Discovering Verchères: A Riverside Village Rich in History

Verchères is a small, historic village located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River in the Montérégie region, just a short drive from Montreal. Founded in 1672, this charming town offers a glimpse into Quebec’s colonial past with scenic spots and historical landmarks.

I stopped in Verchères out of curiosity—and ended up learning a lot about its fascinating past. From legendary local figures to unique riverboats and wind-powered mills, this peaceful village made for a lovely end to our day.

What to See and Do in Verchères:

• Église Saint-François-Xavier
• Old Presbyterian Church
• Parc Jean-Marie Moreau (Verchères rowboat + Ludger Duvernay bust)
• Parc des Pionniers
• Madeleine de Verchères Monument
• Moulin banal (historic windmill)
• Town Hall (former school building)

Verchères is part of a group of four picturesque villages nestled between the and Richelieu Rivers, alongside Calixa-Lavallée, Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu, and Saint-Marc-sur-Richelieu.

Verchères Boats: A Local Innovation

Rarely is a type of boat so closely tied to a town. The Verchères boats were shallow, flat-bottomed rowboats that made navigating shallow waters easier. Designed for practicality, they became a local hallmark. You can see a restored version in Parc Jean-Marie Moreau, just beside the church.

Parc Jean-Marie Moreau

This small park near Église Saint-François-Xavier is a great place to connect with Verchères’ history. Here, you’ll find:

• A bust of Ludger Duvernay, journalist and founder of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society
• A full-size Verchères rowboat
• Interpretive panels telling the story of the region

The Heroine of New France: Madeleine de Verchères

Verchères is perhaps best known for Madeleine de Verchères, a young girl who, at age 14 in the 1690s, defended the family fort against an Iroquois raid while her parents were away. Using clever tactics to appear more numerous, she held off the attackers until reinforcements arrived.

Today, her bravery is commemorated by a prominent monument facing the St. Lawrence River, marking the Madeleine de Verchères National Historic Site of Canada.

Moulin banal de Verchères

The village’s historic moulin banal, or seigneurial windmill, dates back to 1730. Unlike the water-powered mills common at the time, this windmill used the power of the wind to grind grain. Under the seigneurial system, residents were required to use this mill and pay a fee in return.

Located near the Madeleine monument, this site reflects a time when local infrastructure served both practical and social roles in community life.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a quiet, culturally rich place to explore by the river, Verchères offers a rewarding stop with stories that go far beyond its size.