The Village historique de Val-Jalbert now belongs to MRC du Domaine-du-Roy. A new web site will soon be on line. In the meantime, Sépaq invites you to visit this one. For information and reservations, call 1 888 675-3132.
Take a little trip to Chambord in the Lac-Saint-Jean region and as if by magic, you will suddenly be swept into heart of the 1920s in the mono-industrial town of Val-Jalbert. From the convent to the post office, from the gossips at the general store and the pulp mill, take a glimpse at the daily lives of working class families of the era. You will live through their confusion when the announcement came that their village was closing in 1927.
From high up in the cable car, you will be overcome with emotion before the power of the Chute Ouiatchouan. In the silence of the campground at night or in one of the site's rooms, you'll wonder if the marvellous waterfall that fuelled the mill, now keeps the old village alive...
You can visit the village on foot or aboard the "Balade" (an old streetcar). In high season, you'll see many theatrical productions, spotlighting typical characters from the old village, complete with an authentic historical backdrop. Throughout the summer season, you can also observe many buildings of patrimonial interest, collections of antique objects, the reconstitution of a logger's camp and a herbarium. The Chute Ouiatchouan, which means "river of clear waters" in Innu, tops off the visit. No one can remain indifferent to this rushing downpour, which seems to spurt out of the forest and roar down to the old pulp and paper mill, 72 metres (236 feet) below. People from the Lac-St-Jean region like to point out that the Chute Ouiatchouan is higher than Chute Niagara! Upstream, you can also observe another waterfall, also issuing from the tumultuous Rivière Ouiatchouan: the Chute Maligne. A cable car travels up to the first waterfalls. Apart from these beautiful cascades, you will also have a panoramic view of Lac Saint-Jean, a real interior sea, whose far banks can be seen in very clear weather. A hiking trail leads you to the Chute Maligne.
Without question, the highlight of your visit to Val-Jalbert is the cable car climb to the summit of Chute Ouiatchouan and, higher still, to the observation deck of the Chute Maligne and an incredible view of Lac Saint-Jean.
Three new exhibitions:
- Léon Bouchard, sculpteur et mémorialiste des forêts
- Exposition photographie Mode et modernité des Années Folles (1920-1929)
- Exposition Regards sur le lac Saint-Jean
Fun for all ages guaranteed in our new heated pool!
Overview
The Village historique is directly linked to the famous Véloroute des Bleuets, the pride of the region. On this magnificent 256-kilometre circuit made up of cycling trails, designated roads or paved shoulders around Lac Saint-Jean, you will travel through some beautiful scenery. Your cycling trips will lead you to picturesque villages where you will experience the warm and simple welcome of Lac Saint-Jean residents.
Overview
During the cold season, you can cross country ski, snowshoe or hike on the snow. The cross country ski trails are managed by Club plein air Val-Jalbert (phone: 418 275-6033). There are about 10 km of trails which are suitable for skiers of all levels. Skiers also have a heritage building at their disposal.
Period: From December 15 to March 15.
Overview
A 30-kilometre hiking trail links Val-Jalbert to Saint-François-de-Sales and Lac-Bouchette. Classified as easy, this trail runs alongside the tumultuous Rivière Ouiatchouan. Length of the hike: 10 hours. For any additional information, contact the Corporation de développement du Lac-Bouchette at (418) 348-9650 or the Centre Vacances Nature at (418) 348-6832.
Overview
The Vieux-Moulin restaurant offers full service. You can sample succulent regional dishes such as tourtière or broad bean soup.
Period: Open from end of May to the beginning of October
At the general store's sidewalk café, a sandwich service, candy counter and ice cream counter will make your day more delicious! A continental breakfast is also available.
Period: Open from June 20 to September 7, 2009
Village historique de Val-Jalbert is redesigning its accommodations concept. Starting in 2010, visitors will be able to spend more time enjoying an authentic visit and a unique experience in contemporary comfort. The twenty-six rooms, some restored and others added, will be in the workers houses and the village hotel. Packages will be developed based on a variety of formulas, including a tour of the village, supper and breakfast. The contemporary comfort of the rooms will meet international quality standards and respect the spirit of Val-Jalbert and its history.
To find out more or to make a reservation, call Village historique de Val-Jalbert at 1 888 675-3132, ext. 102.
The campground is set in a lovely spot by the Rivière Ouiatchouan, entry of the Village Historique. It consists of 190 sites, scattered through a deciduous and coniferous forest. Sixty of these sites are equipped with three services (water, electricity, and sewage hookups), thirty of them offer two services and one hundred have no services. Campers have access to washroom facilities, shelters with picnic tables, two small laudromats and a pump-out station.
Period: From May 7 to September 27, 2010
"Mini-cabins", an alternative to motel rooms and camping, offer an economic formula that will charm small families in search of nature! Designed for four people, the "mini-cabins" are electrically heated. Each (3.6 metres by 4.3 metres or 12 feet by 14 feet) has a kitchen module (2-burner stove, mini-fridge and sink). (One of the mini-cabins also includes a shower and a toilet.). Dishes are supplied but you need to bring your own bedding, although you can rent bedding for the length of your stay. Washroom facilities are located approximately 45 metres (150 feet) from the cottages.
Accommodation table
Village historique de Val-Jalbert is redesigning its accommodations concept. Starting in 2010, visitors will be able to spend more time enjoying an authentic visit and a unique experience in contemporary comfort. The twenty-six rooms, some restored and others added, will be in the workers houses and the village hotel. Packages will be developed based on a variety of formulas, including a tour of the village, supper and breakfast. The contemporary comfort of the rooms will meet international quality standards and respect the spirit of Val-Jalbert and its history.
To find out more or to make a reservation, call Village historique de Val-Jalbert at 1 888 675-3132, ext. 102.
