Saint-Maurice (Les Chenaux)

In New France, the first period of colonization of the north shore of the St. Lawrence River focused on the first row along the river. A vast strip of marsh extending over approximately 18 km (11 mi) (and a maximum width of 2 km (1.2 mi)) between Sainte-Marthe-du-Cap and the Champlain River (today in the zone along Highway 40), slowed down the colonization of the second and third rows. The center of the village of Saint-Luc-de-Vincennes is located 10.0 km (6.2 mi) from the shore of the St. Lawrence River, on the north side of this marsh area and at 0.7 km (0.43 mi) north of the course of the rivière de la Fourche.

During the colonization period of the 19th century, the local economy was based on forestry and agriculture. In the 21st Century, its economy is based on agriculture, partly forestry (in the northern part of the territory and along waterways), certain public services (e.g., primary school, municipality), accommodation centers for seniors, a few shops and certain recreational and tourist activities (vacation, mountain biking, snowmobiling).

This locality of 91 km² (35 sq mi) has 3286 inhabitants. Many residents will be working in the surrounding municipalities/towns (notably Trois-Rivières and Shawinigan) because of the proximity (i.e., 5.3 km (3.3 mi)) to highway 40, via Route 352. In addition, Route 359 connects the Lac-à-la-Tortue and Grand-Mère sectors to the north.

The hydrographic slope of Saint-Maurice is centred on the Brûlée river, the rivière de la Fourche, the Gagnon stream and the Champlain River; the latter will flow onto the north shore of the St. Lawrence River.

The rivière Champlain mainly drains the territory of Saint-Maurice, Saint-Luc-de-Vincennes, Saint-Narcisse and Champlain . It flows over 50 km (31 mi). In its course first to the northeast, then the southeast, this river is often meandering.

Taking its source at Plé de Saint-Narcisse, the rivière de la Fourche flows over 27 km (17 mi) crossing Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Saint-Narcisse, Saint-Maurice and Saint-Luc-de-Vincennes. It flows on the northwest shore of the Champlain River in the municipality of Saint-Luc-de-Vincennes.

Flowing mainly in agricultural areas, the Brûlée river flows over 14.1 km (8.8 mi) in Saint-Maurice. It flows onto the northwest shore of the Champlain River.

• From Montreal (160 km (99 mi). Time: 1 hr 48 min. From Montreal, take highway 40 (north shore) eastbound, crossing Trois-Rivières (including the Cap-de-la-Madeleine sector); take route 352 (northbound) to the village of Saint-Maurice.
• From Quebec City (120 km (75 mi). Time: 1 hr 17 min. From Quebec City, take highway 40 westbound; take route 352 (northbound) to the village of Saint-Maurice.

• 🌍 Station-service Harnois, 951, rue Notre-Dame, ☏ +1 819-376-7886. (updated Oct 2021)

• 🌍 Casse-Croûte La Grondinoise (La Grondinoise Snack), 2350, rang St-Jean. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Résidence Havre Saint-Maurice (Residence Havre Saint-Maurice), 1550, Thomas-Caron, ☏ +1 (819) 693-7779. Retirement home. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Residence Rayon d'Or, 1550, Thomas-Caron, ☏ +1 (819) 378-0666. Retirement home. (updated Oct 2021)