🌼 My favorite spots around Lili Peony Farm

(or how to experience the magic of Centre-du-Québec beyond flowers!)

When you step foot into Pivoinerie Lili, you come to pick flowers, discover our cosmetic products... but you often leave with much more: discoveries, encounters, sweet and tasty memories.

Those who know me know that I've always had a deep love for flowers, the land... and the passionate people who cultivate it.

In addition to being the founder of Pivoinerie Lili, I also head Académie Agricole, a company with which I have been supporting agricultural producers and agritourism entrepreneurs in their marketing, sales strategy, market launch, and business development for over 10 years.

My job is to help people make their projects flourish, shine authentically, and connect with their clients.
And that's exactly what the wonderful producers and artisans I'm introducing to you today do. These are people I deeply admire, who work with heart, who do things differently — and who, for many, are very close to our farm.

So today, I wanted to share my favorite places in Centre-du-Québec, places to discover around the Pivoinerie...
Places where you eat well, where you have genuine experiences, and where agriculture transforms into a way of life.

And because our corner of the country is full of treasures — often less than 20 minutes from here — I wanted to share my favorite places, the must-see stops to discover around Saint-Albert.

Get your cooler, your kids, your camera, and your appetite ready... we're off on an adventure in the heart of Centre-du-Québec! 💗

🏡 Saint-Albert – My beloved village

🥩 Les marchés Tradition

A village staple. A real local grocery store where you can find homemade smoked meats, carefully selected local products, and a family atmosphere that you rarely see anymore.
An essential stop to leave with a piece of our local produce in your bag.

🫒 Olivier del Mundo

One of my biggest favorites. All their olives are stuffed right here in Saint-Albert!
My favorites?
– Almonds
– Small peppers
– And all the others... (I'm a huge fan!)
You can find them all over Quebec, but coming here is experiencing it at the source!

🥓 Charcuterie La Cantina

My family's favorite cold cuts. A classic for our summer dinners: gourmet platters, shared moments, exceptional quality products.
To discover (and bring back in large quantities!).

WARWICK

🍷 Vignoble Les Côtes du Gavet

My friend Audrey-Laure and her team welcome you in a breathtaking setting. You'd think you were in Tuscany... but we're 5 minutes from Pivoinerie!
On Fridays and Saturdays, come taste their wood-fired pizzas and discover their new sparkling wine, Gavet Lite (I'm a huge fan!).
Children welcome, relaxed atmosphere, vineyards to explore. Pure bliss, I swear!!!

🎶 Wick Station

A vibrant place where culture, music, and a festive atmosphere meet. Shows, gatherings, an atmosphere we love. Keep an eye out for a great evening out.

🧋 Bagelicieux: for a sweet (and floral!) break

My friend Laurie has created a sweet and creative place in Warwick and Victoriaville.
And I had the pleasure of creating my own bubble tea there: peony and rose – a gourmet nod to our floral world.
Otherwise, also try my other creation, lavender matcha, a real little cloud of floral happiness!!!

Psst: our products are also for sale there 💗

🧀 Sainte-Élizabeth – Cheese, music and gatherings

Fromagerie du Presbytère

A must-stop. On Friday evenings, the entire village transforms to celebrate cheese, music, and people.
Bring your chair, your tablecloth, your wine... and let the magic happen.

My favorite cheeses:

Le Thalia
Le Bleu (yes, I looove blue)
The essential Louis d'Or
Psst: our products are also for sale there 💗

🌸 Kingsey Falls – Flowers, honey and good restaurants

🌺 Parc Marie-Victorin

One of Quebec's most beautiful gardens. Flowers as far as the eye can see, inspiring staging, and always an activity to discover.
The little extra? They also sell our floral products, of course!

🍽️ Bistro Sans Frontière

My favorite restaurant in the region. My chef friend Jean-Philippe offers tasty, local, refined cuisine. The incredible team (especially my friend Katy, say hello to her for me!!!) prepares different dishes daily featuring local agricultural products!!
Open for lunch, sometimes some evenings (check Facebook!), and always… always delicious. Reservations recommended.

🍯 Miellerie King

A family business run by the Bougie family. Generous people, delicious products, and everything is made from their local honey.
A must-discover place if you have a sweet tooth (like me!).

🐝 Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton – Honey, sweetness and family experiences

💛 Un Goût de Miel

Run by my friend Nathalie, it's a warm and educational place, perfect for both young and old. You discover the world of bees, explore the hives, learn... Book a spot for her activity: How a hive works!
And for the taste buds, their sweet potato veggie pâté is a pure delight (I could eat only that).

🎃 La Citrouille Enchantée

A magical place for families, especially in the fall.
Pick-your-own squash (even in summer!), labyrinths, various activities... We love it. My children too!
Note: always check hours and availability on social media — we are all farmers, and nature often decides for us 😉

🌲 Tingwick – Nature, crafts & relaxation

🏔️ Mont Gleason – Hiking, sliding and outdoor activities

A must for those who want to breathe deeply.
In every season, Mont Gleason offers us a splendid setting — hiking in summer, sliding in winter, colors in autumn... and always a feeling of freedom.

🥾 Sentier des Petits d’Or

A real family favorite! This free trail is perfect for walking with children.
You'll discover artistic installations, reading nooks, and above all, treasures from local artisans highlighted throughout the path.
A gentle, fun, and inspiring activity... that we love to do again every year 💛

🌇 Victoriaville – Delicious tables, culture & family getaways

🍽️ Hidalgo – Peruvian gastronomic experience

At Hidalgo, you don't just eat: you live an intimate, authentic, and unforgettable experience.
My friend Marisol welcomes you into a generous and vibrant culinary world, where every dish is prepared with heart. You can book for a meal or a private cooking workshop — in any case, prepare to live a moment that will stay with you for a long time.
A true hidden gem to discover absolutely in Victoriaville.

❤️ O’Panier

A must-stop to discover the best of Quebec's local produce.
My friend Sébastien, a passionate owner, showcases products from all over Quebec — artisans, producers, and processors who work with love.
Of course, our Pivoinerie Lili products are also there! A perfect place to stock up on local delights.

☕ Shad Café

A classic for our little family. We love to go for brunch or lunch there with the kids. A friendly atmosphere, delicious dishes, and always a warm welcome. We are loyal fans of the nachos, hot chocolates, and for me, the signature Shad coffee!!!

🍷 Le Gavroche

A beautiful restaurant run by Nicolas, a generous and attentive host.
It's always excellent, refined, welcoming, and unpretentious. Whether for a romantic dinner or a dinner with friends, we are always well received!!!

🌳 To move and breathe

Want to stretch your legs after all these discoveries? Here are our favorite nature spots in Victoriaville:

Mount Arthabaska – breathtaking panoramic view
Boisé-des-Frères-du-Sacré-Cœur – gentle and peaceful trails
Parc Terre-des-Jeunes – perfect for a family stroll

🎭 Carré 150

A superb performance hall, right in the heart of downtown. There's always an inspiring program, for all tastes. Remember to book in advance... good shows sell out quickly!

🍻 A little further from Pivoinerie Lili... and worth the drive: Ham-Nord – Beer, culture and great outdoors

🍺 La Grange Pardue

A unique microbrewery, because they grow their own barley, hops, and other grains on site. A true farm brewery.
Their barn is magnificent, the beers are excellent, and the atmosphere? Authentic, friendly, inspiring.

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Of course, there would be so many other wonderful places to share with you... our region is full of treasures, inspiring farms, brilliant initiatives. I can't name them all today — but every producer, every artisan who chooses to invest in quality, proximity, and heart deserves to be discovered.

It is a immense privilege for me, through Académie Agricole, to support these entrepreneurs in their dreams, their challenges, and their successes. And through Pivoinerie Lili, to spread a little bit of this beauty every day.

I hope this list will make you want to extend your visit with us, fill your basket with flowers and flavors... and support local businesses that also spread happiness around them.

And if you have other favorite spots in the region, I want to know them!
Write to me or share them in the comments — because together, we make Centre-du-Québec flourish 💗