Love, history, culture, and the outdoors!
Regional flavors
André Champagne was born in Sorel-Tracy and worked as a host and journalist at CJSO 101.7 FM from 1999 to 2017. Now self-employed as a narrator, master of ceremonies, singer, and speaker on ADHD in the workplace, he enjoys the peacefulness of his region just as much as its proximity to the big city.
Le Carré Royal
Every time I pass by, Carré Royal reminds me of the rich history of my region... and the first kisses I stole from my wife!
The park has been classified as a heritage site by the Government of Québec since 1961. It was originally designed as a military square in the early 1780s, during the American War of Independence. It became “Royal” after a visit from Prince William Henry, the future King William IV of England — uncle of a certain Queen Victoria, who also appears in our local place names.
But like many locals, for me, Carré Royal also means lively evenings at the Festival de la gibelotte and unforgettable encounters. It was the setting for my first meetings — and first kisses — with the woman who would later become my wife and the mother of my two daughters.
La Grange à Houblon
La Grange is the perfect spot for two of my passions: beer and tea.
Fabienne and Pierre-Luc are incredibly kind, and the shop is full of quality products. I admire their hard work since opening — back when the store was much smaller than it is today.
The place keeps getting better, especially with its wide selection of bulk products, which helps reduce environmental impact.
La Maison du Marais
Since adopting a dog from the Pierre-De Saurel and Regions Animal Services, Maison du Marais has become one of our go-to places for walks with Joe, our Weimaraner.
The Société d’aménagement de la baie Lavallière is dedicated to restoring and preserving the largest managed marsh in eastern North America, along with its surrounding wetlands.
The trail and its observation tower are truly enjoyable and instantly make us feel far from home.
La Maison de la musique de Sorel-Tracy
The Maison de la musique de Sorel-Tracy is a cultural gem in the region. I’ve been involved with it — both professionally and as a volunteer — for over 20 years!
More than a presenter of classical music, it offers a rich and diverse lineup of artistic, educational, and social activities.
Thanks to its solid reputation, top Canadian musicians perform in Sorel-Tracy. Through the International Piano Competition, musicians and judges from Europe, Asia, and the United States have come to visit.
The Maison brings international visibility to our region through connections with universities and music schools.
Many musicians from Sorel perform on stages across Canada and around the world. The Maison helps keep the region’s strong musical tradition alive — one that began long ago with families like the Codlings and the Liessens.
Parc régional des Grèves
Parc régional des Grèves is not your average park!
Inaugurated in 2011, it spans two towns (Sorel-Tracy and Contrecœur) and two regional counties (Pierre-De Saurel and Marguerite-D’Youville).
It’s where I enjoy all my favorite outdoor activities — for free: 12 km of cross-country skiing, 10 km of snowshoe trails, and 13 km of hiking trails.
The park is home to incredible biodiversity, including a protected century-old pine forest, a peat bog, over 360 species of mushrooms, 79 species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and over 260 species of plants — including wintergreen, which I like to chew while hiking and dry for tea.
It’s often while walking or skiing in the peace of this park that I make my most important decisions. Sometimes, I’ll stop just to hug a tree too big for my arms to wrap around.