Manoir Richelieu

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is a historic luxury hotel located in La Malbaie, Quebec, approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Quebec City. Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the property was originally constructed in 1899 but was destroyed by fire in 1928. It was subsequently rebuilt in 1929 in the Châteauesque architectural style, resembling a French castle, under the design of renowned Canadian architect John Smith Archibald. Today, the establishment operates as a major hospitality destination featuring 405 guest rooms, four restaurants, and an adjacent casino accessible via an underground passage. The grounds also include a historic 27-hole golf course opened by U.S. President William Taft in 1925.

The building holds significant historical weight beyond its architecture, marked by a turbulent ownership history and notable social conflicts. After changing hands multiple times throughout the twentieth century, it was purchased in 1985 by businessman Raymond Malenfant for a symbolic sum. This era was defined by a violent labor dispute where Malenfant refused to recognize the existing union, leading to arson, riots, mass arrests, and the eventual crushing of the workforce. Following a period of government involvement, the property underwent a massive 140 million dollar renovation and expansion in the late 1990s through a partnership involving Fairmont Hotels, reopening as a premier resort in June 1999.

Currently, the Manoir Richelieu stands as a landmark of the Charlevoix region, blending its castle-like grandeur with modern amenities. Its strategic location and historical prestige have made it a site for high-profile international events, including serving as a secure venue for the G7 Summit. Despite its dark chapter of labor unrest in the 1980s, the hotel has been successfully restored to its former glory, operating continuously as a key economic and cultural pillar for the local community while maintaining its status as an iconic example of early twentieth-century Canadian resort architecture.