Pamela MacNaughtanLast Updated on October 17, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
Going to La Fabrique de L’Isle has been a dream for a few years, mostly because every time I have driven (and taken a ferry) to L’Isle-aux-Coudres it has been closed, either for the day or for the season.
The drive from Quebec City to L’Isle-aux-Coudres is one of my favourites, as the road hugs the Saint-Lawrence-River until Beaupré when the road begins to snake around the Laurentian mountains.
A perfect day trip.
It’s a serene and drop-dead gorgeous, especially in autumn, and by the time I reach Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, I don’t mind the line for the 15-minute ferry ride across the Saint-Lawrence River to L’Isle-aux-Coudres.
La Fabrique de L’Isle
A short distance from the ferry dock, La Fabrique de L’Isle is a gorgeous café, boutique and gallery with colourful fabric flag garland flapping around on windy days and a wrap-around veranda.
Located in an old presbytery, this enchanting café-boutique-gallery is more than a sexy Instagram stop!
Walking through the old wooden screen door, a small boutique on the left sells terroir, clothing, ceramics, prints and knick-knacks made by artisans on the island.
To the right, I instantly spot an old, slightly worn, school chair painted in seafoam green with the word “POPO” stencilled across the back and I fall in love.
The inside of La Fabrique de L’Isle features white walls of narrow slats that run from the floor to the ceiling, with nautical-themed prints and paintings on display.
Worn school chairs, painted seafoam green, bring back memories of sore bums and elementary school shenanigans.
The pop of colour makes my eyes dance, but the use of old church pews with crosses carved into the sides and the slightly tarnished silver trays with sugars and salt and pepper shakers makes my soul jump with glee.
I am an old soul who gets overly excited by antiques.
Walking towards the back of the old presbytery, I spot the carrot cake La Fabrique de L’Isle posted on their Instagram account earlier in the day, and I cannot resist buying a slice.
Although, I do feel a little guilty about being the first one to try it. It looked so pretty!
A Delectable Café
A small glass-enclosed case rests on the counter displaying fresh croissants, pastries, and cookies, but my eyes are drawn to the carrot cake on top and I cannot resist the urge to buy a slice.
Sitting on an old church pew, with a navy blue life preserver hanging from the wall and a view of the outdoor patio.
Their menu offers mouthwatering breakfast items such as breakfast bowls, morning tortillas and crêpes. Lunch items include grilled chicken panini with bacon and cheddar, nachos, ham and swiss crêpe, and Asian tofu bowls.
Coffees are good, and they have smoothies and bubble tea, as well as Quebec-made spirits such as Chic Choc spiced rum.
I’m Just Going to Move In…
The backyard and patio are, in my opinion, equally charming. Fabric flag garland hangs from a two-walled wooden patio area on the lawn, and colourful knitted ropes (not sure what they are called, to be honest) hang from a tree branch.
The vintage camper trailer with its lime green stripe and baby blue painted bottom are enough to send me over the edge.
Honestly, this café-boutique-gallery is the total package. It’s easy on the eyes, serves up yummy eats, and supports and promotes local artisans and producers.
I don’t think I loved my last boyfriend as much as I love La Fabrique de L’Isle.
Visit, Eat and Shop!
women-owned • where: 3415, chemin des coudriers, l’isle-aux-coudres • open: may – mid-sep, visit their website for updated hours • price: $-$$
Disclaimer: The opinions in this review are entirely my own. The staff at La Fabrique de l’Isle did not know I would be reviewing the restaurant, and my meal was not comped.
