group recalled we did not; we’re obviously not as astute Penny fans as other.) right?” another woman in our group remarked as we parked in the village of Knowlton Guerra explained that there is no real Three Pines or Olivier’s Bistro but Penny incorporated aspects of several towns to create Three Pines and several local restaurants for the bistro are delightful small villages and each could very well stand in for the fictional town of Three Pines In Knowlton, we visited the Lac-Brome Museum, with several historic buildings, exhibits on Canadian history, and old war artifacts, including a rare Fokker plane from World War I. At least two people in our tour group were convinced that the restaurant and hotel Le Relais in Knowlton is the model for Olivier and Gabri’s fictional B&B and bistro They made plans to have dinner there later that evening we popped into Brome Lake Books (“This is Myrna’s bookstore!” the same woman tour-goer said) with a corner devoted to Louise Penny books (Who could resist the “What Would Gamache Do?” sticker?) Our last stop was Sutton, where Penny often shops and dines. Some say La Rumeur Affamee, a beautiful store filled with wooden counters and old display cases filled with fresh baked goods, local cheeses, and meat, is Sarah’s Boulangerie in the books, and A la Fontaine Blasphemy, but we’d had enough of Louise Penny and Three Pines. We opted for dinner at La Knowlton Co. Sitting nearby were two women who had been on our tour We’d noticed that one of them hadn’t spoken a word all day so we asked her what she thought of the tour “I haven’t read any of her books; they’re not my style,” she said For more information, visit www.easterntownships.org Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at bairwright@gmail.com Home Delivery Gift Subscriptions Log In Manage My Account Customer Service Delivery Issues Feedback News Tips Help & FAQs Staff List Advertise Newsletters View the ePaper Order Back Issues News in Education Search the Archives Privacy Policy Terms of Service Terms of Purchase Work at Boston Globe Media Internship Program Co-op Program Do Not Sell My Personal Information There are plenty of reasons to head to Knowlton for its 2-week Arts Alive taking place throughout the charming tourist town from Sunday Knowlton’s participation has grown in leaps and bounds This year Knowlton has pulled out all the stops to create a festival of cultural performances and activities for the entire family “I love how AAQ pulls the entire community together This year we’re collaborating with the Brome County Historical Society The artists are making a special effort to showcase not only our region through art but Canada’s diversity as well.” Highlights of the festival include United We Stand Gemini Award-winning Jefferson Lewis – French Immersion (2011) Mon amie Max (1994) – will give a two-part screenwriting workshop followed by a film workshop and a public screening of the final product on July 8 Celtic flautist Dave Gossage closes the two-week festival with a concert featuring an eclectic line-up of musical guests such as the up-and-coming Quebec fiddler Inuit throat-singers Nina Segalowitz and Taqralik Partridge and The Honeysuckle Sisters – Image: Sheila Quinn Alexis Chartrand – Image: Guillaume Morin Shawn Mativetsky – Image: Caroline Tabah Initiated by ELAN (English-language Arts Network) in 2015 Wakefield and the West Island –produce six individual festivals to showcase Quebec’s diverse cultural communities and innovative artists with activities and performances for the entire family arts-alive-quebec.ca ELAN (English-Language Arts Network) is a not-for-profit organization that connects and promotes Quebec’s English-speaking artists and arts communities Its members include artists and organizations representing a multitude of artistic disciplines and regions of Quebec encouraging an evolving Quebec identity that recognizes French as the public language and celebrates social quebec-elan.org and settled into a leather wing chair amid applause The local literary superstar began chatting with the crowd Penny’s beaming smile and raucous laugh are part of daily life in this town of 3,400 The successful mystery author — she has sold 6.3 million books in 26 languages — sets offbeat murders in the fictional town of Three Pines inspired by locations throughout the townships The gathering resembled a group of longtime friends catching up rather than the launch of “Kingdom of the Blind,” Penny’s 14th in a series of whodunits in which Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the provincial Sûreté du Québec police force unravels crimes in this otherwise bucolic landscape I want people to come to this place I love so much feel the air and taste the local cuisine,” she said that November day “I wish I had used real township place names from the start Quebec’s Eastern Townships are known for the wooded landscapes that turn blazing orange and red in autumn and produce much of the province’s maple syrup in spring There are lakes and Victorian towns with vintage general stores was settled by United Empire Loyalists — British sympathizers — who left New England after America’s Declaration of Independence Canadian writer Louise Penny wants “people to come to this place I love so .. feel the air and taste the local cuisine.” (Ulf Andersen / Getty Images) The townships are a mellow easygoing blend of rural and sophistication populated with diverse and often colorful residents who have created the welcoming and caring community that Penny portrays in her books Inspector Gamache is a foodie and so am I. We both frequent bistros, dining on steak frites and Lac-Brome duck at Le Relais in Knowlton which closely resembles the dining room in Penny’s “Brutal Telling.” We both also tuck into some of Quebec’s 500-plus varieties of cheese at La Rumeur Affamée a classic 1860s general store in nearby Sutton with home-baked baguettes and warm It was voted one of Quebec’s best cheese shops and shows up as Sarah’s Boulangerie in several of Penny’s books including “The Cruelest Month.” Like other real locations with a Gamache series connection The gourmand Gamache and I also share a passion for wine to accompany our cheeses and baguettes. As luck would have it, the Quebec Wine Route rolls right through the Eastern Townships It’s ideal bicycling and country road-tripping terrain west of Knowlton, past horse and cattle farms, stone mansions and 22 wineries that dot the Route des Vins. I love to have lunch and a craft beer at La Brasserie Dunham or dine on the patio overlooking vines at L’Orpailleur East of Knowlton, Benedictine monks run an apple orchard and cheese factory at the spectacular Saint-Benoît-du-Lac abbey, overlooking Lake Memphremagog. I always make a beeline to their boutique to pick up their award-winning bleu Bénédictin Then I slip into a chapel pew for morning vespers and Gregorian chants Not even this tranquil cloistered monastery has escaped Penny’s deadly pen in fictional Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups Abbey that a monk was bashed to death with an iron door knocker in “The Beautiful Mystery.” Hadley House in Penny’s “Dead Cold.” Both the real and fictional estates are considered haunted A highlight of the eastern part of the townships is the idyllic village of North Hatley on the shores of Lake Massawippi, with enough preserved heritage buildings to be designated one of Quebec’s 38 most beautiful villages It’s the site of elegant Hovey Manor The relaxed retreat has an old-world library and a fine-dining restaurant renowned for its French cuisine The epicenter of most Inspector Gamache books is the fictional Three Pines version of Knowlton in real life a charming little town bisected by Coldbrook Stream The Brome County Historical Society Museum has a wonderful collection of Loyalist history, and the Pettes Memorial Library has a display of translated Penny’s books and Three Pine curios she has received from fans worldwide Brome Lake Books featured in “How the Light Gets In,” is owned by Lucy Hoblyn and Danny McAuley longtime Penny friends and collaborators who have organized Penny’s Knowlton book launches since 2007 and “Still Life.” Their inviting shop features a Louise Penny corner with her books a small fireplace and more gifts from fans You can buy a Gamache coffee mug and one of the licorice pipes the refined detective deeply loves therapeutic quality about her books,” McAuley said “What Louise has created for her readers is the community she encountered in the Eastern Townships safe place.” Penny is not shy about speaking openly about her struggles with alcoholism and suicidal thoughts Local Danielle Viau last year launched Three Pines Tours which offers guided walking explorations of Knowlton as well as township driving trips She was astonished to have hosted 250 people that first summer it’s like they’re on a pilgrimage,” Viau said Belgian families and women going through chemotherapy who swore there was an almost spiritual side to these books.” More than 90% of her visitors were Americans “‘Does Three Pines exist?’” “It exists as an allegory a state of mind I carry with me everywhere and I populated it with people I would choose as friends,” she said with the occasional grisly murder thrown in.” Air Canada offers nonstop service to Montreal American and Air Canada offer connecting service (change of planes) Manoir Hovey, 575 Rue Hovey, North Hatley, Canada; (800) 661-2421. Elegant 1900 manor overlooking Lake Massawippi. Doubles from $190 a night. A Vive Gamache package also is offered for $450 per person per night Auberge du Joli Vent Casual inn in a 19th century farmhouse with access to Brome Lake Hotel and Suites Lac Brome Dining room on site (closed until April 27) Le Relais Restaurant Bistro Cozy old-world dining room in the Auberge Knowlton Le Pleasant Hôtel & Café La Rumeur Affamée, 15 Principale Nord Charming1860s-style general store and one of the province’s best cheese shops with homemade bread local charcuterie and Quebec craft beers to create a picnic lunch Three Pines Tours Regular tours May through September; private tours available year-round Tours are offered in “chapters,” with the all-day full chapter tour from $220 Knowlton two-hour walking tours from $70 per person Epicenter for Louise Penny books and paraphernalia Abbaye de Saint-Benoit-du-Lac, 1 Main St. ciders and apple products made by the monks and sold in the abbey boutique Tourism Québec Eastern Townships Tourism Most Beautiful Towns in Quebec California Travel & Experiences Lifestyle Subscribe for unlimited access Site Map processor will purchase former Viande Laroche beef plant as it works to double its production Pekin ducks are one of the world’s most popular breeds of domestic duck Que.—Canadian duck farmer Brome Lake Ducks is launching a $30 million expansion project to retrofit and add floor space at a pair of sites east of Montreal The company has announced it will buy a former beef processing plant in Asbestos as well as invest in a new hatchery and livestock buildings at its farm facility in Brome Lake the investment is designed to double the company’s annual production from two million ducks to four million will occupy 51,000 square feet and will not only permit to consolidate the leadership of Brome Lake Ducks on its markets but also ensures its growth and competitiveness by producing the quantities needed to meet the local and international demand,” Claude Trottier the company’s president and COO said The major expansion project will allow the company to nearly double its workforce from approximately 200 employees today to 350 within the next few years The company plans to hire about 100 new workers in the short term and add 50 more by the time it completes the project the company said it will work to maintain the quality of its products and the welfare of its animals throughout the expansion project “All of our expansion project take into account the highest standards with regards to animal health and welfare and I can assure you that our new processing plant in Asbestos will not be exception to this rule,” Mario Côté Canadian Manufacturing is the top source for daily industry-focused news across Canada We cover the world of manufacturing across all its sectors This article was published more than 12 years ago Comfortably ensconced in wicker chairs on the wide veranda of Hovey Manor we're sipping sparkling wine and talking about life as sheets of rain pelt down on the lake Let's just hope that the dark doesn't come out tonight," says Louise Penny with an air of mystery and a mirthful grin this renowned mystery writer speaks as she writes giving you pieces and leaving you to puzzle out the parts left unsaid "I've gone through periods in my life that have been difficult – and dreamed of a place that was safe," she says driving winding roads around Lake Memphremagog and Lac Brome boutiques and country inns that have inspired one of Canada's bestselling mystery writers We even get to spend the first evening with the author herself And it's usually here where murders take place in her books – shattering the seemingly indestructible beauty she hopes people "will get a sense of what it's like to live in Quebec," as each is set in a different season Penny jokes that she "sleeps around," referring to the many rooms she and her husband You can see why they had their two-day wedding party here This stunning Relais & Chateaux property was inspired by George Washington's home in Mt It is also the inn on which Manoir Bellechasse ( The Murder Stone) was loosely based I could easily while away the evening next to the fireplace the chocolate custard and sesame seed ice cream that beckons me to the table I eat chocolates laid out for me on the bed and sleep until the birds sing me awake the next morning The Old Mansion House in Georgeville is our next stop it was the inspiration for the possibly haunted Hadley House in The Cruelest Month Despite the real-life rumour about a young girl falling from her horse to her death Originally built as a rooming house in 1889 a wraparound porch on the first and second floor a renovated kitchen with a beautifully lit coffered ceiling and a wide lawn for croquet Our next stop is Brome Lake Books in Lac-Brome (Knowlton) where you can buy a Chief Inspector Armand Gamache mug (for the uninitiated he's the steady and likeable crime-solving detective in Ms and get a free licorice pipe with your mug the same old-fashioned candy that the Inspector gets when solving mysteries in Three Pines Owners Danny McAuley and Lucy Hoblyn hosted the author's first book launch here and they have held an event for each new book Our final stop for the day is at the Auberge du Joli Vent in Lac-Brome owned by Quebec-born Patricia Provencher and her eccentric but affable German-Swiss husband Hans Christiner Provencher – recognizing the link between stress and disease – creates a relaxing experience for her guests there's swimming in the outdoor pool or the lake When I set out to explore the 46-hectare property I have trouble finding a hiking trailhead until Mr Christiner – emerging from the kitchen in chef's apron – insists on taking me out on the back of his four-wheel-drive tractor for a personal tour Then he's back to the kitchen to create a spectacular dinner of marinated Atlantic salmon with Asian-style rice noodles and seaweed salad and a dessert sampler that includes to-die-for chocolate terrine Their restaurant is one of about 20 in the first year of the Chefs Créateurs program which recognizes Eastern Township chefs who use local food producers vineyard co-owner Stacey Richardson introduces us to a fabulous rosé with hints of strawberry and cranberry (Rosé Nessa) and the winery's impressive white Bressoc which is made from the first clear drops of juice from the flesh of red St This is a labour-intensive process that has yielded close to 5,000 bottles since she and her husband Rick Bresee began producing it in 2008 Feeling lazy and content after a picnic and glass of rosé on the lawn this time headed to Gîte Vert Le Mont B&B in the heart of Sutton village The 1916 Loyalist-style bed and breakfast is typical of many homes in the Townships influenced by Loyalists who settled here after the War of Independence British owner Lynda Graham shares gossip and information on all things Sutton Penny drops into for soup and scones; La Rumeur Affamée a co-operative of local artists selling jewellery the culinary author who lived on a sheep farm in the Townships until her death in 1987 Our final supper of the trip is at the Auberge des Appalaches up the road has concocted an intriguing menu – Darjeeling tea-poached scallops with fennel and radish to start a rillette of house-smoked trout and a duck leg confit as a main and we drive the short distance back to the B&B in satiated silence It's almost time to leave this idyllic B&B but we've got time to linger over breakfast: homemade rhubarb scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on the wraparound porch We'll soon be heading north across the Champlain Bridge and the bruised and swollen grey sky that we arrived in now a brilliant clear blue but I have a copy of The Murder Stone in my purse Manoir Hovey: Rooms start at $150 a person, double occupancy, which includes dinner, breakfast and gratuities. 575 Hovey Road, Lake Massawippi, North Hatley; hoveymanor.com Vignoble Domaine Bresee: The vineyard's owners rent out a small secluded chalet only minutes from their vineyard. Rooms from $150 a night or $700 a week. 450-538-3303; vignobledomainebresee.com The Old Mansion House: You can rent the house for about $2,500 a week, more if you want a private chef. 71 chemin Channel, Georgeville; mansionhousegeorgeville.com The Auberge du Joli Vent: The auberge is open Fridays and Saturday nights, as well as Thursdays beginning in July. Rooms from $130. 667 chemin Bondville, Lac-Brome. 1-866-525-4272; aubergedujolivent.com Gîte Vert Le Mont B&B: Each room has a small ensuite bathroom. Rooms from $89. 18, rue Maple, Sutton, 450-538-3227; bbsutton.com The Townships also boast 17 vineyards as part of the Quebec Route des Vins. Bike or drive between them for wine tastings routedesvins.ca For more information on the Eastern Townships, visit easterntownships.org The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism Quebec Editorial code of conduct