Les Perchoirs du Cirque

Les Perchoirs du Cirque is a truly unique, back-to-nature stay in Québec’s Kamouraska region, set on the south shore of the St. Lawrence between Rivière-du-Loup and Québec City. The whole concept is built around “perches” suspended into the landscape, hooked onto a rock wall or set up on the mountainside, with breathtaking 300-degree views over the river and surrounding countryside. It’s the sort of place you book when you want something memorable and immersive, where the setting is as much the experience as the accommodation itself.

There are seven Perchoirs in total, each designed for two people sharing a bed, with luxury bedding and an intentionally minimalist set-up that suits the wilderness feel. You’ll have a few solar-powered lamps and a kettle for heating water, plus a private dry toilet outside your unit, but there’s no running water and no shower, so it’s very much glamping for people who are comfortable keeping things simple. What’s lovely is the thoughtfulness behind it, with almost everything in each Perchoir sourced locally, from the construction wood through to the mattresses and linens, and the food and most drinks coming from nearby producers, which gives the stay a real sense of place.

It’s also a property that encourages you to unplug. There’s no WiFi, so evenings tend to be about the views, the forest sounds and the feeling of being properly away from the world. Parking is a short distance from the main Cirque lot, and then you walk anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes to reach your Perchoir, depending on which one you’re in. It’s best to arrive prepared, with a headlamp or torch, sensible footwear for forest paths, and layers for changeable weather. It’s not suitable for anyone with mobility challenges, but if you’re happy with a bit of walking and a low-impact, outdoorsy set-up, it’s a brilliant, one-off kind of stay. Breakfast is included in a simple self-serve format, French press coffee, two muffins and two servings of wild rose juice, and check-in is from 4:30pm.