Chalets in Cap-à-l'Aigle, La Malbaie, Charlevoix

Cap-à-l'Aigle is an old village built on the east cliffs of La Malbaie Bay, founded in the 19th century when Scottish and British families came to set up their summer homes away from the more worldly Pointe-au-Pic. The district has kept that identity: fewer hotels, more private estates, English gardens spilling down to the river, narrow streets shaded by centennial trees.

Since 1995, Cap-à-l'Aigle has been a village relais of the Jardins de Métis and a stop on the Route des Jardins du Québec. The Jardin du Quai, open to the public, holds the largest lilac collection in North America — over 600 cultivars in bloom from late May through early June, set in a natural amphitheatre facing the river.

Our three chalets — Le Littoral, L'Embâcle and Les Thermes — are all located in the Marie-Rose neighbourhood of Cap-à-l'Aigle, on the heights overlooking the bay. The area is quiet, strictly residential, with no through traffic. All three share the south-westerly orientation that opens onto the river, the Malbaie estuary and Mont des Éboulements.

From our chalets, several destinations are reachable within minutes:

• Quai and Jardin du Quai: 5 min drive — lilacs, marina, riverside walk
• Downtown La Malbaie: 10 min (groceries, restaurants, SAQ, services)
• Mont Grand-Fonds (alpine and cross-country skiing): 15 min
• Casino de Charlevoix and Manoir Richelieu: 10 min via the scenic route
• Tadoussac and whale watching: 1 h 15 east

The Cap-à-l'Aigle marina opens onto the river for kayaking, sailing and deep-sea fishing trips. It is also the launching point for several whale-watching cruises in season (July through October). The pier holds a breakwater that forms a pebble beach at low tide — a popular spot for sunsets.

Cap-à-l'Aigle has several heritage homes classified by Quebec, witnesses to the golden age of British resort culture. Christ Church Anglican Chapel (1889) remains open for visits in season. The district is also known for its in-home massage therapists and body care services — a tradition that extends naturally into chalets equipped with spa, sauna or thermal zone.