Five Epicurean Towns to visit so you can prepare for and enjoy the Holidays

The Christmas market season is in full swing in the Eastern Townships, a region highly reputed for its incredible gourmet offer. To tantalize your taste buds, I invite you to visit these not-to-be-missed markets and as you do, discover and fall in love with our local businesses, restaurants and producers who have given the region its renown!

COWANSVILLE: THE PREFECT TOWN FOR LOCAVORES!

Cowansville’s Christmas market (December 1, 2, 7 and 9, 2018) stands out thanks to its interior and exterior markets, with about thirty artists, artisans and producers of the region. Among the exhibitors on the site, we can find the Marché de la solidarité régionale de Cowansville, where we offer fresh products from the neighbouring farms. For your sweet tooth, you’re sure to become totally addicted to Atelier Caramel’s exceptional caramel candies. Just a few steps from the market, there’s La Mie Bretonne, a bakery where they put their hearts into preparing some thirty so delicious breads, it’s hard to choose just one.

BROMONT: THE VIRÉE GOURMANDE IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE

Bromont’s Centre culturel St-John will host the eighth edition of Roch, Papier Ciseaux (from December 6 to 9, 2018), an event promoting contemporary arts and craftsmanship. If you feel a little hungry, just head to the Vieux-Village where you’ll find Desirables Gâteries for a truly decadent treat or to L’Apothicaire to warm up your heart with a cup of traditional or herbal tea. If you feel like extending your stay and enjoy a lovely supper, why not let yourself be tempted by one of the Shefford street restaurants such as Chardo—restaurant & wine bar, Gaia with its vegan menu, or perhaps the Cellier du Roi?

BROME LAKE: FEED YOUR SPIRIT… AND YOUR BELLY

The heart of the town of Brome-Lake is imbued with the magic of Christmas during their Midnight Madness event (December 8). On the program, visits to local boutiques and art galleries, carriage rides, hot cocoa, warm wine and spicy apple juice drinks and an agri-food space that will delight your taste buds. A great time awaits lovers, families and friends alike!

FRELIGHSBURG : A PURE JOY FOR EPICUREANS

While you’re in the area, you must attend the Frelighsburg Christmas market (December 15 and 16, 2018) if just to meet the people behind the Rizen (an Asian food processing farm), Val Caudalies (wines and other spirits) and Capitaine Levain (bread 100% sourdough and rustic organic pastries). We never leave empty-handed when we visit Frelighsburg; I suggest you make a stop at Sucrerie de l’érable as well just to taste their famous sugar pie!

DUNHAM : A TOWN FULL OF FLAVOURS

Would you like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city just before the Holidays begin? Why not combine useful and enjoyable moments as you visit the Marché de Noël des Pas Pressés (December 15 and 16, 2018) as you fill your baskets with products made by creators such as those of Autour du pot (artisanal jams produced with Dunham fruit), the Dunham Brewery (a must for cervisaphiles!) and St-Éloi (spicy sauces and salt made from chili peppers grown in Dunham).

So, this is a special invitation for you to savour our region, one bite at a time and to create unforgettable moments, just before the more traditional meals of the Holiday season!