What to do in May

This year, my sister and I are starting a new tradition. For her very first Mother’s Day, we’re treating ourselves to a little girls’ night out at Fleuraissance ferme florale to pick gorgeous bouquets of fresh tulips. Watching her little girl run through the garden against the backdrop of the magnificent St. Lawrence River! I can’t wait! (Pick-your-own date to come)

In May, I finally get out my road bike to stretch my legs on the Véloroute de la Chaudière and see the beauty of the Chaudière valley up close, while taking my time.

In May, I’m off to observe the Alca Torda. The what? During a guided cruise aboard the Vent des Îles, I’ll meet 1,000 little penguins from the far east of the St. Lawrence, who come by the thousands to the islets of the archipelago to carry out their brooding.

In May, we took advantage of the reopening of the famous Bleu Citron restaurant for the summer period to treat ourselves to a lovely evening with friends. We start with an aperitif at my friend Catherine’s, who lives directly in Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse, before walking to the restaurant.

For my part, my choice is already made, starting with a rillette with two salmon made with salted cream, lemon, gherkins, tobiko, parmesan shavings and croutons, and for the main course, a plate of pasta carbonara with linguine, creamy sauce, parmigiano, bacon and egg yolk on top. If you’re feeling hungry, I’d advise you to make a reservation before you go.

On May 18, I’ll have a front-row seat at the Fromagerie Fermière Cassis et Mélisse for La grande cabriole – La première sortie des chèvres! On site: Activities for the whole family, shows, Cidrerie le Somnambule with its ciders and apple musts, and Floviro with its first tulips.

Bring your own picnic or, even better, enhance the experience by ordering a cheese and baguette platter or one of their delicious sandwiches (advance reservations recommended to facilitate service). Top it all off with beverages, cheeses, etc., on sale on site.

And don’t forget to bring your own tablecloth and folding chairs to make the most of this wonderful day! Rain date postponed to the 19th, so keep an eye on their Facebook page!

I absolutely want to take my girlfriend to Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière to show her this magnificent site! We’ll walk through the forest to get to the river, where we’ll take time to relax. We’ll come back through the first flowers of the season in the 10 gardens. According to the Domaine’s flowering calendar, primulas, narcissi, fruit trees and tulips will be the first flowers to appear in May.

We’ll then visit the Maison de Pointe Platon before grabbing a bite to eat at the Domaine’s Café Le Noyer Noir.

Since it opened in September, I’ve been hearing all about it: incredible atmosphere, attentive service and decadent dishes. With over 150 reviews and a rating of 4.9/5, I just can’t pass it up… This month, I’m going for it! I can’t wait to try the discovery menu, savor their smoked meats (100% local pork by Le Porc de Beaurivage), their inventive side dishes (my favorite is the vinegared leeks with Alabama sauce!) and experience the unique New School BBQ.

Behind every plate: a building steeped in history, a close-knit team and the talent of chef Alex Bouchard, who reinvents BBQ with creativity and passion. Who’s coming with me?

I love to sit in the sun and watch life go by on a terrace. I’m particularly partial to the terrace at Microbrasserie Ras L’Bock, with its view of the river and festive atmosphere. I’m definitely going to try Tournade, a pineapple/lime non-alcoholic white beer. Long live the return of fine weather!

I love to sit in the sun and watch life go by on a terrace. I’m particularly partial to the terrace at Microbrasserie Ras L’Bock, with its view of the river and festive atmosphere. I’m definitely going to try Tournade, a pineapple/lime non-alcoholic white beer. Long live the return of fine weather!