From the late 17th century, Huron-Wendat people settled in the area after leaving their settlement at Lorette, today’s L’Ancienne-Lorette; their reserve, Wendake, lies a short distance east of the neighbourhood. Boulevard de l’Ormière follows a road dating from the French Regime. The founding of the parish of Saint-Ambroise-de-la-Jeune-Lorette, in the late 18th century, marked the beginning of settlement in the area.
The neighbourhood at a glance
BoroughLa Haute-Saint-Charles
Western part of former Neufchâtelsouthwest of Loretteville
Life in the Des Châtels neighbourhood
The vibe
A quiet residential neighbourhood, mixing residential streets, shops along boulevard de l’Ormière and land that is still wooded or farmed.
The housing
Mostly single-family homes, with apartments in small buildings of fewer than five storeys.
Nearby
Rue Racine, in Loretteville · Saint-Charles River linear park · Val-Bélair
Good to know
Autoroute Henri-IV and avenue Chauveau connect the neighbourhood to the rest of the city. Shops are mostly along boulevard de l’Ormière.
Landmarks
- Boulevard de l’Ormière
- Parc Chauveau
- Bibliothèque de Neufchâtel
History
The history of the Des Châtels neighbourhood
- 1697The Wendat arrive in the area
- 1913Loretteville splits from Saint-Ambroise
- 1963The name Neufchâtel is adopted
- 1971Neufchâtel is annexed to Québec City
- 2002The Des Châtels neighbourhood is created
In the mid-19th century, the area was organized as a parish municipality under the name Saint-Ambroise-de-la-Jeune-Lorette. Over time, several village cores split off, including Loretteville in 1913. The remaining land, mostly farmland, kept the name Saint-Ambroise. Urban growth began to reach the area in the 1950s.
On September 21, 1963, the municipality took the name Neufchâtel, in honour of residents who had fought at Neufchâtel-en-Bray, in Normandy, during the Second World War. It obtained town status on July 11, 1964. Inaugurated in 1970, the building at 9150, boulevard de l’Ormière then served as fire station and town hall.
Problems with the drinking water supply led to Neufchâtel’s annexation to Québec City on January 1, 1971. In the 2002 mergers, its territory was divided among several neighbourhoods. Its western part became the Des Châtels neighbourhood, in the La Haute-Saint-Charles borough, whose name is derived from Neufchâtel.
Frequently asked questions about the Des Châtels neighbourhood
Where is the Des Châtels neighbourhood?
In the northwest of Québec City, west and south of Loretteville, in the La Haute-Saint-Charles borough. The Saint-Charles River marks its southeastern edge.
Where does the name Des Châtels come from?
It is derived from Neufchâtel, the former town whose western part the neighbourhood covers. That name, adopted in 1963, honours residents who fought at Neufchâtel-en-Bray, in Normandy, during the Second World War.
What are the main streets in Des Châtels?
Boulevard de l’Ormière, autoroute Henri-IV, avenue Chauveau, boulevard Bastien, boulevard des Cimes, boulevard Saint-Claude and rue Monseigneur-Cooke.
How do I find an apartment for rent in the Des Châtels neighbourhood?
Rental units managed by Lease Lane in the Des Châtels neighbourhood will soon be listed on the site, along with the online rental application. In the meantime, Cléo can notify you as soon as a unit is posted.
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