Maskinongé: Heritage and the Chemin-du-Roy

In Maskinongé, rural heritage, sacred art and the area’s connection to the Chemin-du-Roy come together. The wider MRC de Maskinongé area also offers nature and hiking destinations. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between the town’s attractions and those in the wider area.

Heritage and architecture

The Ancien presbytère de Saint-Joseph-de-Maskinongé is a rural residence in the neoclassical style of Québec. It was built in 1811 and expanded in 1850. Maison Doucet is a classified heritage building and a testament to rural architecture of the late 18th century. Maison Doucet represents rural architecture of the late 18th century; the Ancien presbytère represents Québec neoclassicism.

Another cultural highlight is the exceptional main altar in the church of Maskinongé. Its tabernacle, four statuettes and a tomb are classified as cultural heritage items; these elements were created by François Baillargé. Alongside residential architecture, sacred art and the altar’s furnishings are therefore among the features that make Maskinongé interesting to culture-loving travellers.

The Chemin-du-Roy in Maskinongé and the MRC

Maskinongé lies along the Chemin-du-Roy. The route’s history dates back to the era of New France: it was the first road built there for carriage traffic between Montréal and Québec. It was built between 1706 and 1737.

In the MRC de Maskinongé area, the Chemin du Roy runs for 32.5 kilometres and is a historic, tourist and scenic route. It follows Route 138 as far as the village of Yamachiche; from there, it continues along a country road towards Louiseville.

Walks, parks and Magasin général Le Brun

The municipality recommends taking a walk in Maskinongé’s church district. With its historical panels, Parc intergénérationnel Marie-Anne-Gaboury/Louis-Riel offers another connection to local history. Parc des loisirs has a covered skating rink.

The Magasin général Le Brun site includes a museum, a boutique and the L’Grenier event hall. Facilities may change here, too. Check which facilities are currently available before your visit.

Nature destinations in the wider MRC de Maskinongé area

Nature and hiking destinations can be found in other municipalities across the wider MRC de Maskinongé area. At Parc des Chutes de Sainte-Ursule, the Rivière Maskinongé forms a series of seven distinct waterfalls; the highest is 30 metres tall. Visitors can hike the trails and stop at a lookout that offers a view across the site. The park offers nature interpretation and wildlife viewing; you can also hike and go canicrossing.

Another highlight is La Nature d’Alexis in Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, where 60 kilometres of hiking trails wind through mixed forest and varied landscapes. At Parc des Chutes, the focus is on the waterfalls and lookout; at La Nature d’Alexis, the trails lead through mixed forest.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Alexis-Des-Monts, Saint-Paulin, Saint-Édouard-De-Maskinongé, Yamachiche, Louiseville.

Go to the main travel overview: Maskinongé.