Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly
Fromagerie Bergeron
Fromagerie Bergeron has carried on a family craft since 1900. Four generations have followed one another refining the art of cheese, and a visit to their économusée lets you understand the whole road travelled — from fresh milk to the wheels patiently aging in the ripening cellars. Their Classique, the aged cheddar that made their reputation, is worth the detour on its own. The shop is full of good finds, and it's hard to leave empty-handed.
Sainte-Agathe-de-Lotbinière
Covered bridge
The covered bridge of Sainte-Agathe-de-Lotbinière carries you into another time. Spanning the Palmer River, this red wooden structure recalls an era when these covered crossings dotted the Quebec landscape. Built in 1931, it is one of the rare survivors of its kind and makes for a thoroughly picturesque photo stop. You're happy to linger there, lulled by the murmur of the water below.
Between living heritage and food traditions, these two visits sum up what Lotbinière holds most precious: an authentic terroir, rooted in its history but very much alive.
Sainte-Croix
Chez Swan
You can't leave Lotbinière without stopping at Crêperie Chez Swan. In this warm little place, the Breton crêpes are made with care, whether you prefer them savoury for a meal or sweet for dessert.
The batter, thin and slightly lacy at the edges, topped with fresh ingredients — you'll find classic ham and cheese as readily as more indulgent creations — is enough to explain why the place has earned a fine reputation in the region. The friendly atmosphere and attentive service round out the experience.
A piece of advice: save room for a maple sugar crêpe. We are in Quebec, after all.
Lévis
Ferme Phylum
A short stop before heading home. In Saint-Nicolas, between Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly and the Quebec Bridge, Ferme Phylum is far more than a simple farm: it's a genuine little paradise for anyone who loves local products. Only fifteen minutes from the Quebec City bridges, it appeals as much to food lovers as to families looking for an authentic agritourism outing. The farm's story is as tasty as its products. Patrick Soucy, the owner of Ferme Phylum, is said to be a sixth-generation dairy producer. After buying their farm in 2002, clearing the land and fully restoring the old barn, the couple welcomed their first herd of Jersey cows in 2008. In 2015 their barn went robotic and the animals are kept in free stalls. The name "Phylum" is a Latin word used mostly in genetics, carrying a sense of lineage and stock — a nod to the herd's genetic selection and to the family inheritance. What really sets Ferme Phylum apart is its 100% Jersey herd, a breed whose milk is known for being naturally rich in fat and protein, which gives a cheese with an incredibly creamy texture and deep, slightly sweet flavours, with a buttery touch that makes all the difference. The couple brought in a retired professor and researcher passionate about the cheese world to define and develop their cheeses, and in 2019 they launched the venture by also opening their shop in Saint-Nicolas. On the menu: original cheeses, far from the usual cheddars and bries, inspired by what's being made around the world. But the great star of the place is without question their poutine — raised to the rank of best poutine in Quebec by more than one food critic! At Ferme Phylum, they don't just assemble fries, cheese and gravy – they create a poutine that brings out the very essence of our culinary culture at its most authentic. Ultra-fresh cheese curds, house-made fries and a flavourful gravy — an experience that justifies the detour all by itself. Besides the cheese dairy, the farm also houses a pizzeria, a snack bar and an ice cream counter, where you can enjoy delicious homemade ice cream made with Jersey milk. The shop, with its big welcoming façade opening right onto Route 132, is the ideal place to stock up on fresh, local products. A visit to Ferme Phylum means meeting a passionate family, tasting exceptional products and supporting Quebec agriculture at its most authentic. A must-stop for anyone crossing the south shore of Quebec City!
