The land is part of the seigneury of Île-d’Orléans, granted on January 15, 1636. The first settlers arrived around 1660, and a wooden chapel was built in 1673. The parish of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul was founded in 1679. At the time, it included what is now Sainte-Pétronille.
The town at a glance
RCML’Île-d’Orléans
Île d’Orléanswhere the bridge lands
Life in Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans
The vibe
A farming village that became more residential after the bridge opened in 1935. It is the gateway to the island, and Félix Leclerc lived here until his death.
The housing
Older and newer homes along chemin Royal, residential areas built after the bridge went up, and farms.
Nearby
Village de Sainte-Pétronille · Parc de la Chute-Montmorency · Église de la Sainte-Famille
Good to know
The bridge links Saint-Pierre to Beauport, where Route 368 meets Route 138 and Highway 40. A new cable-stayed bridge is set to replace it, with opening planned around 2028. PLUmobile offers public transit Monday to Friday.
Landmarks
- Pont de l’Île-d’Orléans
- Ancienne église de Saint-Pierre
- Espace Félix-Leclerc
History
The history of Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans
- 1679Parish founded
- 1717Church construction begins
- 1935Pont de l’Île-d’Orléans opens
- 1958Old church is classified
- 2002Espace Félix-Leclerc is built
The stone church was built between 1717 and 1719. From 1734 to 1788, Bishop Louis-Philippe Mariauchau d’Esgly, the first Canadian-born bishop of Québec, served as its parish priest for 54 years. In 1759, Wolfe’s British army used the church and rectory as a military hospital and headquarters.
A parish municipality was created in 1845, abolished in 1847 and restored in 1855 under the name Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul. In everyday use, people simply called it Saint-Pierre. The island’s first Cercle de fermières (farm women’s circle) was founded here in 1923, and the Pont de l’Île-d’Orléans opened to traffic on July 6, 1935.
Threatened with demolition, the old church was bought by the Québec government in 1954 and classified in 1958. Félix Leclerc settled on the island and died at home in Saint-Pierre on August 8, 1988. The municipality took the name Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans in 1997.
Frequently asked questions about Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans
Where is Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans?
In the western part of Île d’Orléans, where the bridge from Beauport lands. The municipality lies between Sainte-Pétronille and Sainte-Famille, in the L’Île-d’Orléans regional county municipality.
Where is Félix Leclerc buried?
In the cemetery of Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, where he spent his last years. The Espace Félix-Leclerc, at the entrance to the village, presents his work and has hiking trails.
What is the oldest church on Île d’Orléans?
The old church of Saint-Pierre, built between 1717 and 1719. Classified since 1958, it no longer holds services. A modern church was built next to it in 1955.
How do I find an apartment for rent in Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans?
Rental units managed by Lease Lane in Saint-Pierre-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
