Percé in Gaspésie, a cultural and artistic gold mine

When one mentions Percé in Gaspésie, the image that instantly comes to mind is that of its majestic and famous Percé Rock, this 5-million-ton limestone giant, 400 million years old. However, reducing this destination to its natural wonders would be to miss the vibrant soul that animates it. Beyond the grandiose landscapes of the Gaspésie, Percé stands out as a true crossroads of inspiration where history, heritage, and contemporary creation meet.

If you are planning vacation in Gaspésie, let our team at Motel Toward the Infinite guide you through the hidden treasures of our region. Prepare to discover why this peninsula gem is a true gold mine for art and culture lovers.

The salty air and breathtaking landscapes of the region have always attracted creators. Walking through the village is an opportunity to meet a passionate creative community.

Located in a historic building whose architecture evokes the rich era of fishing, the The Chafaud Museum opened its doors in 1983. In addition to its permanent exhibitions on the history of the French presence in the 16th and 17th centuries, the museum offers an exceptional platform for today's creators.

Moreover, the museum features fascinating group exhibitions such as Crossed Topographies, which celebrates the artists and artisans from Percé. You'll find works by Denis Loiselle, a former doctor who became a full-time painter, who pays tribute to the old-growth forest of the Zec des Anses with his series Mutations. The painter Marc-Antoine Cloutier is also exhibiting there. Encounter the landscape, . a fruit of her immersive stays in nature. Finally, the artist Karen Golden explores the intimate links between clay, the body, and the territory with her work Topos. To make art accessible to everyone, Le Chafaud Museum also offers free admission to its activities.

Located at 6, rue de l’Église, the’Wazo Space is a simply fascinating place. Gaspé artist Martin Boucher Arsenault, drawing on his Indigenous and Acadian roots, creates works that transcend simple jewelry. His creations are true body sculptures that approach biomimicry, bringing matter to life to immortalize the purity of nature in the form of contemporary poetry. It's an essential stop Gaspésie culture.

On Highway 132 West, there is the Mylène Henry Art Gallery. Painter and illustrator from Gaspésie, originally from Bonaventure, she offers a whimsical, vibrant, and colorful universe. As you cross the threshold of her Art gallery in Percé, you'll discover canvases in vibrant hues, as well as many accessories like jewelry, notebooks, and bags illustrated by her. Right next door, you can prolong this moment of happiness at the Nath et Compagnie café-bookstore, ideal for a gourmet break.

What's better, during your accommodation in Percé to Motel Toward the Infinite, than bringing home local products authentic? The’local crafts is flourishing and supports the region's economy while preserving craftsmanship.

A few kilometers from the center, The Old Factory of L'Anse-à-Beaufils boasts an impressive boutique on the second floor. This magical place hosts the creations of over 70 artists and artisans from all over Gaspésie. It's the perfect place to find pottery, blown glass, sculptures, jewelry, prints, or turned wood creations. You can admire the talent of creators such as Denis Loisel, Poussière d’étoile, or La Maison des verriers.

The history of local commerce is very much alive.

The Au Bon Secours Boutique, Established in 1930, it is the oldest shop in Percé. You can find magnificent works there, notably splendid gannets made of stoneware by artisan Suzanne Tétreault-Massé.

If you love minerals, the Agate and Caillou Workshop/Boutique will amaze you with its jewelry and decorative objects made from regional stones, claws, and teeth.

For works truly rooted in the local culture, visit the Le Macareux Boutique to discover «Made Here» creations. Founded in 2007, this brand offers artisanal perfumes crafted by designer and perfumer Véronique Lambert from natural ingredients, as well as exclusive clothing. You'll even find children's adventure books, brilliantly illustrated by Maël Lafrenaye, a 6-year-old prodigy from the Gaspé Peninsula!

Finally, don't miss the Savonnerie Poussière d’Étoile, located in the heart of the village, where you can purchase natural soaps and handmade body products, some of which are made with fresh donkey milk.

The Workshops Across represent a non-profit organization dedicated to printmaking, such as screen printing and giclée printing. A meeting place and hub for knowledge sharing, it includes a creation workshop and a gallery-boutique self-managed by the member artists themselves. It's a direct immersion into the vibrancy of local creation.

Percé's culture was forged to the rhythm of the waves and the fishing industry, attracting sailors, merchants, and artists for centuries.

To understand a local culture, one must delve into its history. Authentic Historical General Store 1928, located in L’Anse-à-Beaufils, offers a journey back in time. You will find the preserved atmosphere of an old general store of the Jersey Company. Robin, Jones, and Whitman, a company that shaped the Gaspé economy with its credit system and dried cod exports. The tour is led by enthusiasts dressed in period costume, bringing history to life.

A little further, the’NAPAGA Space (formerly Parc du Bourg de Pabos) is an open-air archaeological museum. With over 18,500 artifacts discovered on the site, it traces the 250-year history of a maritime seigneury dating back to New France.

The picturesque charm of Percé is not a recent phenomenon. Perched on Cap Canon, one can glimpse the Villa Frédérick-James, a residence and studio built around 1888 by the renowned American painter Frederick James. His presence attests to the long artistic tradition that animates the Gaspé Peninsula.

Today, this legacy continues thanks to the Circuit des arts de la Gaspésie, which brings together dozens of galleries and workshops across the peninsula. In Percé, this tour invites you to step inside the Atelier du peintre Ovila, the Atelier-Boutique Marie-Josée Tommi (ceramics), or La Maisonart in L'Anse-à-Beaufils, where talented painters and watercolourists John Wiseman and Lucie Lagueux will welcome you.

Prepare your cultural stay at Motel En route vers l’infini

As you can see, a stay in the region is a true sensory and intellectual immersion. From the geological fascination of the UNESCO Global Geopark to the sublime Mi'kmaq legends, every street corner, every gallery, and every workshop tells a story.

To take full advantage of this cultural gold mine, you need a comfortable, warm, and well-located home base. Visit Motel Toward the Infinite is the perfect place for drop off your suitcases after a day full of discoveries. Whether you wish to admire the canvases of local masters, taste the flavors of the region, or explore the historical heritage of Percé Rock, we are located in the heart of the action.

Don't wait any longer to plan your vacation in Gaspésie ! Book your accommodation in Percé as of today to Motel Toward the Infinite, and let yourself be transported by the art, culture, and endless magic of our beautiful region.