Val-Saint-François

Open all year long

The Centre d’art de Richmond, a performance venue and a Music School, was born from a vision: to offer a new life to the old Mont Saint-Patrice convent, dating back to 1884. Since 1982, the Centre d’art has offered a rich and diversified program! Established artists and rising stars in music, comedy, and storytelling perform in an intimate atmosphere. This local treasure, with its unique charm, offers proximity with the artists and creates moments of pure magic.

The Centre d'art de Richmond is entrusted with a social mission: to make music and arts accessible to the community. 

The Centre d'art de Richmond closes its premises for the summer period, but it organizes outdoor activities in partnership with various stakeholders, notably in downtown Richmond.

2026 Season: Coming Soon

Located in a Presbyterian church dating back to 1889, this interpretation centre highlights the unique heritage of slate (roofing, slate objects, etc.).

Activities: Tour focusing on slate roofs. Also, a heritage tour of Richmond, slate-cutting demonstrations, and a gift shop. Documentation available at the Centre d’interprétation de l’Ardoise.

2026 Season: May 1 to November 1

Located in a spectacular historic setting, the mill offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the world of a pre-industrial workshop during a guided tour where you can experience all the stages of wool transformation, or enrich your knowledge by experiencing a tour combining augmented reality and 3D audio, a first in Quebec! Our craft boutique will also enable you to discover a variety of handmade, environmentally-friendly products of superior quality. 

What better way to end your day than with an excursion along our 5 km of hiking trails, after enjoying a succulent meal at La Table de la Bergère. Alone, with family or friends, the Ulverton Woolen Mill is a national treasure and well worth a visit!

Ulverton marks the northernmost limit of the American colonization of the Eastern Townships. Some believe that it got its name from Tilverton, a village near Dublin and birthplace of Edmund T. Patterson, one of the village’s founders. Others say that it refers to the English village of Ulverston. The quality and diversity of its heritage buildings make this one of the most original and picturesque villages in Quebec.

Discover the English district of Richmond with its picturesque streets: Dufferin, Aberdeen and College. The architectural quality of their building’s slate roofing has given the
district significant historic interest. By taking the pedestrian tour, you will witness the rich heritage and cultural diversity left by its founders.
Anecdotes and historical facts of this historical epicentre are included.

Offered free of charge as a podcast: download it or play it live on your smartphone from the Slate Museum website.

When stopping in the Melbourne Township it is important to admire the magnificent sculpture made out of steel bands by the artist Jean-Marc Tétro. This work, which evolves and changes as the seasons change, honors the painter Frederick S. Coburn. It represents two horses surrounded by a giant frame, like painting as a background with our
typical countryside landscape.

2026 Season: Coming Soon

Discover our new permanent and summer exhibits highlighting landmarks of the local area with artifacts from our museum and archives collections. 

The Richmond County Historical Society Museum is located in the former rectory of St. Andrews Church and is part of a rich local heritage. 

The Richmond County Historical Society and its museum have been at the heart of the region's social and cultural activities for decades. Witness to several centuries of community development, the museum offers activities that allow for beautiful reunions and a golden opportunity to mingle with local people.

The museum offers bilingual guided tours as well as group tours.

La Desserte operates a Restaurant - Pastry - Bakery in a century-old house located in the heritage district of Richmond, with a unique architectural character and multiple slate roofs. We offer market cuisine in the form of a Bistro Menu, changing on a regular basis according to local availability. Sourdough and traditional breads as well as a wide variety of old-fashioned desserts and pastries await you.

Just a reminder, the weekend breakfasts at La Desserte are a must in Richmond.

BaladoDécouverte Circuit: accessible via mobile app or website
Language: French
Accessibility: Seasonal
Suggested transportation: Watercraft
Route length: 10.59 km
Points of interest: 10
Target audience: All audiences

Enjoy a nautical excursion between Richmond and Ulverton and discover the rich history of the Saint-François River. This one-of-a-kind experience in Québec takes place directly on the water, by canoe or kayak.

EXPLORE
The interactive BaladoDécouverte map highlights must-see sites and gives you on-demand access to archival photos, dynamic audio clips, and videos that reveal lesser-known points of interest visible along the river.

ON SITE
A series of locations and architectural elements line your route, and the map tracks your position in real time on your mobile device during the excursion. Discover the stories behind century-old bridges and churches, while enjoying the wildlife and plant life that border the river.

SUGGESTED STARTING POINT
At the Canot-Kayak Richmond welcome chalet, located at 220 Main Street South. Free parking is available and accessible during the summer. River access is free for everyone, but there is no public exit downstream. The welcome chalet is also accessible by bike, as it is close to the La Cantonnière cycling path.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Difficulty level: easy (beginner). There are only two small rapids, which can easily be bypassed.

Type: Hotel – Motel – Condo
Location: Val-Saint-François
Season: Year-round
Target audience: Couples or families, for short or extended stays

Stay in a place where the railway history of the Townships Trail comes to life!

Atmosphere
 La Gare Richmond is part of a long tradition of hospitality in the Val-Saint-François region. Today, this heritage has been transformed into a unique lodging experience, where the past meets modern comfort.

Designated a heritage railway station for the role it played in the development of Richmond and for its architectural qualities, La Gare Richmond carries a legacy dating back to 1864. At the crossroads of routes and eras, the station offers a different way to discover the region, by stopping where, for over a century, travelers have come and gone.

Live the experience
•    Room types: double, standard, and suite 
•    Two-storey condos: ideal for extended stays 
•    Accessible room for guests with reduced mobility 

On site
Take advantage of your stay in Richmond to explore the surrounding area and discover sites that showcase the rich heritage of the Townships:
•    The Centre d’art de Richmond, for a glimpse into local artistic creation 
•    The Musée de l’ardoise, highlighting a key regional craft 
•    The Ulverton Wool Mill, where traditional wool-making techniques are brought to life 
•    The Richmond County Historical Society, to explore local history and notable figures