À vélo dans Les Basques : un défi à la hauteur des paysages

Writing

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

Calves heat up, hearts beat a little faster, but every pedal stroke is worth it. In the MRC des Basques, the Route verte is more than just a cycling route: it’s an adventure. A challenge for cycling enthusiasts in search of authenticity, breathtaking panoramas and small roads that tell the story of a region proud of its character.

Here, the terrain is boldly contoured. The slopes may be steep, but they always lead to grandiose rewards. Belvédère Beaulieu, in Saint-Simon-de-Rimouski, is a perfect example. Once you’ve reached the top, the plunging view of the St. Lawrence River and the tidal flats is worth every drop of sweat. The invigorating salt air is a world away from everyday life.

Coucher de Soleil, Les Basques — Les BasquesNathalie Belzile

The Route verte crosses the MRC from west to east, skirting the coastline in several places. At low tide, the shoreline stretches as far as the eye can see, and you can sometimes hear the quiet lapping of the river.

These ever-changing landscapes lend a soothing rhythm to an otherwise demanding outing. Because yes, pedaling here means pushing yourself. But cycling in Les Basques isn’t just a physical feat: it’s an immersion.

Cycling through the villages of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, Trois-Pistoles, Saint-Simon-de-Rimouski or Saint-Mathieu-de-Rioux, you’ll also come across century-old bell towers, local produce markets and friendly people.

Some routes lead to unique vantage points, such as the heights of Saint-Jean-de-Dieu or the peaceful shores of Lac Saint-Mathieu. Even far from the river, the scenery remains grandiose.

For seasoned cyclists, the region offers an ideal playground. People come here to train, to challenge themselves, but also to enjoy themselves. The Saint-Mathieu-de-Rioux triathlon is a case in point. And for more contemplative cyclists, all you have to do is adapt your pace.

Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, Route Verte — Notre-Dame-des-Neiges

Belvédère Beaulieu — Saint-Simon-de-Rimouski

Why not plan a picnic stop by the water (at Grève Morency, Halte du bord de mer in Saint-Simon-sur-Mer or Parc du Riverain on Lac Saint-Mathieu) or a coffee break in one of the small local shops (Café Grains de folie, Oreka, Tribord Café)? Cycling becomes a way of travelling slowly, savouring every detour.

The beauty of the MRC des Basques lies in this combination of effort and wonder. Here, we climb to see. You sweat to feel. And every descent, every bend, becomes a promise of discovery.

So, whether you’re a Sunday cyclist looking to get away from it all, or an avid hill climber, dare to take on the roads of our part of the world. Come and take a ride in Les Basques. Your bike will never have known such beautiful adventure terrain.

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