One of the great pleasures of travelling the Chemin du Roy (King’s Road) is making a few stops to savour fresh, local goodies. Far from the fast-food offerings along the highway, the King’s Road is packed with worthwhile agritourism treasures. Whether you want to stock up on snacks for the road, enjoy a full meal or join a farm-to-table experience, these 10 stops in the Portneuf area will have your taste buds tingling!
1. Fromagerie Des Grondines
Are you a cheese lover? Fromagerie Des Grondines is the perfect stop. For the full experience, reserve a guided tour: you’ll follow the process from organic raw-milk cow, sheep and goat cheese production, from hay harvesting to maturation! The visit includes the cows’ barn, milking parlour, production room and ageing cellars, finishing with a tasting of their cheeses.
In a hurry? No problem! The shop is packed with local products that will satisfy every appetite. You will find everything you need for a picnic basket or an impromptu cheese board: charcuterie, jams, maple and apple products…
Highlights: The maturation room, which can also be visited on your own, and the fresh cheese curds of the day!
Where? 274 2e Rang E, Grondines
2. Le Soleil Levain Bakery
How can you resist the smell of fresh bread? Le Soleil Levain, an artisanal bakery in the heart of Deschambault village, is the ideal stop to grab a baguette for a picnic on the way, to pamper yourself with a sweet treat, or even for a full lunch (served until 4pm). The hardest part? Choosing between the fifteen or so varieties of bread, the tempting buttery viennoiseries, as well as the pizzas and sandwiches prepared on site.
Our favourite: The cinnamon buns
Where? 234 Chemin du Roy, Deschambault-Grondines
3. Julie Vachon Artisan Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop
A guaranteed delight for young and young-at-heart alike! In her workshop-boutique, chocolate-maker Julie Vachon invites us to discover her sweet creations: filled chocolates, bars, cookies, brownies, decadent tarts, nougats and more. A little sweetness for the road is always welcome! In summer, the chocolaterie transforms into an artisanal ice-cream parlour overflowing with frozen delights.
Highlights: The chocolate-hazelnut spread in the shop and the Piña Colada slush in the ice-cream shop.
Where? 107 rue de l’Église, Deschambault-Grondines
4. Dinette du Cap
For a delicious fresh meal or a quick coffee and pastries, head to Dinette du Cap. Whether grabbing a quick bite or relaxing on the lovely terrace, you’ll be won over by their specialty coffees and dishes highlighting local ingredients. A quintessential village café!
Our favourite: London fog
Where? 109 rue de l’église, Deschambault
5. Casse-Croûte du Roy
Roadside diners are a Quebec tradition and Casse-Croûte du Roy in Portneuf truly stands out. Under new ownership since 2023, this spot proudly showcases local products. The menu blends classic favourites with gourmet twists.
Highlights: The elk and black-garlic burger.
Where? 180 rue Mathieu, Deschambault-Grondines
6. Miel & Co
You’ll need a short detour off the King’s Road, but it’s well worth it! Miel & Co is a dynamic young company that transforms their beehives’ products. On site, you can discover the secrets of beekeeping with a free tour of their geodesic dome. You can also purchase their various honeys, honey lemonades and other processed products in their charming boutique.
Our favourite: The creamy wildflower honey (perfect on toast!)
Where? 457 rang du Coteau-des-Roches, Portneuf
7. Le P'tit Patelin
Forget the gas-station convenience store and fill up on goodies at Le P’tit Patelin alternative market. Beyond a wide selection of local coffee, cheese and microbrew beers, you’ll find a lunch counter offering delicious take-out dishes that celebrate Portneuf flavours while taking your palate on a world tour (shish taouk, bao, chicken karaage, burritos, dumplings, etc.).
Our favourite: The homemade tofu
Where? 3 rue Gérard Morisset, Cap-Santé
8. Ferme Syldia Farm
Ferme Syldia is a gourmet’s paradise! Family-run for more than 4 generations, the farm offers an impressive variety of cuts and processed products made with meat from its own farms and maple grove. Beef, kid, pork, chicken, eggs, terrines, rillettes, charcuterie, maple syrup… the challenge will be not to buy everything!
Highlights: the goat-liver pâté with Neuville fortified wine
Where? 652 route 365, Neuville
9. Domaine des 3 Moulins Vineyard
Set on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the Domaine des 3 Moulins vineyard is simply stunning. Stop for a bottle (or two) of their delicious wines, join a tasting or book a guided tour (reservations required). You can also simply stroll through the vineyards or enjoy a picnic on the enchanting site. Pure bliss!
Our favourite: The Moulin à Scie rosé
Where? 1333 route 138, Neuville
10. Chez Médé
It’s impossible to pass through Neuville without paying tribute to its famous corn. The place to do it is Chez Médé, Économusée du maraîcher: Neuville sweet corn. This family farm, dating back over 350 years, reveals traditional market-garden techniques. At the stand, stock up on produce fresh from their fields.
Highlights: Fresh corn (in season) and seafood sauce (prepared dishes)
Where? 1087 Route 138, Neuville