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Architecture

Traditional architecture

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Visitors will be surprised at first at the way houses are scattered randomly all over the countryside. This slightly chaotic land use is quite different from the rest of Quebec.

The general shape of most houses, barns, and “baraques” is fairly simple, but all are painted in a variety of bright colours. The Acadian and French origins of many of the Islanders, as well as some influence from New England, can be seen in the architecture of their homes. The traditional Island house can be identified by certain specific elements: “tambours”, corbels, porches and cedar shingles. There are many fine examples of traditional houses throughout the Islands. The whole of the Historical site at La Grave constitutes without doubt a privileged heritage site showcasing the traditional architecture. This is an excellent illustration of land use and planning. Its designation as a historical site is an initiative that has encouraged other similar interventions such as the restoration of Anse de L'Etang-du-Nord, largely inspired by the traditional architecture of the Islands, or again the beautification project of the rue Principale (Main Street) in Cap-aux-Meules.

 

The "Baraque":

The "baraque" (barrack) is a quaint little square barn with a sliding roof controlled by a pulley system that is used to store hay and protect it from bad weather. Many farmers still use them, especially in Havre-Aubert.

The most distinctive of all fishing industry buildings is the herring smokehouse. These structures can still be seen near some fishing ports. The best example is located in Pointe-Basse harbour in Havre-aux-Maisons.

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Lighthouses

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Around the Îles de la Madeleine, six lighthouses still project their life-saving beams out to sea. For many years, they were a vital link for thousands of vessels travelling around the archipelago's treacherous coast and for the local population whose livelihood was dependent on the sea. Their geometry and the various materials employed in their construction give an excellent picture of the evolution of lighthouses in the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence. While lighthouses and their keepers have been replaced by modern navigation equipment, the remaining structures stand proud reminding us of their invaluable contribution to navigation. They have become a valuable part of the archipelago's maritime heritage. The Musée de la mer and other cultural and heritage centres exhibit their collections of objects, photographs and archives illustrating the history of the Islands and the varied origins of the Madelinots.

Religious Heritage:

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Churches are traditionally made of wood, which is vulnerable to fire. Nevertheless, many examples of this traditional architecture remain and it is well worth it to take the time to visit our churches.

Saint-François-Xavier Church and presbytery, in Bassin, 574 et 588 chemin du Bassin

This is the oldest architectural ensemble of a church and presbytery on the Islands. The beautiful church in Bassin with its two imposing square towers was built in 1875. Behind it, we find the presbytery with its typical mansard roofing. In 1936, the church was struck by lightning. A new one was built in 1939. Summer mass schedule : Sunday 11 :15 am

Church of Notre-Dame de la Visitation in Havre-Aubert, 300 chemin d'En Haut

Located in the oldest parish in the Islands, founded in 1793, the church we see today was actually built in 1962. Its interior boast five magnificent tapestries by artist Rosaire Vigneault. The church, with its chapel on the hill of the cross, is a most interesting religious site, and one of which all Acadians are rightfully proud.

Church of Saint-Pierre in Lavernière, 1329 chemin de Lavernière

First built in 1876, this is the second largest wooden church in North America. It was struck several times by lightning: first in 1900, then in 1945, 1947 and 1980. The wood used in its construction was retrieved from shipwrecks and had to be blessed before the building could be rebuilt. It is an important element of the Madelinot heritage.
Summer mass schedule : Saturday 4:00 pm.

Church of Notre-dame-du-Rosaire in Fatima, 709 chemin Les Caps

Built by architect Jean-Claude Leclerc and reverend Father Maurice Roy in 1967. They wanted to give this church it is own special style by using elements of a fisherman's everyday life.
Summer mass schedule : Sunday 11: 15 am

Church of Saint-André in Cap-aux-Meules, 500 chemin Principal

Located in the heart of Cap-aux-Meules village, built in 1966, wood with fieldstone covering.
Summer mass schedule : Sunday 9:15 am

Church of Sainte-Madeleine in Havre-aux-Maisons, 25 chemin Central

The first chapel was built in 1823 on what is now the site of the Vieux Couvent. After a fire, the church was rebuilt in 1969 on its current site.
Summer mass schedule : Sunday 9:15 am

Vieux Couvent in Havre-aux-Maisons, 292 route 199

Built in 1915, it is the only fieldstone building in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. In 1938, le Couvent was a normal school. Now, it houses the resto-bar La Moulière and the bar Chez Gaspard.

Church of Holy Trinity in Grosse-Île, 535 chemin Principal

Built in 1925, this Anglican church has a beautifully decorated interior with splendid stained glass windows. Well worth the visit !

Church of St-Peter's-by-the-sea at Old Harry

Built in 1916 by Symond Taker and Colin Turnbull, the church was constructed using wood from shipwrecks. In 1988, a door entitled « les portes de l'infini/gates to infinity » was built at the church entrance. This door is a memorial to Aaron Clarke, a resident of Old-Harry, who was swept away by the sea when tried to help some swimmers.

Church of Sacré-Coeur in Grande-Entrée

Built in 1886 partly with wood thrown overboard by a schooner in bad weather.
Summer mass schedule : Saturday 4:00 pm.

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