The Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain is proud to maintain its neighborhood. Just like the visionaries who saw the beauty in our streets, we're committed to preserving and revitalizing our cherished buildings.
Ongoing Renovations
Over the next few months, we’ll be carrying out renovation work on the facades of the following historic buildings:
- Maison Poste de Police (Maison Patry-Turcot) – 44 to 46 Boulevard Champlain
- Maison l’Hôtel (Édifice Abraham-Joseph) – 38 to 42 Boulevard Champlain
The Maison Patry-Turcot will also undergo roof repairs.
Timeline: Monday, August 26, to Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Work Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The History of the Police Station
The Maison Patry-Turcot, which now houses the renowned Cochon Dingue restaurant, has a rich history dating back to 1863.
Originally built for watchmaker and jeweler Narcisse Turcot by architect Michel Patry, this building served as both a residence and a business. From 1920 to 1950, it was home to Police Station No. 5. Legend has it that in the early 1920s, the Buisson family was running an illegal alcohol business from the apartment above!
In 1979, the building became the location of the province’s very first Cochon Dingue restaurant. With its casual, French bistro-inspired ambiance, it has earned a stellar reputation. The Petit Champlain location will remain open during the renovations, including part of its terrace.
The Former Hotel of the Neighborhood
The Édifice Abraham-Joseph, built in 1859, now hosts the vibrant Brin de Folie store run by Madame Monique Zimmermann.
Once an actual hotel from 1886 to 1896, the building later housed the Perfection Corset company in the 20th century. After the factory closed in 1970, Gerry Paris and Jacques de Blois undertook a major restoration project as part of their revitalization efforts.
Brin de Folie will stay open during the renovations. Visit them for a colorful experience with a wide range of collectibles, Funko Pop! figures, and the largest collection of Matryoshka dolls in Canada.
The Brin de Folie store. Credits: Marion Desjardins.
Accessibility
All businesses will remain open and accessible throughout the renovations. It’s a great chance to explore local products and meet our passionate merchants.
- Parking: Over 1,000 parking spaces will be available nearby.
- Safety: Flaggers will be on hand to ensure safety and ease access to businesses and traffic.
- Traffic: Pedestrian pathways will be maintained at all times.
Please note that the timeline and schedule may be adjusted based on weather conditions.
The work will be carried out using scaffolding by Novaco Construction.
For the past 33 years, the store has proudly stood at 51 Rue Sous-le-Fort, in the heart of Petit Champlain.
Founded by Pierre Dugré and Nicole Vincent, the business is now led by their daughter, Marie-Pier. Like other iconic businesses such as Le Capitaine d’a Bord, also marking its 40th anniversary this year, Le Blanc Mouton represents the enduring tradition of family stories in the neighborhood.
An Exclusive Collection
Initially known for its mohair wool creations, Le Blanc Mouton has evolved into a designer-retailer over time, while maintaining its commitment to authenticity, quality, and originality.
Recently, the boutique launched its first in-house collection, envisioned by Dominique Brown. Entirely handmade and preferably crafted from natural fibers, the exclusive collection features several standout pieces beloved for their varied colors and timeless appeal.
Le Blanc Mouton also showcases the creations of its artisan partners such as Madelaine Gaucher, JJ’s, Rien ne se Perd, Tout se Crée, and Percé-verre.
A Genuine Attention to Detail
Every visit to Le Blanc Mouton promises a unique customer experience, marked by personalized and warm hospitality. The team even offers alteration services for their in-house brand garments.
Le Blanc Mouton's ambition is to continue shining by offering exceptional products and impeccable service.
The Petit Champlain Cooperative is proud to count Le Blanc Mouton among its founding members.
Open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Good to be local
Les Ptits Mosüs Swimwear Collection
And guess what? A visit to Les Ptits Mosüs fresh decor lets you check out their brand-new swimwear collection, entirely crafted in Quebec in collaboration with Othersea. This shipment offers eco-friendly fabrics with UV protection, ensuring top-notch comfort for your little ones.
You've probably seen the buzz on social media: those eye-catching umbrellas are making a grand return.
The setup for this summer is all done and dusted. Petit Champlain is rolling out the red carpet for its sixth magical year.
A Must-See Spot
Picture this: a bunch of colorful umbrellas hanging above Cul-de-Sac street, creating this dreamy floating ceiling effect. It's like a cozy blanket draped between two buildings, adding a cool artsy vibe to the cityscape.
This time around, the umbrellas are rocking the vibrant hues of Destination Quebec City. They blend in perfectly with the old houses' facades and shutters, giving you this one-of-a-kind visual treat. And when the sun peeks through those colorful canvases, it paints the ground with a magical shadow, setting the perfect vibe for some Insta-worthy snaps.
What You Need to Know
Cul-de-Sac street is pedestrian-friendly, so folks of all ages and abilities can easily stroll through. The umbrellas will be hanging around until the end of October.
But hey, why stop there? Extend your trip and soak up the neighborhood's charm. There's loads of awesome local eats and shops waiting to be explored. So, think of the umbrella alley as just the tip of the iceberg for your Petit Champlain adventure!
New arrivals are blossoming in stores!
6 spring new arrivals at Petit Champlain that you do not want to miss.
1. Faux Mouvement / Balmoral Sports New Arrivals
Stay on trend this season with the Sherpa Westmore Off-White vest from Balmoral Sports. Made in Montreal, it offers warmth and breathability, perfect for a sporty gorpcore look. Available online and at Faux Mouvement.
2. Les Ptits Mosüs / Cabane / The Resort Cream
Ethically made in Calgary, the minimalist hemp and organic cotton jersey set is a comfy choice for little ones. Available in sizes from 3 months to 5 years, its relaxed unisex fit is ideal for all exploration activities.
3. Atelier La Pomme / Karkass New Arrivals
The Essentielle Cœur jacket is a locally crafted piece that embodies quebecois elegance and quality. Find it at Atelier Karkass on 20 Rue Saint-Pierre, Old Quebec.
4. FLM (OCLAN)
Comfort meets style with the FLM crewneck. Opt for an oversized fit for a trendy spring look. Made of organic cotton, it comes in various colors with charming embroidered details.
5. Bulle Quartier Petit Champlain / VEJA
Brazilian brand Veja has arrived at Bulle with eco-friendly and durable footwear. The CAMPO shoes in black and white leather are a perfect choice: lightweight and sturdy. Available online and in-store.
6. New Arrival by Martino
Quebec-made Jinny women's shoes feature genuine leather and a lightweight rubber sole. Martino offers local and unique products that complement any outfit. Available in several colors.
Our 45 merchants, members and non members, are ready to welcome you this spring at Petit Champlain!
1. Find sweet treasures and unique gifts
Whether you are looking for sweet delights or gifts to please your loved ones, you will certainly find at the merchants of Petit Champlain.
Les ptits mosüs : Looking for gift ideas to offer for the hunt for cocos or for beautiful family activities, explore the shop the ptits mosus. We fall for wooden babouchka eggs and the game Cluck! Cluck! The Fox.
Madame Gigi : Discover a wide selection of hand-painted, on-site chocolates. They are delicious and beautiful.
La Nougaterie : For their legendary nougat or to find different sweets made by hand, go to the Nougaterie.
La Fudgerie : Easter gourmet box, fudge pop and chocolate figurines are just a few of the delicious products you can find at the Fudgerie.
2. Having a Family Brunch
Nothing like a delicious family brunch to celebrate Easter. Le Cochon Dingue and le Lapin Sauté await you with delectable dishes that will satisfy all appetites.
3. Walking and shopping
Enjoy the mild spring air as you stroll through the Petit Champlain and explore the many welcoming shops. You will discover carefully selected products.
4. Enjoy our activities
La Petite Cabane à Sucre de Québec and the ptits mosüs prepare surprises for you.
Snow taffy and cocos hunt are on the agenda. Full details here.
Joyeuses Pâques!
As the weather begins to cool, Quartier Petit Champlain and Place-Royale are preparing to ring in the bustling holiday season! The most beautiful neighborhood in North America is also, without a doubt, the most magical destination for Christmas shopping. And did we mention that the ever-popular bonus gift card promotion is back!
Once again this year, Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain is inviting families to come discover its winter programming in a magical Christmas setting, and is offering great activities and gift ideas. Starting December 9, Flip Fabrique will be back with its impressive street circus performances around the neighborhood. And a few days before that, the wonderful Christmas carolers will be back, bringing the spirit of Christmas to the hearts of the young and young-at-heart alike. What better way to get into the spirit of the holidays in Québec City’s most enchanting district!
THE RETURN OF OUTDOOR SHOWS
With the arrival of winter, there are plenty of activities and special touches everywhere, including Christmas decorations resembling a scene out of a postcard. Some of the favorites in the unforgettable festive decor include a giant Christmas tree, twinkling garlands of lights across the streets, beautifully decorated parks, and outdoor fireplaces.
Starting December 2, 2023, Quartier Petit Champlain and Place-Royale will once again hit all the right festive notes with their melodious wandering carolers. Two groups—La brigade du Choeur Ad Vitam and Gamik Vocale—will perform in front of the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, for a Christmas treat in perfect harmony.
In addition, Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain is delighted to announce the much-awaited return of the impressive Flip Fabrique circus troupe with its show Brrrr! starting December 9, 2023. This brand-new creation on the theme of Christmas and gifts is sure to entertain adults and children alike. Visitors will be invited to take in a series of street performances featuring all kinds of amazing circus acts in the most unexpected places. The neighborhood’s streets will be abuzz with excitement, with a trampoline wall, as well as electrifying balancing and juggling acts! Performance locations and times will be announced shortly.
THE HOLIDAYS IN NOVEMBER THANKS TO OUR GIFT CARD PROMOTION
Once again, Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain is offering its ever-popular gift card promotion! During the Holiday Season festivities, from November 20 to December 20, for every Quartier Petit Champlain gift card purchased online (right here!), you’ll get a second promo card valued at 30% of the amount of the first card! It’s the perfect time to draw up your gift lists and plan your Christmas purchases, including your hostess gifts, which are always appreciated at this time of year. Our Québec artisans, cafés, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants offer a host of gift ideas for the whole family.
ABOUT COOPÉRATIVE DU QUARTIER PETIT CHAMPLAIN
Founded in 1985 following the restoration of its iconic buildings, Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain has taken a highly innovative approach, breathing new life into its historic sector and offering visitors a unique experience. Recognized as one of the most beautiful sites in Quebec (and one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the world!), Quartier Petit Champlain is ideally located for all seasons: at the foot of the cliff that separates the upper town from the lower town, directly beneath the magnificent Château Frontenac. Its authentic character and extensive offerings make the neighborhood a must-visit destination.
Some forty members of the cooperative, including a legendary theatre; delightful boutiques; and welcoming restaurants, cafés, and bistros line its charming pedestrian streets, open year-round for the pleasure of locals and visitors alike.
ABOUT PLACE-ROYALE
A historic site of national importance, Place-Royale is the cradle of French civilization in North America. It stands on the site of Québec City’s first settlement, Samuel de Champlain’s habitation. Place-Royale has been restored in the style of the architecture of the French regime, and is home to about twenty boutiques, pubs, and restaurants offering a wide array of quality products.
Press release from Brouillard Communication
October 2023 – Once again this year, the Quartier Petit Champlain and Place-Royale are celebrating the arrival of October in all its autumn splendour and beautiful colours! During the beautiful autumn days, you will have to go to the area to enjoy the activities from October 7, 2023. The party offers visitors the opportunity to attend free shows at Parc Félix-Leclerc and discover local artists in a comforting atmosphere. Not only will enhanced programming be offered, but the shops are overflowing with colourful local novelties that are worth a visit.
CELEBRATE AUTUMN IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
For Le Petit Champlain and Place-Royale, autumn rhymes with bright colors, pumpkins, warm comforting beverages, and of course, a host of novelties among merchants in the sector. To set the mood for Halloween celebrations, fall decorations made by a local artist adorn the decorations of the parks and streets in the area. Made of recycled materials and harvesting products, they are completely unique. Fall photos will certainly be in order! Worth mentioning: particular attention is paid to the reuse of decorative elements, in addition, the pumpkins used will be offered to merchants, residents of the sector and a food aid organization to avoid waste.
Once again this year, people will be able to attend outdoor musical performances produced by the Théâtre Petit Champlain and totally free every Saturday in October, from 2pm to 4:30pm, at Parc Félix-Leclerc. It will be an opportunity to discover many local artists such as the jazz trio of Camille Caron (October 7), Mike DeWay (October 14), Winterglow (October 21) and Les Chats de ruelle in ambulatory formula from 1 pm to 4 pm to close the month in style on October 28.
A QUAINT HALLOWEEN PARTY
Of course, Quartier Petit Champlain and Place-Royale could not do without the Halloween festivities. It is an appointment for families on October 28 from 1 pm to 4 pm, while they will be invited to put on their best costumes to participate in the animations offered free of charge. DIY workshop, giant puppets, crazy games, percussion lessons and ambulatory shows are on the program. Everything will take place in a playful atmosphere and in a decor highlighting the charm of autumn.
This initiative is led by the Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain in partnership with the City of Québec as part of the business plan, SODEC and Desjardins Caisse de Québec.
ABOUT THE COOPÉRATIVE DU QUARTIER PETIT CHAMPLAIN
Formed in 1985 following the restoration of its iconic buildings, the Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain brilliantly innovates to breathe life into its historic sector, and thus offer a unique experience to the people who walk through it. Recognized as one of the most beautiful sites in Quebec (and one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the world!), the Quartier Petit Champlain enjoys an ideal geographical position in any season: at the foot of the cliff that separates the upper and lowercity, directly under the magnificent Château Frontenac. Its authentic character and extensive offer give the sector the role of essential in Quebec.
Some forty member businesses, including a legendary theatre, beautiful shops, restaurants, cafés and friendly bistros, line its charming pedestrian streets, open all year round, for the happiness of people from here and elsewhere.
ABOUT PLACE-ROYALE
A historic site of national importance, Place-Royale is the cradle of French civilization in North America. It stands on the site of Quebec City’s first settlement, Champlain’s home. The Place-Royale sector has been restored inspired by the architecture of the French regime and hosts about twenty shops, pubs and restaurants offering quality and diversified products.
Some forty member businesses, including a legendary theatre, beautiful shops, restaurants, cafés and friendly bistros, line its charming pedestrian streets, open all year round, for the happiness of people from here and elsewhere.
-- Text written by Brouillard --
A WORLDLY CONCEPT THAT REVEALS THE BEAUTY OF IRIS AND TRANSFORMS THE EYE INTO A WORK OF ART IN PETT CHAMPLAIN
Iris Galerie’s world-class and unusual concept arrived in Quebec and the very first brand in the province (second in Canada) has just moved to the Quartier Petit Champlain in Quebec City. Iris Galerie offers to immortalize all the nuances of each eye in the smallest details on a canvas, in different formats, an original and unique experience that allows to combine photography and high quality printing. The state-of-the-art technology used by Iris Galerie makes it possible to optimize, in just a few minutes, the photography taken of the iris, in large format to capture the uniqueness, the colors, the details and to highlight the beauty of each look. It is possible to be bewitched by the beauty of the iris in family or as a couple, for one or more iris on the same table. Many options of formats, finishes and effects are available at the gallery which is located at 79 rue du Petit Champlain in the Quartier Petit Champlain, from 10am to 6am Sunday to Wednesday, and from 10am to 9pm Thursday to Saturday. With more than 90 galleries around the world, Iris Galerie contributes 1% of its turnover to the Art Explora Foundation, committed to sharing arts and culture.
A new member joins the Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain
The new Italian restaurant Va Bene will open on June 14 in the charming Quartier Petit Champlain at 48 rue Sous-le-Fort, replacing the former Bistro Sous le Fort. The latest project by Fabio Monti (L'Atelier, Ophelia), Va Bene offers its customers an exclusive high-end experience thanks to its concept of an antipasto bar in a shared formula. Epicureans will be able to discover a vast selection of Italian imported products such as charcuteries, cheeses, breads, signature and vegetarian starters, pasta, risottos, meat and fish, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere in the heart of one of the most beautiful districts of the national capital. The restaurant is the fifth company of the Maestro Group, after L'Atelier and L'Ophelia restaurants, the Odevi cocktail blend brand and the Ophelia boutique hotel.
UNLEASH AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FLAVOURS
The menu, elaborated meticulously from products directly imported from Italy, will bring together the antipasti of choice, namely Prosciutto, Culatello, Salami, Mortadella, Burrata, Mozzarella, Ubriaco Rosso can all be accompanied by breads like the Gnocco Fritto and several options of Foccacias, not to mention the famous olives and various seasonal pickled vegetables. The vast selection of signature entries to share will be salivating and will give the taste to try everything! The ten main dishes will, meanwhile, seduce by the authentic flavors of Italy that will emerge from them, gathering as many pasta as tempting as meat, seafood, fish for an Italian feast like no other! An exclusive selection of private imported wines will complete this unforgettable gastronomic experience.
UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
With 40 seats inside, the restaurant will welcome its clientele in a clean and modern decor. It will be able to sit comfortably on the benches and even testify to the know-how of the chefs thanks to the open kitchen. The terrace, which can accommodate 16 people, will offer stunning views of the Château Frontenac and the St.Lawrence River in an enchanting setting.
ABOUT THE COOPÉRATIVE DU QUARTIER PETIT CHAMPLAIN
Formed in 1985 following the restoration of its iconic buildings, the Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain brilliantly innovates to breathe life into its historic area, and thus offer a unique experience to the people who visit it. Recognized as one of the most beautiful sites in Quebec (and one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in the world!), the Quartier Petit Champlain enjoys an ideal geographical position in any season: at the foot of the cliff that separates the upper and lower levels of the provincecity, directly under the magnificent Château Frontenac. Its authentic character and extensive offer give the sector a key role in Quebec. About 40 member shops, including a legendary theatre, beautiful shops, restaurants, cafes and friendly bistros, line its charming pedestrian streets, open all year round, to the delight of people here and abroad.
The Coopérative du Quartier Petit Champlain has been named a finalist in two categories at the 40th Division of the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Québec, as the collective enterprise of the year and the tourist event or attraction of the year.
Press release by Brouillard
