LE MONASTÈRE DES AUGUSTINES – CanadaCanada

Le Monastère des Augustines occupies the ancient wings of the former Hôtel-Dieu de Québec monastery (1639), site of North America’s first hospital north of Mexico. Situated in the heart of Old Québec City, a Unesco World Heritage Site, Le Monastère des Augustines has been completely restored and renovated, and offers a unique experience along with several ways to connect with the Augustinian Sisters’ heritage, in a secular environment. Our practices are rooted in the Augustinian Sisters’ mission and are lived out in a contemporary centre of total health. We invite you to explore time-honoured and modern forms of care within our historic walls. Unwind and reaffirm your humanity and personhood in a place of calm and serenity.

CUSTOMIZED STAYS AND HOLISTIC HEALTH SERVICES
Customized holistic health stays help our guests recharge their batteries while exploring a whole host of practices designed for balance and wellbeing: restoring healthy sleeping patterns, relaxation, energy, vitality, and more. Guests can opt for guidance in their personal development and consultations with professionals. These packages range from three to seven days. Le Monastère des Augustines also offers a broad range of individualized, private holistic health services: holistic health and nutrition, massotherapy, reflexology, postural alignment, relaxation, meditation, yoga, Pilates, etc.

CULTURE AND HOLISTIC HEALTH PROGRAM
The year-round program includes over one hundred activities covering a variety of subjects: art and creativity, interpersonal relationships, bodywork and movement, psychology and wellness, natural health, spirituality and the senses, life transitions, the history of art, medicine and pharmacy, nutrition in New France, herbalism and more. Activities are offered by a team of 80 collaborators including doctors, psychologists, authors, professors, historians, herbalists and other specialized resources. Workshops are from one to seven days long.

RESTAURANT
Good health often begins with what you eat; the restaurant at the Monastère offers a healthy, varied menu, inspired by the principles of mindful eating. We invite our guests to take their time, savour the present moment and enjoy a wholesome and healthy meal, either in good company or in a more contemplative setting. Our cuisine offers options to satisfy every taste and need. You’ll find dishes whose health benefits are proven by ancestral traditions and the most recent nutritional research. As much as possible, we use local or organic foods and accommodate seasonal ingredients in harmony with the principles of sustainable development. You will always find plenty to feed your senses and nourish your soul!

MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES
The Augustinian Sisters collected over 40,000 artifacts drawn from 400 years of life and service. They also preserved over one linear kilometer of rare and ancient books. The Museum’s permanent exhibit has carefully mined these extraordinary resources to trace the history of the Sisters, along with the development of their medical thought and practices and their contribution to the founding of present-day Quebec’s health care system. Many more objects from the collection can also be found throughout the building.

Le Monastère des Augustines

77, rue des Remparts

Québec

Le Monastère des Augustines is located in the heart of Old Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The birthplace of French America and the only walled city north of Mexico, Québec is an open-air treasure chest that will delight history and culture buffs alike. Its European background and modern, North American character are set off by a heady blend of history, traditional and contemporary art, and French language culture to make Québec City a destination like no other.

The city’s airport, Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), is located 17 km from Le Monastère.

What else to see around:

Old Québec
Visitors to Old Québec soon see why UNESCO designated it a world heritage treasure! You'll love Château Frontenac (the world's most photographed hotel), the centuries-old architecture, and the historic sites. The friendly atmosphere and affable locals add to the European charm. You'll find horse-drawn carriages, street entertainers, singers, and artists, particularly at Old Québec's own open-air art gallery, Rue du Trésor. High atop Cape Diamond, stroll along the Dufferin Terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding area. Or come watch the ice making its way down the river in winter.

Fortifications of Québec
Why go to China when you can walk a great wall right here! Québec is the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico, with close to 4.6 km of walls and imposing gates to explore.
Discover beautiful cityscapes and see how Québec's defenses developed under the French and English regimes.
Cannons, loopholes, a star-shaped Citadel, Artillery Park, and fortresses are all part of this outstanding tour!

Petit-Champlain District & Place-Royale
How about a trip back in time at Place Royale, where Samuel de Champlain founded his first “abitation” in 1608? And why not do some window shopping in the nearby Petit-Champlain District while you're at it!
As you wander past period buildings along cobblestone streets, enjoy the area's boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. There's magic in the air, particularly over the Christmas holiday season.
The oldest neighborhood in North America is also home to Musée de la civilisation, a bridge between the past and future with its modern design and fascinating exhibitions.

St. Lawrence River & Vieux-Port de Québec
The St. Lawrence River—a massive presence cutting clean across the Québec area—cannot be overlooked. Gateway to America, it has been a part of the city’s economic landscape for over 400 years. Harbour and trade activities and the ever-growing number of cruise ships docking in the Vieux-Port de Québec testify to its importance. A public market, park, bike path and shows also bring the Vieux Port to life and help make this river-washed place truly idyllic.
Close by, the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain is also worth a gander: the River flowing at your feet is simply spectacular!

Plains of Abraham
The scene of the 1759 battle between generals Wolfe and Montcalm, the Plains of Abraham are the heart and lungs of Québec City. Discover one of the world's largest and finest urban parks.
The Plains are perfect for all kinds of activities (walking, cycling, picnicking, cross-country skiing, and more) or simply meeting up with friends. It was here that hundreds of thousands of fans rocked to Paul McCartney and Céline Dion as part of Québec City's 400th anniversary celebrations, and it is here that Québec's national holiday is celebrated every June 24.
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec—renowned for its exhibits and collection of Québec art—is only a short walk away.

Parliament Hill
The province's Parliament Hill has never been so popular! Québec's National Assembly convenes here in the Parliament Building, a marvelous architectural treasure!
The gorgeous Fontaine de Tourny was awarded a gold medal at the Paris World Fair in 1855. Today, it stands as a legacy of Québec City's 400th anniversary celebrations, turning heads with its 43 jets, water-themed sculptures, and beautiful nighttime lighting.
Nearby Observatoire de la Capitale also turns visitors giddy with excitement with its tremendous views of Québec City and area from a height of 221 m!

Wendake
Enter the fascinating world of the Huron-Wendat First Nation and embark on a history tour that will take you back to the 17th century. The ancestral site of Wendake is a window onto aboriginal culture! Dance shows and legends will whisk you deep into this people's imagination, while Musée huron-wendat and various craft stores invite you to learn more about the nation's culture and traditional know-how.
A short walk through scenic natural surroundings leads visitors to Kabir Kouba Falls by Rivière Saint-Charles, and sampling the game featured in traditional Huron cuisine is the perfect way to round out your voyage of discovery.

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine
For many, the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine has been a “place of miracles” for the past 350 years. It's well worth a visit, whatever your beliefs.
The shrine, North America's oldest pilgrimage site, attracts some one million visitors a year. Marvel at the fabulous neo-Roman style basilica with its golden statue of Saint Anne. Admire the hundreds of stained glass windows, the nave, and the valuable works of art. Come recharge your batteries at this beautiful place of worship in the splendid countryside of the Côte-de-Beaupré region.

Montmorency Falls Park
This natural phenomenon is definitely not to be missed! At 83 m high (30 m higher than Niagara Falls) Montmorency Falls can be seen from all the way across the St. Lawrence River in Lévis! But the best views are from Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, where you can feel the full force—and spray—of the falls for yourself.
Take a gondola ride, hike one of the three Via ferrata circuits or cross the cove of the falls on the double zip line. In winter the spray freezes at the foot of the falls to form a huge “sugar loaf,” another intriguing Québec City attraction.

Île d'Orléans
Imagine how beautiful Québec's countryside must have been in the 19th century. In fact, it looked very much like irresistible Île d'Orléans with its historic farms, churches, and heritage homes.
Visiting the many artisans and farm stalls lining the route is half the fun as you make your way from one quaint village to the next.
In season, enjoy the island's famous strawberries and apples, as well as freshly baked bread, wines, ice ciders, blackcurrant liqueurs, and other local delicacies.  

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
The spectacular Rivière Jacques-Cartier flows through a deep valley surrounded by steep wall soaring up to 550 m in height! Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is protected by Sépaq (Québec's largest parks and outdoor recreation network) so that you can enjoy all your favorite outdoor pursuits.
With hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and camping all available in breathtaking surroundings, it's no wonder that the Jacques-Cartier region is known locally as Québec City's “green crescent.”
And the pace doesn't slow in winter, so strap on your snowshoes, skies, or winter boots and get ready to explore trail after trail of winter fun!

Winter
Here, winter always dazzles. If you haven't been to Québec City in winter, then you're missing out on much of a culture forged by centuries of snow.
Generous helpings of snow attract skiers and outdoor buffs from all around the world to enjoy the area's skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dogsledding trails—and stroll through the city's snowcovered historic boroughs.
Plus, you won't want to miss North America's one and only Ice Hotel, the world's biggest winter celebration—the Québec Winter Carnival, and the largest winter playground in America—Village Vacances Valcartier!

üLe Monastère des Augustines offers 65 rooms in its restored former cloister. The Augustinian Sisters’ rooms have been transformed into accommodations for visitors seeking a quiet and peaceful haven.

Our “Authentic” rooms are former nuns’ cells whose monastic décor and feel have been preserved while providing modern standards of comfort. Our “Authentic” rooms include: sink and mirror, 1 or 2 extra-long single beds, wardrobe and desk of solid wood, ultra-comfortable and natural fibre bedding, large windows with working shutters, washrooms on each floor with individual stalls, central air-conditioning. Available in single or double occupancy.
Our “Contemporary” rooms have been completely renovated and designed with a clean, pure esthetic. Enjoy an environment of comfort and simplicity and banish the world’s cares. Our “Contemporary rooms include: full private bathroom, King, Queen or 2 extra-long Single beds, integrated workspace and night table, ultra-comfortable and natural fibre bedding, large windows with working shutters, central air-conditioning. Available in single or double occupancy.