After Montréal, a winter paradise awaits in Lanaudière A dream of architecture and the natural world

Your address in the Lanaudière region is unlike any other. Set in a centuries-old forest in Chertsey, this bold project - that of a media outlet specialising in raising awareness of environmental issues, which, to counter unscrupulous developers, has ventured into real estate development - proves that the myth of the Canadian cabin still has a bright future ahead. That it can evolve with the times and with people’s awareness, aiming for “ever more beautiful” while also striving for “even less impactful”. The group's ambition, through this project and those to follow, is to create a truly caring living environment - a place that reflects our ability to adapt to our environment and allows for a complete reconnection with the essentials. The location of each chalet (for 2 to 8 people) was carefully considered according to the topography of its site; architects, as well as designers, anthropologists and biologists, were involved in creating structures that are as eco-responsible as they are intimate, while also serving as a place at the junction of nature and culture. The result is impressive: the outdoors blend seamlessly with the indoors through large windows that stretch from floor to cathedral ceiling; the warm minimalism is accompanied by genuine comfort; the kitchen (from freshly roasted morning coffee to a private campfire) is at the heart of the experience; each chalet has its own sauna. You come here to relax. Right at the doorstep, there are trails leading deep into the forest or, after a good walk, to crystal-clear lakes covered with ice in winter.

Your journey

A smooth landing in Montréal which loses none of its joie de vivre when winter arrives - quite the opposite. Montréalers brave the freezing temperatures with a host of frosty festivals (music and light shows) and active relaxation - cross-country skiing on Mount Royal, skating along the banks of the St Lawrence, sliding through Jean-Drapeau Park, or taking a bundled-up stroll through the botanical garden… All this before retreating to intimate spas or cosy cafés, where you can recharge with a good< local lager and hearty dishes, often featuring maple syrup. In Québec, the hockey season is also in full swing in winter. If the calendar allows, you have an appointment at the Bell Centre, stronghold of the Montréal Canadiens, one of the most iconic ice hockey teams in the NHL, to attend a game with the “Habs”, their passionately loyal supporters. Then, like Montréalers, you’ll climb into your SUV fitted with snow tyres and set off into the heart of nature, just 1 hour’s drive away, to experience the Canadian winter in all its splendour at your exceptional retreat in the Lanaudière region. There, several highlights will fill your days: dog sledding, traditional wood-fired cooking (and maple syrup, of course!), and relaxation in exceptional Nordic baths. If you would also like to try snowmobiling or enjoy a floating spa in Montréal before your return flight, for example, just let us know. Finally, for anything we cannot plan ahead - minor setbacks or last-minute whims - you’ll have the contact details of our on-site concierge throughout your journey.