Quebec Chronicles: Charlevoix

We were supposed to just visit Quebec City but while looking for accommodations, I chanced upon Le Germain Hotel & Spa Charlevoix in Baie-St-Paul. I instantly fell in love. 

To get to Baie-St-Paul from Quebec City, you can either drive or take the Train de Charlevoix from the station at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. Of course we took the train! It was a scenic ride, with views of the river and the mountains. We also saw all sorts of portable and above ground pools and decks in houses near the train tracks. It must be a thing there?

The train has a stop right in front of the hotel so it was super convenient.

They have a Nordic spa and it was totally awesome! We tried the thermal spa experience full on, in and out of the hot and cold outdoor pools, the eucalyptus steam bath and the snow fountain. The snow fountain was more like an ice dispenser really, but fun nonetheless. They also had a Finnish sauna, so instagrammable but also almost too hot. I don't have photos of it but check out their page if you're interested.

There's a heated outdoor pool and you can sunbathe looking out to the farm or the adjacent vegetable garden.

We tried both restaurants, Les Labours and Le Bercail. Pretty good!

On our second day, we walked around town. It is a quiet old town with quaint restaurants, a beautiful old church, and a few museums. 

We fell in love with Charlevoix but as they say, all things come to an end. We rode the train back to Quebec City the next day for our Goblin Pilgimage Tour. ;)