Saint-Gédéon, also known as Saint-Gédéon-de-Grandmont, is a charming municipality nestled in the heart of Quebec, Canada. It is part of the regional county municipality of Lac-Saint-Jean-Est and the administrative region of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Located on the eastern shore of Lac Saint-Jean, at the mouth of the Belle River, Saint-Gédéon offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Saint-Gédéon has seen a steady growth in its population over the years. In 1991, the population was 1640, which increased to 1760 in 1996. By 2001, the population had grown to 2392, and in 2006, it reached 2351. The most recent census in 2011 recorded a population of 2001, marking a 3.6% change from 2006 to 2011.
The community is predominantly French-speaking, with 99.5% of the population reporting French as their first language. English is the first language for 0.5% of the population, while no residents reported English and French or any other language as their first language. The number of private dwellings occupied by usual residents is 846, out of a total of 1181 dwellings.
Saint-Gédéon has a rich cultural history. In 1912, the renowned author Louis Hémon wrote the first draft of his famous novel, Maria Chapdelaine, while staying in Saint-Gédéon. This significant literary event has added to the cultural richness of the community.
Saint-Gédéon is also a part of the Route Verte, a network of cycling routes throughout Quebec. The Blueberry Cycling Route (La véloroute des Bleuets in French) passes through Saint-Gédéon, offering cyclists a scenic journey through this beautiful region.
Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a nature lover, Saint-Gédéon, Quebec, has something to offer everyone. Come and discover the charm and beauty of this unique community.