Isle d'Orleans, Isle de Couleur

Its name was once Nouvelle France, or New France, which might have been a very descriptive name in its time. But only the location was new—on the new continent of the Americas, the destination of numerous discoverers and adventurers of the past centuries. Much of what makes this small island a real hidden treasure is actually old, reminiscent of Old France's most charming provençal attributes.

Seemingly untouched by its mother metropolis Québec, Isle d'Orleans is worlds and centuries apart from the tempo of modern life that throbs in the near distance, cut away by a hanging bridge. Such tranquility and visual beauty apply balm to the technology-sickened soul.

Country comfort and colors make up this euphoria, present at every turn of the small carriage way that winds through the island. Calico cows, ruddy horses and brightly painted farm houses dot the verdant hills and farmlands. Poppy red, myrtle green, anemone pink, cornflower blue, and goldenrod yellow not only dress the wildflowers of the island, but find their interpretations on man-made surfaces to gladden the eye.

This is also the berry bog of the Québécois province: raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are the pride of the community, and the crêperies in Vieux Québec boast their many applications on their menus.

This Old New France is one of the best kept secrets of the North American continent, an experience in life that was thought lost, but refound here on the Island of Colors.

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