I've been researching Montreal and Quebec City for a few months with the help of this site. We've finally got somewhat of an idea on what we will be doing. We will be flying in to Quebec City first for maybe 3-4 nights, then rent a car and possibly drive and stay in the Charlevoix area or Eastern Township area for about 1-2 nights, then head to Montreal for the rest of the trip (3-4 nights). I had never heard of Charlevoix until reading this board and it sounds beautiful. I am wondering what you all think of the itinerary? I haven't looked up any info yet on the Eastern Township area. I am right now looking at the website Louise posted for hotel info in baie st. paul.<BR>Thanks for any thoughts.<BR><BR>Michelle

Michelle: Like somebody else said in this forum, to go to Quebec and miss Charlevoix is to miss the fruit of the pie! Much, much nicer than the Eastern Townships.<BR><BR>Here's what I would suggest:<BR>From Quebec City, drive to Baie St-Paul stopping along the way at &Icirc;le d'Orl&eacute;ans, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupr&eacute; and Ste-Anne canyon. Stay one night in or around Baie St-Paul.<BR>The following day, drive along route 362 towards St-Sim&eacute;on. If you feel that you have the time, drive all the way to Tadoussac. Take the ferry at St-Sim&eacute;on to Rivi&egrave;re-du-Loup (1h15m). From Rivi&egrave;re-du-Loup, take Route 132 ouest and stay at Kamouraska for one night. Auberge Foin de Mer is nice and offers a fantastic view.<BR><BR>(http://www.aubergefoindemer.com)<BR><BR>Drive to Montreal from there (about 4 hours).

I just topped a message from Tami on Charlevoix for you.

Thanks!

Well I have to disagree with Louis, Charlevoix is beautiful - I have stayed there many times (I live in Quebec City - and I suspect Louis does too!) but the townships are gorgeous as well, and quite different feel from Charlevoix. Mountains and hills - very rural, great inexpensive skiing and golf (owls head and orford), lake memphramagog and other lakes, beautiful architecture in the small villages like stanstead, bishopton, and lennoxville close to U&gt;S&gt; border. Avoid Sherbrooke, but by all means include the townships in your loop - only 1 hour to Montreal.

Well I have to disagree with Louis. Charlevoix is beautiful - I have stayed there many times (I live in Quebec City) but the townships are gorgeous as well, and quite different feel from Charlevoix. Mountains and hills - very rural, great inexpensive skiing and golf (owls head and orford), lake memphramagog and other lakes, beautiful architecture in the small villages like stanstead, bishopton, and lennoxville close to U&gt;S&gt; border. Avoid Sherbrooke, but by all means include the townships in your loop - only 1 hour to Montreal.