Autumn in Montreal is a season of intense cultural vibrancy. From October 31st to November 16th, the city comes alive with the captivating rhythms of the Arab World Festival (FMA), an essential event celebrating the dialogue between Arab and Western cultures.
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Between the concerts, dance performances, exhibitions, and poetry, the FMA is a fascinating sensory immersion. But after the excitement and energy of downtown, the need for calm sets in.

Where can you find this perfect balance? Le Refuge du Poète offers you the best of both worlds.

The Arab World Festival unfolds its rich programming across several iconic venues, primarily in the Quartier des Spectacles and at Place des Arts. Whether you're drawn to a major musical premiere or a free lecture, the heart of the action beats in downtown Montreal.
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The challenge? Getting there, parking, and navigating the urban hustle, especially after a long day.

This is where Le Refuge du Poète comes in. We are not just another hotel; we are a hotel alternative designed for those seeking charm, comfort, and flexibility.
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Imagine: after an emotionally rich evening at the festival, you leave the bustle behind to return to your haven of peace. No sirens, no street noise—just the soothing calm of our guesthouse.

Located in Longueuil, our bed and breakfast is just 20 minutes from Montreal, but our greatest asset is logistical:

• Direct Metro Access: We are located near the Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke metro station. The Yellow Line takes you directly to the Berri-UQAM station in minutes, right at the doorstep of the Quartier des Spectacles.
• Free Parking: Leave your car with us, safely and free of charge. Avoid the exorbitant rates and the headache of downtown parking.
• Homemade Breakfast (Optional): To start your day of exploration right, treat yourself to our delicious homemade breakfast. A flexible option for those who desire a gourmet and authentic start to their day, served in a friendly atmosphere.

Attending the Arab World Festival while staying at Le Refuge du Poète means treating yourself to a complete getaway. It's about nourishing your mind with culture and art, then recharging in a serene and poetic setting.
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Don't choose between the excitement of the festival and the need for rest. Get both, with the flexibility you need.

Rooms fill up quickly during festival season! Book your stay at Le Refuge du Poète today and customize your cultural experience.

​Our bed and breakfast transforms into a true haven of peace, an ideal hotel alternative for those looking to escape the everyday. Picture yourself, after a walk through the colourful nearby parks, returning to snuggle into the comfort of our rooms with a good book and a warm drink. It is this cozy and intimate atmosphere that we cherish and love to share with our guests.

​Located so close to Montreal, our B&B is the perfect starting point to explore the charms of the season. Local markets are overflowing with pumpkins and regional products, hiking trails offer breathtaking views, and the simple beauty of a sunset over the autumn foliage is enough to soothe the soul.

​Come and experience the poetry of autumn with us. Let yourself be enveloped by the tranquility and beauty of the season. We are ready to welcome you for a memorable getaway.

Book your stay now and discover why autumn is so special at Le Refuge du Poète.
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We look forward to welcoming you,

​A factual journey through the illuminated gardens:

This year, the event plunges you into the realm of legendary creatures through three illuminated paths:

• The Chinese Garden: The largest collection of Chinese lanterns outside of China renews itself every year. For 2025, the theme is inspired by the legend of Pangu, a mythological giant. A new creation featuring a celestial goddess and mythological creatures is staged, culminating in a multimedia and aquatic show on the lake.
• The Japanese Garden: The path celebrates the changing seasons and highlights plants through a contemplative display, accompanied by acoustic sounds. This year's theme, "Yûgen - Japanese Universe," features a monumental projection of birds and fish, sublimating the landscape to the sound of a flute.
• The First Nations Garden: The illuminated path offers a poetic journey through the circle of life, guided by the words of Innu poet Josephine Bacon and the singing of Moe Clark.

Your peaceful haven: Le Refuge du Poète
Instead of choosing an impersonal "hotel" or "motel," opt for the warmth and comfort of our bed and breakfast. After a magical evening, our cozy rooms are the perfect refuge. Our gîte is located just a 20-minute drive from the event.

​In the fresh morning air, a sweet scent of coffee and warm pastries gently draws you out of bed. We invite you to our table, set in the calm of the sunroom, where you can gaze at the garden view and listen to the birds sing. It's a moment of serenity, far from the hustle, where soft music and the murmur of conversations create an atmosphere perfect for relaxation and connection.

​Every morning, our menu is a new surprise. We love to revisit classics and enrich them with local flavors. One day, you might enjoy French toast perfectly golden, topped with a creamy English sauce and generously garnished with fresh fruit. The next, the flavors of our beautiful region are in the spotlight. We make it a point of honor to use fresh products from local bakeries, artisanal cheeses, and homemade jams. It's our way of helping you discover the culinary richness of the area, one bite at a time.

​But what truly makes this moment special is sharing. We love sitting down at your table to chat, share stories about the gîte's history, or offer recommendations on the best local activities. This closeness, these warm and friendly conversations, are at the heart of Le Refuge du Poète experience. Every dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, because for us, a careful presentation is a way of saying "welcome."

The breakfast at Le Refuge du Poète is more than just a simple meal; it's a moment of life, a morning tradition where great food, enriching conversations, and the charm of nature come together to create unforgettable memories.
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Frédéric & Louise Vézina

Visiting Montreal is an unforgettable experience. The city is full of culture, gastronomy, and unique activities. But let’s be honest: staying directly on the island of Montreal can quickly become stressful. Between heavy traffic, streets blocked by countless orange cones, and the difficulty of finding parking, many travelers end up losing time and energy.
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This is where Le Refuge du Poète, located in the heart of Old Longueuil, becomes an ideal alternative.

​Our bed and breakfast is located in Longueuil, just across the river, only about 25 minutes by car from downtown Montreal. You enjoy the proximity of the city while benefiting from the tranquility of a charming historic neighborhood, rich in heritage and warm ambiance.

​Finding parking on the island of Montreal can be a real challenge… With us, you don’t have to worry: reserved parking spaces are available for our guests.

​The Longueuil–Montreal river shuttle allows you to reach Montreal’s Old Port directly by crossing the river—a picturesque experience in itself. You can also quickly access the Longueuil metro, which connects to many neighborhoods on the island without having to deal with city traffic.

​Le Refuge du Poète is also a strategic stop for travelers moving between Montreal and other destinations in Quebec, such as the city of Quebec or Sherbrooke. It’s a restful stop where you can enjoy a warm welcome, cozy comfort, and a delicious breakfast before continuing your journey.

​Staying with us also means discovering Old Longueuil: its streets full of history, its cozy restaurants, cafés, and small shops. It’s a destination in itself, adding a unique dimension to your visit to the region.

​Le Refuge du Poète combines the best of both worlds: proximity to Montreal without the hassle, and the tranquility of a historic neighborhood with an authentic atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting to explore the city or just passing through, our bed and breakfast welcomes you in a warm and inspiring setting.

Small independent accommodations, like Le Refuge du Poète, offer several advantages when you book directly:

• Better rates, since platform commissions often represent 15 to 20%, which can affect the final price.
• Simpler and more flexible cancellation policies, managed directly by the establishment.
• Direct communication with the hosts for any questions or last-minute adjustments.
• Personalized local tips to help you make the most of Longueuil and its surroundings.
• The exact choice of the room you want, with check-in/check-out times adapted to your needs.
• Full transparency on fees, with no hidden commissions.
• Options for extended stays or special packages, sometimes exclusive to the official website.
• Consideration of your specific needs, such as allergies or personal preferences.

By booking directly, you support small accommodations and enjoy an authentic, warm experience.

At Le Refuge du Poète, booking on our official website guarantees you the best price, maximum flexibility, and personalized hospitality.

For any questions about our rooms or reservations, we are available to answer you directly and help plan your stay.
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👉 Discover our rooms and book here

​Hotels offer spacious, modern rooms with private bathrooms and a front desk available. Ideal for business travelers or those seeking a practical and efficient stay. The atmosphere is often more impersonal, but the comfort is consistent.

​Motels appeal with their price and convenience. They provide the essentials: bed, bathroom, and parking. A simple option for one night or a short stay, though quality may vary.

​Airbnb rentals provide an entire home and more autonomy. They are flexible but often without personalized welcome or included breakfast. Perfect for independent travelers, though less culturally immersive.

​B&Bs offer an intimate and personal experience. With a limited number of rooms and homemade breakfasts, they allow guests to discover the local culture in a warm setting.

​This is the case of Le Refuge du Poète, in the heart of Old Longueuil. Housed in a Canadian home from 1854, this historically charming B&B offers a friendly welcome, carefully prepared breakfasts, and an authentic immersion in Québécois culture. Here, the journey begins the moment you step through the door.