The first snow has dramatically announced its arrival—heralding the start of the festive season! Time to exchange those pumpkin lattes for mulled wine, to festoon your home with garlands and decorate your tree. Time also to start thinking about Christmas shopping…
This year, why not support our local merchants and craftspeople by booking a weekend at the Espace 4 Saisons (E4S)? As well as being able to find one-of-a-kind gifts, you can enjoy the seasonal activities in Orford and the surrounding area, amid a relaxed, picturesque setting.
Using Espace 4 Saisons as your base, you’ll find that all of the following places and products are within an easy driving distance. If you don’t have time to finish up your shopping list in person, then you can complete your purchases online from the comfort of your hotel room—bundled up in your bathrobe, glass of wine in hand!
OUR GUIDE TO GIFT IDEAS
The Falala Market – Orford
This brand new Christmas market at Orford Music features the work of local artisans as well as entertainment from famed performer Grégory Charles. Just a five-minute drive from E4S, dropping by the Falala Market is a great way to get in the mood for the festive season!
A bottle of Cherry River spirit – Magog
The Cherry River Distillery in downtown Magog (it’s located in a former church) offers tours, tastings and a range of products that make wonderful gifts.
To put under the tree: a bottle of berries and basil-flavoured gin
Bleu Lavande products – Magog
Bath and body products not only make great gifts, but they’re also a way of encouraging the recipient to pamper themselves! The products sold at the Bleu Lavande boutique (opened year-round) are infused with lavender—a fragrant plant known to have relaxing, health-giving properties.
To put under the tree: the soothing body care set
La Grange du Parfumeur – Magog
This craft perfume maker offers a range of different scents. If you’re not sure which one to choose as a gift, you can opt for the “Discovery box”, which contains 10 different perfumes.
Savonnerie des Diligences – Eastman
This soap maker specializes in simple but stylish body products. Namely, check out their unique “Legends Collection”!
To put under the tree: a duo of soft, exfoliating soaps scented with balsam fir and eucalyptus
Local products from Boutique Gourmande – Sherbrooke
A mecca for gourmets, this handsome store in the heart of Sherbrooke sells gift boxes filled with products laced with the distinctive, Quebec terroir. The boxes contain all manner of goodies—boreal spices, sweet treats, maple syrup, local oils (to name a few).
To bring as a hostess gift: the Généreux Terroir Classique box
High-end products from Robinson – Sutton
This luxury store sells handcrafted, vegetable-tanned goods such as camera straps, dog leashes, belts and bags. Made to last, they have a timeless style.
To put under the tree: a handcrafted, waxed-canvas log carrier
Jérémie Postel gourmet products – available at a number of retail outlets
Popular local delicacies flavoured with balsam fir shoots sourced from the Sutton Valley. Honey, jam, kombucha—to augment your festive meals!
A stocking stuffer: a jar of blueberry, haskap (honeyberry) and fir jam
Coffee from Brûleries Faro – Sherbrooke
Starting the morning with a good cup of coffee is a daily ritual for much of the population. If you have a loved one that does just that, you know they’ll appreciate one of the products from the Brûleries Faro roastery!
To bring as a hostess gift: coffee aged in oak barrels
Le point visible – Bedford
Sewing a quilt requires an attention to detail, lots of love and endless patience—truly a work of art! Marilyn, the person behind Le point visible, has a new take on this traditional craft. Her work is characterized by dazzling colours and designs. She can also produce a made-to-measure comforter, but don’t delay! This is labour intensive work and orders have to be made well in advance.
To put under the tree: baby comforter
Ceramic from Atelier Tréma – Bedford
A boutique crammed with handmade objects from the potter’s studio. The collection ranges from everyday dishes to Maritime-themed ornaments, all of them stunning!
To offer as a gift: a pottery maple syrup container
Sustainable toys from L’Atelier Cheval de Bois – online
This little local company based in Coaticook, specializes in handmade, wooden toys—brightly coloured, elegantly designed cars, boats and buses (among other objects). Sure-fire favourites with young and old!
To give to a young child: a wooden tractor trailer
No one knows the Eastern Townships region better than the employees of Bistro 4 Saisons! After all, this beautiful area is where they live, work…
Read more →How does an Olympian spend the winter season in the Eastern Townships? Curious to find out, we contacted Miha Fontaine, a young freestyle skier from…
Read more →Pierre Nief, the chef at Bistro 4 Saisons, is a native of France and for him, foie gras is a festive, comfort food that can…
Read more →