Les Bergeronnes is a municipality in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec, Canada, encompassing the communities of Grandes-Bergeronnes, Petites-Bergeronnes, and Bon-Désir. The history of this area dates back to 8,000 years ago when Indigenous Canadians spent their summers along the Saint Lawrence River bank in the Bergeronnes territory. Archeological excavations have revealed several layers of whale and seal skinning tools, indicating the area's rich history.
From the 16th to 18th century, First Nations and the Basques hunted seals in Pipounapi cove, meaning "Here, it does not freeze." In 1653, the surrounding territory was conceded to Lord Robert Giffard de Moncel by the governor of New France. Remains of two ovens used to collect grease for lighting were found, with the first one, a double burner, built in the late 16th century. Jesuit Evangelist Pierre Laure settled there in 1721, and a chapel and a house were erected the following year. However, the mission was abandoned in 1725 due to the excessive religious activities that left no time for First Nations to hunt.
In 1730, the Barragory brothers erected a whaling station and built the second oven with a triple burner. However, due to the lack of profit, this station was abandoned in 1773. The domain went back as Domain of the King until 1822 when the post was entrusted to the Hudson's Bay Company. By 1830, all that remained was the cellar of the house with its stone fireplace, hence the reference to Cave Cove on the map while Bon-Désir was moved three miles further west.
During his visits in 1603 and 1626, Samuel de Champlain referred to two rivers under the names "Bergeronnette" and "Bergeronnes". The name is probably a reference to the height of the bank. The first homes gathered around mills, with the first one built in Petites-Bergeronnes in 1844. A sawmill and a flour mill were erected in 1845 on the Beaulieu River, a tributary with the river-Bas-de-Soie, of the Bergeronnes river at the site that would become the heart of the parish.
In 1856, a road costing $5,391.02 provided a link to Tadoussac to the west and Escoumins to the east. The population reached 200. The first chapel, dedicated to St. Zoe, served a little over thirty families living in the logging or agriculture. This chapel was destroyed in 1858 and rebuilt in 1869. The actual church was built in 1912 at a cost of $28,000.
In 1874, the Bergeronnes Township was proclaimed, and in 1898, Township Municipality of Bergeronnes was formed. In 1929, the village centre on the Big Bergeronnes River separated from the township and became the Village Municipality of Grandes-Bergeronnes. On December 29, 1999, the village and township were merged again to form the new Municipality of Les Bergeronnes.
The population trend in Les Bergeronnes, Quebec, has seen some fluctuations over the years. In 1991, there were 288 private dwellings occupied by usual residents out of a total of 337 dwellings. The mother tongue distribution was as follows:
Les Bergeronnes, Quebec, is not just rich in history but also a hub for tourism. At Bon-Désir, Cap-de-Bon-Désir is a natural headland that is ideal for observing marine mammals. The site also provides visitors with the opportunity to participate in a variety of interpretation activities. Located on the shores of the Saint Lawrence Estuary, the Bon Désir Camp Site offers 40 hectares of natural spaces, making it the ideal place for several nature activities.
In Bergeronnes, the sea school of Explo-nature offers stays for students to learn about the marine environment of the Saint Lawrence. The Pointe à John wharf is the starting point for whale-watching excursions and an excellent bird watching site.
