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Departure
La Malbaie

24 km

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

The route includes climbs in an urban setting—in Sainte-Agnès—and near the monastery.

Between these sections, you’ll walk along a short stretch of sand dunes, pass through a picturesque village dominated by a historic and iconic church, and then enjoy a breathtaking view of the “holy mountain,” where the monastery you’re heading to is located.

Start

353 Saint-Étienne Street, La Malbaie, Quebec G5A 1T8
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Finish

130 Rang Sainte-Philomène, La Malbaie, Quebec G5A 2B6
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Distance

24 KM

Route duration

DAY 1

Difficulty level

MODERATE, EXCEPT FOR THE LAST CLIMB, WHICH IS MORE CHALLENGING

Elevation gain

220 M

Itinerary

From La Malbaie to the Monastery of the Glorious Cross

  • Leave the Saint-Étienne Church in La Malbaie by turning left onto Rue Saint-Étienne toward Boulevard Kane (traffic lights). (1 km)
  • Turn right onto Kane Boulevard; drive up the hill to the end. (3.3 km)
  • Turn left onto the gravel path, go up the hill, going around the landfill site, and enter the gravel road François Hazeur until you reach the first power line; pass under this line. Continue straight ahead on what becomes a forest road (watch out for logging trucks) until you reach the second power line. (2.7 km)
  • Pass under the second power line, then—according to a Kapoah sign—turn left immediately, following the sandy path, and head up to Rang Saint-Charles. Turn right. (0.5 km)
  • If an accident occurs or a hiker becomes ill on this sandy trail, call 911 and specify that you are on the “Sentier des Lunes.” Appropriate emergency assistance will be provided by the Municipality of La Malbaie: an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and a specialized stretcher. Contact: Gervais Tremblay, Tel. (418) 633-7103.
  • As you leave the sandy field, turn right onto Rang Saint-Charles and continue to the village of Sainte-Agnès. (7.0 km)
  • At the entrance to the village, turn slightly right onto Rue Principale; at the first left-hand corner is the Church of St. Agnes. Behind it is the sacristy, which houses restrooms that are generally available to PRE-REGISTERED GROUPS. You can also have lunch there. DONATIONS APPRECIATED (0.1 km)
  • Individuals, small groups, couples, and families are welcome to stop by 44 Principale Street. Phone: Carole Lapointe 1 (418) 439-4307 / Cell: (418) 633-7838: church sacristy and private residence.
  • Turn left onto Rue Principale and walk to the fork in the road. Turn left onto Rang du Ruisseau des Frênes. (1.5 km)
  • Head southwest on Rang du Ruisseau-des-Frênes toward QC-138 E. Cross Route 138. (3.2 km)
  • Continue up Ruisseau-des-Frênes Road, which becomes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Road. Turn right onto Sainte-Philomène Road. Follow the sign for Monastère. (1 km)
  • When you reach the entrance to the Monastery of the Little Brothers of the Cross, continue straight ahead for a few meters, and you’ll find the Nazareth-en-Charlevoix site on your left. The reception desk is located in the large chalet visible right at the entrance. (2.7 km)

Practical Tips

Plan for today's drive

  • Water, snacks
  • Lunch, and possibly dinner if we don’t agree to have it at the monastery

Planning for the Road Ahead

  • Lunch
  • Water, snacks
  • Lunch

Points of View

The Charlevoix Mountains

In the second section of Ruisseau-des-Frênes Road, the view opens up to a splendid panorama of the Charlevoix mountains. As you continue to the end of the road, a magnificent view of the “holy mountain”—home to the monastery of the Petits Frères de la Croix—unfolds before you.

Restaurants / Food

No food, no restaurants.

You can have dinner at the Hôtellerie du Monastère, provided you have made a reservation in advance. Tel. (418) 439-4611

Accommodations

Nazareth in Charlevoix

130 Sainte-Philomène Road
La Malbaie, Quebec G5A 2B6
Tel. (418) 617-3875

Website

Things to Do at the Monastery

SPIRITUALITY

Religious services at the monastery

Lauds at 6:30 a.m.
Mass at 11:00 a.m. (Sunday at 10:30 a.m.)
Vespers at 5:00 p.m.
Compline at 8:00 p.m.

Except on Monday = empty (Mass at 7:00 p.m.)

FLAVORS AND BREAKS

Monastery Store

Books, icons, holy images, and monastic products. Their flagship product: spelt grain grown and milled by hand by the Little Brothers of the Cross.

HERITAGE AND CULTURE

Iconography

Discover the chapel’s symbolic, iconographic, and spiritual richness during a guided tour led by the brothers. Check with the reception desk for the tour schedule.

A Brief History of the Stopover Town

The Monastery of the Glorious Cross

A monastery or house of prayer founded in 1991 by the Little Brothers of the Cross, this place is home to a Catholic community of contemplative monks dedicated to a spiritual life centered on the Eucharist, adoration, meditation on the Word of God in the spirit of Saint Charles de Foucauld. This community is recognized by the Archbishop of Quebec; its times of prayer and adoration are open to all.

Daily life at the monastery is structured around the Liturgy of the Hours, with four main services each day (Lauds, Mass, Vespers, and Compline; and sometimes Vigils as well) held in response to the sound of a bell that echoes through the surrounding mountains. Manual labor and welcoming visitors—with unconditional hospitality toward all who come—complement the life of prayer and worship. However, the cloister is reserved for the monks.

Appropriate attire and discretion foster silence, contemplation, and inner peace. As for the view outside, it is unparalleled, stretching from the mountains all the way to the St. Lawrence River.

 

Photo: Shane Hoving on Unsplash.

Next Stop: Departure from the Monastery of the Glorious Cross

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