Maison Zacharie in Desbiens: a timeless inn
By Pierre Perreault
December 2025
It was a monastery of the Redemptorist Fathers for nearly 60 years. When they left, the site was stripped of everything and left abandoned for several years. The Desbiens Monastery, on Lac-Saint-Jean, considered a jewel of Québec's religious heritage, was built as a retreat, a calm, serene place for renewal and rest. Next to the church, it has been Maison Zacharie since 2014, an authentic inn that brings the site back to life by drawing on its historic and heritage character.
Véronique Jolin-Noël and her partner Michael Forbes, both working in finance and administration, were passing through Lac Saint-Jean in 2014 when they saw the "Monastery for Sale" sign as they drove past the site, returning from Normandin and heading toward Montréal. They had been looking for a rectory for sale for some time. A solid, secure building. Their searches across the region had come up empty. Everywhere they looked, they found wooden buildings. 
That's when their life turned upside down: they had just found the perfect place… or almost. Two weeks later, at the end of summer 2014, now the owners, they moved to Desbiens and settled into the monastery. Since the place was completely unfurnished and had been abandoned for three years, they set about redecorating the spaces and acquiring furniture that respected the unique character and the mission its new owners had in mind for it.
You can now discover this unique place in its enchanting setting. Works by local artists adorn its walls. Maison Zacharie has 16 comfortable rooms accommodating 2 to 4 people. Six have private bathrooms, while others share communal facilities. The rooms contain only the bare essentials. No alarm clocks, no television, no telephone… at the monastery, people gather, talk, and rest. The common areas on the ground floor allow guests to fully appreciate the richness of the place and the calm, restorative atmosphere of the house.
The monastery, though transformed, has kept its charm, with its antiques and reminders of old Québec homes. The shop also sells merchandise in the inn's colours, along with local crafts, soaps, teas, and herbal infusions from a local herbalist.
Outside, you'll find a unique and enchanting setting. The vast back gardens offer a calm, relaxing atmosphere, and the scenery is stunning. The Véloroute des bleuets winds around the property, much to the delight of cycling enthusiasts.
Maison Zacharie is the ideal setting for group stays, within the vestiges of a storied past, offering an authentic experience in a peaceful environment. The inn is the perfect place to gather with family or friends. By booking the entire monastery, you can enjoy exclusive use of the premises, including the rooms, a large kitchen, a reception room, a lounge, and our spacious garden.
If breakfast is not included in the rental price, it can be served upon request for a small fee. For evening meals, you can use the kitchen to prepare your own meals or hire a catering service.
Véronique adds that, in addition to the existing accommodation options, the large common areas on the ground floor, with access to the back gardens, can be reserved for events. Up to 40 people can be accommodated indoors, but larger events can be organized by setting up a temporary outdoor marquee near the garden pergola.
Couples have chosen the location to celebrate their wedding in a dreamlike setting. At the end of summer 2026, it will host its first gay wedding.
Some may wonder where the name "Maison Zacharie" comes from. It was during their 2014 search that they visited the old rectory in Saint-Zacharie, in Beauce, whose architecture stands out. According to them, it's one of the most beautiful in Québec. Even though other aspects of the property kept them from acquiring it, it was certainly there that Véro and Michael's dream was confirmed and their shared project took shape.
A few hours spent within its walls in late autumn showed us that the place is truly a special spot for finding calm and serenity. The atmosphere recalls the history and life of the towns and villages of yesteryear, just a few steps from the shores of Lac Saint-Jean.
Maison Zacharie
maisonzacharie.com
980, rue Hébert
Desbiens (Québec) G0W 1N0
(581) 817-1299