In the heart of Causapscal, at the confluence of the Matapédia and Causapscal rivers and opposite the Matamajaw heritage fishing site, stands a white gabled house with a veranda along three sides. This former religious residence, later home to the Bouchard family, sits on a quiet rise and has housed L’Auberge La Coulée Douce since the summer of 1984.
After running the inn for around 30 years, the original owners wanted to retire and had no family successor. They therefore entrusted the continuation of the business to Julie Ménard, an employee of 14 years, and her partner, Francis Potvin.
So in May 2013, the couple, who had been living in the region for a few years with their two children, embarked on this wonderful adventure as innkeepers. Julie and Francis met in the Montréal region in 1983 at the restaurant where she worked. It was the start of a beautiful romance for Francis, a native of Matapédia. A few years later, they chose to settle in the region, and Julie fell in love with it.
“The place needed a little love,” Francis explains. The couple therefore undertook improvements to bring it up to date, including painting, décor, doors and windows, and the refurbishment of guest rooms. They wanted to ensure that customers received the best services, both in the accommodation and in the dining room.
La Coulée Douce has eight rooms in the inn and five fully equipped chalets at the rear. Beginning this year, the couple decided to close the dining room in the evenings for two weeks each spring so they could take a holiday. During that period, staff continued to manage the accommodation and serve breakfast and lunch.
Otherwise, the inn and restaurant remain open year-round, serving all three meals every day of the week. Julie reigns over the kitchen with her team. Without pretension, the menu offers one of the best tables on the Gaspésie circuit. It serves excellent regional cuisine based on local products, including the house speciality: Atlantic salmon. In the evening, diners can also enjoy filet mignon, pasta, seafood, vegetarian dishes and succulent desserts.
La Coulée Douce is a member of Gaspésie gourmande and the ARQ. They also offer various packages for business meetings, 5 à 7 gatherings, group menus, family celebrations or cocktail receptions. Locals now make up a significant portion of the clientele, something the couple is very proud of.
In the main building, the rooms are all unique, with either country-style or modern decor. The atmosphere is well suited to relaxation. The modern chalets offer all the comforts of a cottage: a fully equipped kitchenette, bedding, hair dryers, free Wi-Fi, and more. Guests can also use a BBQ for outdoor cooking.
Anglers, hunters, hikers and snowmobilers have long gathered here. The inn is certified as a “Bienvenue Cyclistes” establishment by Vélo Québec, holds “Qualité tourisme” recognition and is a partner of the Sentier international des Appalaches (SIA).
L’Auberge La Coulée Douce
lacouleedouce.com
21, rue Boudreau
Causapscal, (Québec) G0J 1J0
(418) 756-5270