In 1535, Jacques Cartier called the island “isle de Bacchus” because of the wild grapevines that grew thickly around Saint-François. He soon renamed it Île d’Orléans. The land is part of the seigneury of Île-d’Orléans, granted on January 15, 1636.
The town at a glance
RCML’Île-d’Orléans
Île d’Orléansnortheast tip of the island
Life in Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans
The vibe
A farming municipality facing Île Madame and Île au Ruau. The tip of the island marks the boundary between the St. Lawrence River and its estuary.
The housing
Homes and farms along chemin Royal, in a mostly agricultural area.
Nearby
Plage de Saint-François · Maison Drouin · Manoir Mauvide-Genest
Good to know
The village is some 40 km downstream from Québec City. It is reached by the Pont de l’Île-d’Orléans, in Saint-Pierre, then by chemin Royal along either side of the island. PLUmobile offers public transit Monday to Friday.
Landmarks
- Église de Saint-François
- Tour d’observation de Saint-François
- Chemin Royal
History
The history of Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans
- 1679Parish founded
- 1714Parish canonically established
- 1734Stone church is built
- 1759Church serves as a military hospital
- 2003Current name adopted
The parish began in 1679 and was officially erected in 1714 under the name Saint-François-de-Sales. The name recalls François Berthelot, seigneur of the island in 1675, and Saint Francis de Sales, author of the Introduction to the Devout Life.
The stone church was built in 1734. In 1759, British troops requisitioned it and used it as a hospital and infirmary for Wolfe’s soldiers. In 1988, restoration work uncovered graffiti left by David Chapman, a gunner on the British warship Neptune.
A first parish municipality, Saint-François-Isle-d’Orléans, was created in 1845 and merged into the county municipality in 1847. The parish municipality of Saint-François was established in 1855. In 2003, it became the municipality of Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans.
Frequently asked questions about Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans
Where is Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans?
At the northeast tip of Île d’Orléans, some 40 km downstream from Québec City. It borders Sainte-Famille and Saint-Jean and faces Île Madame and Île au Ruau.
What is there to see in Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans?
The observation tower, the beach and the 1734 church. The Maison Drouin, in Sainte-Famille, is just past the municipal boundary.
Where does the name Saint-François come from?
It recalls François Berthelot, seigneur of Île d’Orléans when the parish was created, and Saint Francis de Sales. The parish was erected in 1714 under the name Saint-François-de-Sales.
How do I find an apartment for rent in Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans?
Rental units managed by Lease Lane in Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans 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.
Other areas
