Logo
Back to the Journey List
Download PDF (French version)

Departure
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

20 km

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Discover the charm of the historic Chemin du Roy, now known as Avenue Royale.

This flat, pleasantly winding path is easy to walk along, with no significant elevation changes, except for two small hills as you approach your destination: L’Ange-Gardien and its church. Along the way, let yourself be charmed by the magnificent historic homes—authentic testaments to Quebec’s rich heritage—that you can admire throughout the journey.

Start

10018 Royale Avenue, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec G0A 3C0
View on Google Maps

Finish

6357 Royale Avenue, L’Ange-Gardien (Côte-de-Beaupré), Quebec G0A 2K0
View on Google Maps

Distance

20 KM

Route duration

DAY 1

Difficulty level

MEDIUM

Elevation gain

80 M

Itinerary

From Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré to L’Ange-Gardien

  • From St. Anne’s Basilica, turn left onto Avenue Royale and walk to the Church of L’Ange-Gardien at 6357 Avenue Royale, the next lodging option.
  • Post Office: 8022 Royale Avenue (8 km)
  • City Hall (Château-Richer): 8006 Royale Avenue
  • RESTROOMS: Les 3 Couvents, 7976 Royale Avenue
  • Jean-Marie Gravel Convenience Store (19.5 km)
  • Church of the Guardian Angel (0.5 km)

Practical Tips

Plan for today's drive

  • Water, snack
  • Repas de midi si désiré (épicerie à mi-chemin, Château-Richer)

Planning for the Road Ahead

  • Water
  • Various large grocery stores along the road

Points of View

Royale Avenue

It is one of the most picturesque roads in Quebec. Originally named Chemin du Roy, it connects Côte-de-Beaupré to Quebec City. Here, every building has its own unique character. The ensemble—church, houses, farms, school, and mill—reveals the spirit of the17th,18th, and19th centuries . This area once belonged to the Seigneurie de Beaupré, which granted and then sold the farmland to families at the end of the seigneurial system. It’s worth taking a closer look as you walk through the area.

Restaurants / Food

Richelieu Market (grocery store)

7990 Avenue Royale
Château-Richer, Quebec G0A 1N0
Tel. (418) 824-4247

Jean-Marie Gravel Convenience Store

7924 Royale Avenue
Château-Richer, Quebec G0A 1N0
Tel. (418) 824-4868

Convenience store

6446 Royale Avenue
L’Ange gardien (Quebec) G0A 2K0
Tel. (418) 406-9888

0.5 km from the church

Ready-to-Eat Food Selection

IGA

5114 Royale Avenue
Boischatel, Quebec G0A1H0
Tel. (418) 822-0123

Accommodations

Guardian Angel Church

6357 Royale Avenue
L’Ange-Gardien (Côte de Beaupré) (Quebec) G0A 2K0
Tel.: (581) 580-7257 or (418) 822-0124

From mid-June to mid-August

Basement of the sacristy
Entrance on Avenue Royale (obtain access code)

  • Amenities: camp beds, restrooms and shower, kitchenette; breakfast included
  • Overnight stay: DON (Donationin cash)

At the Gîte de la Chute

5143 Royale Avenue
Boischatel, Quebec G0A 1H0
Tel. (418) 822-3789

From May through mid-June / From August 15 through the end of October

The Princess of the Fields

5494 Royale Avenue
Boischatel, Quebec G0A 1H0
Tel. (514) 791-0565

From May through mid-June / From August 15 through the end of October

Things to Do in L’Ange-Gardien

HERITAGE AND CULTURE

The Church

You can visit the church or spend some quiet time there; you may enter through the interior with permission from the church officials.

HERITAGE AND CULTURE

The Rectory

The Ange-Gardien rectory, which has become City Hall and overlooks the church square, is of heritage significance due to its architectural, historical, and ethnological value (statue of the Sacred Heart).

LEISURE AND RELAXATION

Municipal Swimming Pool

The pool is free, but is sometimes reserved for day camps.

Call (418) 822-1555 to see if it’s open.

70 Tricentenaire Street

A Brief History of the Stopover Town

L’Ange-Gardien

Inhabited as early as 1633 and known as Longue-Pointe, this area belonged to the Seigneurie de Beaupré. The Bishop of Quebec, Saint François de Laval, recognizing the population growth and agricultural development on the fertile land, established a parish named Saints-Anges-Gardiens in 1664. The opening of a stone quarry boosted the local economy. The municipality was established in 1845 with the early end of the seigneurial system and took the name L’Ange-Gardien. In 1889, the arrival of the railroad, followed in 1912 by the regional electric train, and finally by Sainte-Anne Boulevard, fostered improved commercial ties with Quebec City and an enviable boom for the community.

Photos: Gabriel Picard – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0; P199, CC BY-SA 3.0; Sylvainbrousseau – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0; and Artem Militonian on Unsplash.

The Petit-Pré Mill

Inhabited as early as 1633 and known as Longue-Pointe, this area belonged to the Seigneurie de Beaupré. The Bishop of Quebec, Saint François de Laval, recognizing the population growth and agricultural development on the fertile land, established a parish named Saints-Anges-Gardiens in 1664. The opening of a stone quarry boosted the local economy. The municipality was established in 1845 with the early end of the seigneurial system and took the name L’Ange-Gardien. In 1889, the arrival of the railroad, followed in 1912 by the regional electric train, and finally by Sainte-Anne Boulevard, fostered improved commercial ties with Quebec City and an enviable boom for the community.

Next Stop: Departure from L’Ange-Gardien

VIEW DETAILS