Deschambault-Grondines is a charming municipality nestled in the Portneuf Regional County Municipality in the Canadian province of Quebec. Home to approximately 2,200 residents, this community was established in 2002 through the merger of the independent villages of Deschambault and Grondines.
The history of Deschambault-Grondines is rich and fascinating. The village of Grondines was named by Samuel de Champlain, with the name deriving from the French verb "gronder", meaning to rumble or roar. In 1674, the Grondines windmill, the oldest in Quebec, was constructed. Initially a flour mill, it later served as a lighthouse.
Deschambault was once known for its strong connection to the sea, with a local saying that there was "a pilot every two houses." The St. Lawrence River was the primary access route to the village, and even after the opening of the Chemin du Roy, a challenging route, the seaway remained the preferred method of travel.
The 'seigneurie des Grondines' was one of the oldest lordships in Quebec. Initially granted in 1637 by the Company of New France to Duchess Marie-Madeleine de Vignerot de Pontcourlay, the estate covered nearly 60,000 acres. Over time, the lordship passed to the Hamelin family and was transmitted to their descendants until 1797, following the British Conquest. The last lord of Grondines was Senator David Edward Price in 1871, a member of the influential Price family.
The geography of Deschambault-Grondines is characterized by a nearly featureless plain that rises in the north and west to 250 feet above sea level, dropping to tide water level along the Saint-Laurent.
The Grondines and Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade swamp is one of the last large, treed swamps on the river. It extends along seven kilometers of shoreline in the St. Lawrence River’s freshwater estuary. This swamp is a biodiversity hotspot, sheltering several at-risk species, including plants endemic to the freshwater estuary.
As of 2021, Deschambault-Grondines had a population of 2,235, a slight increase from 2,220 in 2016. The majority of residents speak French as their first language (97.5%), with a small percentage speaking English (0.7%).
Deschambault-Grondines boasts several historical attractions, including the Saint-Joseph of Deschambault church, the old presbytery of Deschambault, and the old mill of Grondines. Other notable sites include the church of Saint-Charles-Borromée in Grondines, the Presbytery of Grondines, and several historical houses.
In conclusion, Deschambault-Grondines, Quebec, is a community steeped in history and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Deschambault-Grondines has something to offer everyone.
