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Laurie Cardinal

Cycling Highlights in Les Basques: Between the River, Mountains and Farmland

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Mélanie Paquet, fascinated by history, tells our own story with her inspiring pen.

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In the MRC des Basques, cycling follows the rhythm of the river, rolling farmland and scenic roads. Whether you enjoy long rides along the Route verte, gourmet stops or mountain biking adventures, the region offers a wide variety of experiences to discover on two wheels. 

The Route verte: 55 km of Pure Cycling Pleasure

TCrossing several municipalities throughout Les Basques, the Route verte offers a 55 km route made up of dedicated bike paths and shared roadways. Each section reveals a different landscape, from countryside and mountains to spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. 

Route verteLaurie Cardinal

Saint-Éloi: Breathtaking Landscapes 

In the Haut-Pays region, the route passes through beautiful agricultural landscapes offering impressive panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River. It is the perfect section for cyclists seeking peace, quiet and wide-open spaces. 

 

Notre-Dame-des-Neiges: River Views and Local Flavours 

The route follows the Trois-Pistoles River through a peaceful and green setting.

It is also the perfect place to enjoy a gourmet stop, with easy access to the Fromagerie des Basques, renowned for its local products. 

Route verteLaurie Cardinal

Trois-Pistoles: Shorelines, Shops and Discoveries 

By bike, it is easy to access the shores of the St. Lawrence River, local businesses and many of the region’s tourist attractions. Downtown Trois-Pistoles is an excellent stopping point to enjoy the maritime atmosphere of Les Basques. 

Saint-Simon-de-RimouskiLaurie Cardinal

Saint-Simon-de-Rimouski:
A Scenic Sporting Challenge
 

More demanding and sporty, this section follows the shoreline and mountains while offering several spectacular viewpoints.

Among them, the Belvédère Beaulieu stands out with its breathtaking lookout perched 183 metres above the river. 

Five Must-See Stops Along the Route verte

Here are a few stops not to miss during your ride along the Route verte: 

  • The cable-stayed pedestrian bridge in Notre-Dame-des-Neiges  
  • Morency Beach for its sandy shoreline and family park  
  • The Escale maritime de Trois-Pistoles and its Basque pelota court  
  • The Marché public des Basques at the Trois-Pistoles train station  
  • The Porc-Pic Lookout for a unique perspective of the river  

 

New: Mountain Biking at Mont-Saint-Mathieu 

Thrill-seekers will be excited to discover the new mountain biking offer at Parc du Mont-Saint-Mathieu. 

These new trails showcase one of the area’s most unique natural features: the mountain’s distinctive red iron-rich rock. This natural sandstone gives the trails a spectacular visual signature and creates a riding experience that is both technical, rugged and fun. 

With dynamic descents, technical sections and striking scenery, Mont-Saint-Mathieu is already shaping up to become a must-visit destination for mountain biking enthusiasts in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.

Mont-Saint-MathieuÉdouard Castonguay

Another new route to add to your itinerary is the Tour du lac Saint-Mathieu. This 17 km paved shared-road circuit allows cyclists to discover one of the most beautiful lakes in Les Basques. 

The route circles the lake in a friendly and accessible atmosphere, perfect for a family outing or a relaxing ride. Two public parks provide ideal spots to stop for a picnic, swimming or simply enjoying the facilities: 

  • Parc du Riverain  
  • Parc Roger-Riou  

For cyclists wishing to extend their adventure, it is also possible to start from Trois-Pistoles and follow the 2nd and 3rd concession roads to discover the beautiful agricultural landscapes of Les Basques. 

A Destination to Explore… at Your Own Pace 

In Les Basques, every pedal stroke leads to a new discovery: a gourmet stop, a spectacular viewpoint, a hidden beach or a welcoming village. Here, cycling becomes a unique way to slow down and experience the region differently. 

Whether you are a cycle tourist, a sports enthusiast or simply looking for an active nature getaway, Les Basques invites you to experience the region on two wheels.