The French Châteaux of Québec

By Bob Burch

A century ago trade ships steamed and sailed up the Saint Lawrence River bound for Quebec City and Montreal. Rounding the broad expanse of the river at Pointe-au-Pic, sailors were met with a view of the stately Manoir Richelieu perched atop the cliff.

Amenities
Located on 212 acres, the resort features 405 rooms including 35 suites. Three restaurants cater to a variety of tastes and schedules, and a cigar lounge paneled in exotic hardwoods recalls the majesty of days gone by. Two grand ballrooms and additional facilities provide 22,000 sq.. ft. of meeting space.

All rooms feature voice mail, data ports, coffee makers and ironing boards. For the fitness conscious , the Manoir boasts a health club with heated indoor and outdoor pools, a sun deck, jacuzzi, steam baths, a fully equipped gym and no fewer than 22 spa treatment rooms to pamper guests with massage, facials and mud baths. There is even a private club just for kids.

A Locale for All Seasons
Winter activities include skiing at Mont Grands-Fond and the steeper slopes of the Massif de Petite-Rivier-Saint-Francois, where the river mirrors the mountains. Other activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and even dog-sledding.

From spring through autumn, the Manoir provides transportation to the Tadoussac region where the Saguenay fiord spills water from Lac saint Jean into the Saint Lawrence. An abundance of sealife draws at least 10 species of whales in a summer-long feeding frenzy. Only an hour from the hotel, guests have a choice of rubber Zodiacs or small cruise boats to watch the activity.

During the warmer months there are endless other activities available -- from horseback riding, hiking and nature trails -- to fishing, canoeing, rafting, tennis and bicycle paths. The Manior Richelieu Golf Club ranks among the 10 most beautiful in Canada.

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