Sixty years of French presence in the Laurentians

©Courtoisie

In December 1918, the association of French war veterans purchased a huge piece of land in Sainte-Adèle, close to Lac Bouthillier and the Mulets River. It was here that Montreal’s French community and diplomats came in the summertime until 1977.

In addition to the young people who came here to summer camp, ambassadors, consuls, military officers and French dignitaries – and even singer Charles Trenet – stayed in the place called Sac-au-Dos. For all these years, the place represented, for many, a little corner of France in the Laurentians.

Robert Boily was born in Montreal to a French father. At the end of the ‘60s, Robert was 11 years old when he was sent to Sac-au-Dos camp. Decked out in his Scout’s hat and scarf, he spent two summers there. It’s a lively memory for him and for all those who went there.

This 400-page historic work contains more than 250 photographs of the region. Here you’ll find Mont Tremblant, Saint-Faustin’s Pisciculture, Lac Ouimet and its float plane base, Val-Morin’s Sun Valley inn: all places where the campers went on weekly outings.

“Writing this took eight years of work and make no mistake, the photos were not just in one box. I even reached, in Australia, the great-grandson of the lady who had the house built (cover); finding the period photographs was a real treasure hunt.”

Robert Boily wrote his book so that this lovely intergenerational adventure would not be forgotten. It’s a book that bears witness: something to leave open before the fireplace on those long winter nights. Available (in French only) from the author: $85 (plus tax and delivery).

Rb2723@oricom.ca

 

More from this author by clicking on his photo below.

Daniel Gauvreau

 

Daniel Gauvreau80 Posts

Récréologue et journaliste de formation, tour à tour organisateur, formateur, consultant, chroniqueur et traducteur dans le milieu du plein air, Daniel Gauvreau est passionné d’activité physique en extérieur. De retour d’un périple au Québec et en France, il a choisi les Hautes-Laurentides pour satisfaire son amour de la nature. Semi-retraité, moniteur de ski de fond à SFMT, son expérience profite désormais aux lecteurs de Tremblant Express. Recreation professional and journalist by education, organizer, trainer, consultant, columnist and translator about the outdoors by experience, Daniel Gavreau is passionate about physical activity outside. Following a trip through Québec and France, he chose the Hautes-Laurentides as the place to satisfy his love of nature. Semi-retired and teaching cross-country skiing with SFMT, he now offers his experience to Tremblant Express readers.

0 Comments

Leave a Comment

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account

Remember me Lost your password?

Lost Password