Les Fromages de l'isle d'Orléans

The Paillasson

Cheese was made in island farmhouses from the early days of New France, but there was no cheese factory on Île d'Orléans until this one opened in 2004. Its speciality is the Paillasson, from a recipe dated 1635, which the makers call the oldest cheese in North America. It is a small round meant to be grilled or pan-fried. The factory stands on the foundations of the old Le Marquis hotel, which burned in 1971.

What You Can Do

Watch the cheesemakers through the window, then taste in the shop, which also carries cheeses from other Quebec regions, cured sausages and local preserves. Exclusive treats include a frozen cheese bar dipped in dark chocolate, cheesecake and house spruce beer. Cheese platters are served on the terrace. Other cheeses include Le Grain de l'isle, a fresh cheese, and La Conquête, a medium cheddar. Groups of 20 or more can book a discovery stop by email.

Out of Season

From mid-October to early June, check the factory's website or call before driving out. The cheeses are sold in shops across Quebec all year.

Getting There and Nearby

Île d'Orléans is joined to the mainland by a bridge about 15 minutes from Quebec City. Sainte-Famille is on the north shore of the island, on chemin Royal, with free outdoor parking. Fromagerie Ferme Audet, a goat cheese farm, has a shop at 3501 chemin Royal in Saint-François. Charlevoix and its cheesemakers are about an hour further east along the river.