Why the La Motte Local Produce Trail Attracts Thousands of Visitors
May 15, 2026
On August 23, the 25th edition of La Motte’s agritourism circuit, the Route du Terroir, will take place.
How can we explain the success and longevity of this initiative, which is kept alive by the 400 residents of this small village?
“In addition to local artisans and producers, we will be welcoming exhibitors from Mont St-Hilaire, La Tuque, Grand Remous, and Victoriaville. I’ve noticed that the Route du terroir has gained a reputation that extends beyond the region’s borders.”
Camille Langevin, Development Officer at La Motte
An Overwhelming Response
From the very first edition in 1999, public enthusiasm far exceeded the expectations of the organizers and the two project initiators, Chantal Quévillon and myself. Initially, the goals were to promote local products, agriculture, and traditional arts in an atmosphere reminiscent of the early days of colonization. Since then, the event has evolved, but it retains the same core principles that allow residents to benefit from such an organization.
The first few editions featured around 30 exhibitors from Lamotte and attracted more than 2,000 visitors along an 8-kilometer route. This year, the route will host more than 130 exhibitors from across Quebec, and more than 7,000 people are expected to attend. “In addition to local artisans and producers, we’ll be welcoming exhibitors from Mont St-Hilaire, La Tuque, Grand Remous, and Victoriaville. I’ve noticed that the Route du terroir has gained a reputation that extends beyond the region’s borders,” says Camille Langevin, La Motte’s newly appointed development officer. Having grown up in the village, she remembers this community-building festival that would go on until the wee hours of the morning.
The pride of the residents
Rita Larouche, a Lamotte picker renowned for her wild strawberry and blueberry jams, ran a booth for 15 years. People flocked to her stand and literally snapped up the little jars of jam that captured the joy of the countryside, along with the pastries, homemade bread, and plenty of comforting sweets she made. You just can’t find wild strawberry jams made with love and patience in supermarkets!
The current trend toward supporting local farmers has been around for 24 years in La Motte.
“I had to set a limit per family, and even so, by noon, I didn’t have a single jar left!” Note that Ms. Larouche made over 200 jars of jam, not to mention about fifteen varieties of homemade desserts. Now in her eighties, she closed shop this year despite the pleas of her many customers.
“Seeing people from all over the region take an interest in and appreciate what we do fills us with a deep sense of pride! I loved being part of it, and now I love visiting it.”
Rita Larouche
A Source of Inspiration
From the very first editions of La Route du terroir, Nicole Quévillon, an artisan from La Motte, participated as a volunteer before taking the plunge and exhibiting her creations. “La Route du terroir pushes us to surpass ourselves and inspires us to create. It’s a source of motivation and inspiration,” explains Ms. Quévillon, who excels at both sewing and knitting.
Her silk scarves are unique, as are her aprons featuring whimsical designs. At her booth, visitors can’t help but exclaim in unison! Nicole takes the time to share her passion with every visitor. Meeting these warm-hearted artisans is part of the Route du terroir experience, which remains a special opportunity to forge connections.
The Route du Terroir—a must-visit!
In short, if you haven’t yet turned off Route 109 to head to La Motte on August 23, it’s high time to set foot in this picturesque village. Leave early, bring your bags to stock up on goodies—you certainly won’t leave with empty hands or an empty stomach! The festive spirit will be in full swing in La Motte with plenty of activities.
To see the official schedule for the day, visit the Facebook page.
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