LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Petite-Rivière-Saint-François: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Petite-Rivière-Saint-François through the years.
In 1636, at the time of the foundation of the seigneury of Beaupré, granted to the Compagnie des Cent-Associés, these places are already listed in the documents confirming the concession of the seigneury.
In 1662, the place was acquired by the Séminaire de Québec and several settlers settled there, coming from Château-Richer and Cap-Tourmente.
(Petite-Rivière-Saint-François) - In 1675, the Seminary of Quebec, owner of the Beaupré Seignory that stretched from Beauport to Baie-Saint-Paul, granted land to Claude Bouchard, followed by another 15 concessions until the end of the 17th century.
The settlement, the oldest in the Charlevoix region, grew at the mouth of the Little River in a deep valley east of Cape Maillard where natural open grassland accommodated the early colonizers.
1710 - Église de Saint-François-Xavier established at Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
1832 - The Parish of Petite Riviere, Cote de Beaupre,
by a regulation of Sept. 20, 1721, confirmed by a decree of the council of state, March. 3, 1722, extends one l in front along the St. Lawrence. The road through the settlements of this parish is, for about 6 miles, well settled on each side, the houses neat and the farms in a respectable state of tillage. The road continues to La Martine, a settlement about 3 m. in the interior, whence it goes through Cote St. Antoine and Cote St. Gabriel, as far as the R. Remus, about 10 1/ 2 miles. At short intervals through this route are houses and farms in a flourishing state. From 8 to 900 barrels of eels are annually caught by the inhabitants in this parish and at des Caps in the neighbourhood.
Population 337
Churches, R.C. 1
Cures 1
Presbyteries 1
River craft 1
Tonnage 19
Keel boats 2
A Topographical Dictionary of The Province of Lower Canada by Joseph Bouchette, Esq., London, 1832
(Petite-Rivière-Saint-François) In 1845, it was incorporated but the municipality was abolished in 1847. In 1855, it was reestablished as the Parish Municipality of Saint-François-Xavier-de-la-Petite-Rivière.
In common use, the place remained known as just Petite-Rivière.
1873
LA PETITE RIVIERE ST FRANCOIS. a post office in Charlevoix co., Que., 10 miles from St Paul's Bay.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873
There's something for everyone in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this picturesque region:
Le Massif de Charlevoix: This is perhaps the most famous attraction in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. Le Massif is a ski resort in the winter, but it offers a plethora of activities year-round. In the summer, you can hike, mountain bike, or take a gondola ride to the top for breathtaking views of the Saint Lawrence River.
Baie-Saint-Paul: Just a short drive from Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Baie-Saint-Paul is an artistic hub with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. It's a great place to explore the local art scene and enjoy some delicious Quebecois cuisine.
Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area: A bit further from Petite-Rivière-Saint-François but well worth the trip, this wildlife area is a birdwatcher's paradise. It's home to a wide variety of bird species, including snow geese. There are also hiking trails and interpretive centers to learn more about the local fauna and flora.
Charlevoix Maritime Museum: Located in La Malbaie, this museum is a treasure trove of...
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History of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Québec, Canada
 - Maillard Chapel){kind=small}
