If André Desrochers and his wife and partner Marie-Josée have been running the La Maison Verte guesthouse and campground in Pointe-à-la-Croix for 26 years as of 2023, it's because they have a passion for holidays. Not their own, of course, but those of the thousands of travellers and vacationers who have stayed at their property since then.
Encounters here are welcoming and genuine, and shared moments matter to the hosts. Native to the region, they proudly represent and promote the community's way of life. André graduated from Cégep de Matane in Tourism. During his 18-month program, he gained practical experience across a wide range of fields. He knows the region and its attractions well and can therefore serve as an excellent guide for visitors.
André Desrochers, owner
The La Maison Verte guesthouse in Pointe-à-la-Croix, Gaspésie, where the Baie-des-Chaleurs begins, offers three sumptuous rooms as well as two small apartments and a larger one for rent. The bright rooms overlook nature.
It occupies a century-old house, built in 1920 by a wealthy American as a seasonal vacation home and moved from the banks of the Restigouche by André Desrochers' family in 1978. Set on new foundations, the house was rented out for several years until André and Marie-Josée undertook to transform it into a guesthouse in 1997.
All around the house, several restful spots have been created under the trees, around flower boxes or near fire pits, allowing vacationers to relax while enjoying nature.
Note that major renovation work was carried out in 2020 and 2021, during the COVID pandemic, when tourist accommodations were not accessible.
In addition, the guesthouse offers two chalets set slightly back on the banks of the Petite rivière-du-Loup. They are rented fully equipped, bedding included.
Make way for nature camping
As for the neighbouring campground, which belonged to the Desrochers family, it was established a long time ago but closed in 1965.
It was with the opening of the guesthouse that things really got going again. The site offers over 125 naturally laid-out campsites. The land is landscaped to respect the trees and the natural contours of the forest. What's more, tree clearing is minimal, and each site is unique, respecting the mature flora and fauna on the property. Located in a stunningly beautiful setting on the banks of the Petite rivière-du-Loup, a small, tranquil trout stream, the campground offers sites with one to three hookups.
As André Desrochers points out, this campground is run more like a park than a vacation camp. There are no blaring loudspeakers or activity leaders organizing pétanque tournaments. Of all the campers, only two are seasonal. The site is open from late April to mid-November. A maritime microclimate ensures mild and pleasant temperatures most of the time. Sheltered from the sometimes very strong winds of the Baie-des-Chaleurs, camping here is peaceful. And as an added bonus, there are views of the mountain and the river.
A strategic crossroads for travellers
Located a few minutes from Campbelton, Nouveau-Brunswick, La Maison Verte in Gaspésie sits at the meeting point of three routes: the road from Québec via Matapédia, Route 132 which circles the Gaspésie peninsula, and the bridge to Nouveau-Brunswick and the Maritimes.
The possibilities for activities in the surrounding area are endless, since La Maison Verte in Gaspésie is located where several culturally distinct territories meet. It's well worth the detour.
The hosts take the time to guide visitors to local activities and businesses. There's no doubt that the presence of numerous visitors at La Maison Verte has a significant and positive impact on the local economy.
Gîte et chalets La Maison Verte
lamaisonverte-gaspesie.com
216, chemin de la Petite-Rivière-du-Loup
Pointe-à-la-Croix (QC) G0C 1L0
418-788-2342
Camping Gaspésien La Maison Verte
lamaisonverte-gaspesie.com/camping-2
79, rue des Méandres
Pointe-à-la-Croix (Qc) G0C 1L0
418-788-2342