Les Vraies Richesses

"Les Vraies Richesses" is a famous artisanal bakery and confectionery that has become a true gastronomic landmark in the city of Sherbrooke. Located in a lively part of town, this spot draws visitors with the aroma of fresh sourdough bread and display cases filled with exquisite desserts made in the best French traditions.

This establishment is not just a shop, but a cozy corner where the philosophy of "true riches" (as the name translates) is embodied in the quality of the products.

The interior invites unhurried relaxation: warm tones, wooden elements, and a friendly atmosphere make it a popular meeting place. "Les Vraies Richesses" is famous for bringing a piece of European charm to the heart of Quebec, offering visitors an experience that goes beyond a simple snack.

If you want to check the availability of fresh pastries, order a cake for a special occasion, or learn details about the seasonal menu, you can contact the bakery directly. The staff usually speaks both French and English.

The main thing to do here is to treat yourself to an unforgettable tasting. Start with their famous sourdough bread, which many consider the best in the city. Be sure to try the classic French pastries: buttery croissants, tender raisin swirls, or crispy baguettes. For those with a sweet tooth, the display case with cakes will be a real temptation — from éclairs to complex mousse desserts.

Visitors can settle down at a table with a cup of aromatic coffee or hot chocolate, observing the measured life of the establishment. It is a great place to start the day with a hearty and delicious breakfast or take a lunch break by choosing one of the fresh sandwiches or a quiche, prepared from local products.

Don't miss the opportunity to buy edible souvenirs. Besides bread, you can often find homemade jam, granola, or cookies here, which will make a great gift or addition to your further journey. Watching the staff work and choosing "the one" dessert is a separate pleasure, immersing you in an atmosphere of comfort and craftsmanship.

Getting to the "Les Vraies Richesses" bakery is quite simple, as it is located on one of the city's main arteries — King Ouest Street. If you are in the city center (Centre-Ville), the walk may take from 10 to 20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the district's architecture along the way.

For those preferring public transport, the city bus network STS (Société de transport de Sherbrooke) offers convenient routes. The nearest stops are within a few minutes' walk of the establishment. Check the current schedule for routes passing through King Ouest.

If you are traveling by car, orient yourself towards the intersection of King Ouest and other major thoroughfares. Street parking is available in this area (pay attention to parking meters and restriction signs) or small public parking lots nearby. A taxi from the main city hotels will get you here in a matter of minutes.

The name of the establishment "Les Vraies Richesses" (which translates as "True Riches") is a reference to the novel of the same name by French writer Jean Giono. In this work, the author celebrates the simple joys of life, the connection between man and nature, and the importance of traditional labor, such as baking bread. The founders of the bakery were inspired by this philosophy, striving to return bread to its original taste and significance.

Since its opening, this artisanal bakery has become a symbol of the revival of baking traditions in the Estrie region. While many were switching to industrial methods, here they bet on long fermentation, the use of natural starters, and manual labor. This decision allowed them to create a product that locals quickly appreciated.

Interestingly, the building housing the bakery fits harmoniously into the historic look of King Ouest Street. Inside, you can often notice elements highlighting the connection of times: from the interior design to the recipes themselves, some of which have deep European roots adapted to Canadian realities.

If you plan to stop by only for fresh bread or takeaway pastries, the visit will take no more than 15–20 minutes. However, keep in mind that during popular hours (for example, on weekend mornings), there may be a queue of locals wanting to buy the best croissants in the city.

For those who want to enjoy the atmosphere, drink a cup of coffee, and have breakfast on site, it is recommended to set aside from 45 minutes to 1 hour. This time is enough to leisurely appreciate the taste of the desserts and rest before a further walk around the city.

When planning your visit, note that "Les Vraies Richesses" opens its doors early in the morning, making it an ideal place for an early breakfast. The schedule is quite stable throughout the week, but on Sundays opening happens a bit later, and on Fridays the bakery works an hour longer so you can stock up on goodies before the weekend.

Current opening hours:
Monday — Thursday: 07:00 – 18:00
Friday: 07:00 – 19:00
Saturday: 07:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 07:30 – 18:00

Exploring the surroundings after visiting the bakery will allow you to immerse yourself deeper in the city's atmosphere. The area around King Ouest Street is rich in historical monuments and interesting locations that tell about the past of this corner of Quebec. A walk to the nearest objects will take very little time and will be a great addition to your gastronomic impressions.