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La Maison Saint-Gabriel
You are now in Pointe-Saint-Charles in front of La Maison Saint-Gabriel, the only 17th-century farm house still standing on the island of Montreal. In the days of the Filles du Roy, this fieldstone house was called?La Providence?.
We invite you to take the tour given by the owner of this magnificent house.
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La Maison Saint-Gabriel
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In the summer, you can visit the field garden. Near the house, there is a garden of aromatic and other herbs, medicinal plants, and plants that were used over three centuries ago.
If you would like to taste them and learn more about the pharmacopoeia, that is, how illnesses were treated in the days of Marguerite Bourgeoys, go to Pointe-Saint-Charles and, when you arrive at La Maison St-Gabriel, you will find a farmer awaiting you in her garden. An experience not to be missed!
But before we go any further, here are a few interesting tidbits about the history of this house.
Constructed by François LeBer, La Maison Saint-Gabriel was purchased in 1668 by Marguerite Bourgeoys, as a home for the Filles du Roy, young orphaned women who had come from France to marry colonists and populate the budding colony. In 1693, Marguerite Bourgeoys suffered a great trial: the house was razed by fire and only the milkhouse was left standing. Five years later, the house was rebuilt on the same foundation.
La Maison Saint-Gabriel, with its 19th-century stone barn, is classified as an historic monument. In 1966, it became a museum, which means that you can visit it with your class or your family. You'll find some wonderful surprises here. You can see the hearth where Marguerite kept a fire burning, objects used by the Filles du Roy, a kitchen sink dating back to the 17th century, and a vegetable garden.
A visit to La Maison Saint-Gabriel is well worth the trip!
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