Foodie stops in Abitibi-Témiscamingue: cheese shops, microbreweries, and local products

Artisanal cheese makers: authentic regional flavors

You can’t talk about gourmet stops without starting with cheese. In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, several cheese makers transform milk with patience, character, and a lot of heart.

And here, cheese curds never stay in the bag for long.

Le Fromage au Village Cheese Farm

Lorrainville

In Témiscamingue, the Le Fromage au Village cheese shop showcases milk sourced directly from local farms.

Among the must-tries are Angelus, Cru du Clocher, Cœur du Village, and Fleur d’Aïl, each with its own distinct character. But the stop quickly becomes a test of your willpower when you discover the fresh seasoned cheese curds: BBQ, sour cream and onion, dill pickle, or even ketchup. And while you’re there, save a little room for the artisanal gelato.

Yes, you’ll want to try them all.

La vache à Maillotte

La Sarre

At La vache à Maillotte cheese shop, the factory right next to the store runs almost nonstop to ensure the cheese is always fresh.

You’ll soon realize that the real attraction is the fresh cheese bar.
A simple and downright indulgent concept: cheese curds, tortilla chips, or bulk cheddar that you can season to your liking.

The cheese shop also offers an impressive selection for cheese lovers: classic cheddar, bacon or maple-flavored cheddar, spreadable cheese, grilled cheese, firm cheeses with hazelnut or beer flavors, Gouda-style cheeses, and artisanal butter.

Tradition and creativity come together here to put a new spin on the classics, without ever losing the great taste we love.

Boréalait

Amos

Boréalait processes farm-fresh milk right on site. It’s the perfect spot to stock up on artisanal dairy products.

In the shop, several classics quickly catch your eye: fresh cheese curds, creamy yogurts, cheese and yogurt tart, homemade ice cream, and rich milk bottled on-site.

And a friendly tip: don’t leave without trying the chocolate milk. Many would say it’s worth the trip on its own.

In the summer, the dairy also makes for a perfect stop to cool off before hitting the road again.

Beer and spirits: raising a glass to the region

When the road stretches on, it’s time to slow down a bit. And since you’re taking a break anyway, you might as well sample what the region brews and distills.

In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, several artisans transform local ingredients into drinks with character. The kind of discoveries that make you want to linger a little longer.

Le Prospecteur Microbrewery

Val-d’Or

Microbrasserie Le Prospecteur has become a must-visit stop for craft beer lovers. On-site, five beers from the regular lineup are always on the menu. But every visit also holds a few surprises: seasonal beers, special brews, or barrel-aged beers from the brewery’s cellar.

And that’s not all. You’ll also find apple cider, kombucha, and occasional collaborations with other friendly microbreweries.

You can enjoy it all in a friendly atmosphere, paired with a bistro-pub menu featuring several regional products. Before you leave, stop by the Magasin Général attached to the brewery to pick up a few cans. Let’s just say it’s a great way to extend the experience.

Alpha Tango Spirits

Val-d’Or

Alpha Tango Spirits is a family-run distillery led by a father-son duo who love to think outside the box. Their signature? Exploring little-known Nordic ingredients. In fact, the distillery is the first in the world to use the quenouille in the creation of spirits.

Among their creations, you’ll find: gin and aged gin, rum, vodka, amaretto, sambuca, black spruce and cinnamon liqueur.

A bold range that lets you discover the region one sip at a time.

Ferme Nordvie

Saint-Bruno-de-Guigues

Ferme Nordvie is well known for the exceptional quality of its strawberries. Over the seasons, production has expanded: rhubarb, raspberries, and various vegetables now grow in the farm’s fields.

But the experience doesn’t stop at pick-your-own.

The farm also transforms its harvests into gourmet products, including the Apéritif de Guigues A04, a very dry strawberry aperitif, perfect for an evening at the cottage or a moment by the fire.

For a non-alcoholic option, treat yourself to Guizou, available in strawberry or rhubarb flavors. This unpasteurized sparkling juice is bursting with freshness and antioxidants. One sip, and it’s almost like a summer memory in a bottle.

Chocolate shops: for those with a (very) sweet tooth

Because a gourmet tour worthy of the name always calls for a chocolate break. And when the scent of cocoa starts to waft through the air… it’s hard to resist.

Chocolats Martine

Ville-Marie

On the shores of beautiful Lake Témiscamingue, Les Chocolats Martine is a true culinary institution in the region.

On the shelves, you’ll find a wonderful variety of artisanal chocolates, chocolate bars, chocolate fondue, and homemade pastries. The famous chocolate sundaes and port sundaes are also among the classics that regulars come back for time and time again.

A well-known spot where chocolate is taken very seriously and enjoyed with great pleasure.

Choco-Mango

Val-d’Or

Choco-Mango is the kind of place where it’s best to go in with plenty of time to spare because the temptations are endless.

The chocolate shop offers a wide variety of treats: artisanal chocolates, cakes, cupcakes, macarons, meringues, caramel spread, and chocolate-covered candied oranges.

Chocolate lovers will also appreciate the chocolate and wine pairings, a gourmet experience that highlights the flavors of cocoa.

And if you just want to take a break, the place also serves as a cozy little bistro where you can enjoy a coffee and a sweet treat. In the summer, the many flavors of ice cream quickly become the perfect excuse to stop by.

Bakeries and pastry shops: the smell of happiness

Fresh bread, golden pastries, artisanal baked goods—the perfect stops for lunch, a snack, or just for the pleasure of it.

Balthazar Café

Rouyn-Noranda, Val-d’Or, and Malartic

At Balthazar Café, everything is designed to make you feel right at home. Bread, pastries, muffins, and scones—everything is homemade. The menu changes with the seasons: creative hot or cold coffees, sandwiches, salads, and comforting soups. In short, the perfect place to take a break.

Boulangerie Lacroix

Normétal

Since 1951, the Lacroix family has been passing down their expertise from generation to generation at Boulangerie Lacroix. Everything is made on-site: breads, pastries, pie crusts, and pizza dough. You can also find their products in grocery stores, but nothing beats the smell of bread fresh out of the oven.

Les Pâtissières de ruelle

Rouyn-Noranda

For those with a sweet tooth, Les Pâtissières de ruelle is a must-visit. Cupcakes, brownies, éclairs, macarons, choux pastries, baklava, tarts… they make it all, with a creative twist. Need a cake for a party? They also create classic or custom cakes. And to go with it, a selection of beverages to take away awaits you.

L’Accalmie chez Juliette

L’Accalmie chez Juliette is a warm and welcoming café-bakery, where every loaf of bread and every pastry is handmade using local ingredients. Perfect for a gourmet break: enjoy lunch on-site, a sandwich, soup, salad, a pastry, or a sweet treat, all paired with a great cup of coffee.