​For its 13th edition, the must-see Gardens of Light festival is illuminating the Montreal Botanical Garden from August 29 to November 2, 2025. This autumnal event is the result of a collaboration between Chinese artisans and Montreal teams who work behind the scenes to create a magical and enchanting spectacle.

​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.

​Hello to all lovers of good times and mornings that sing! At Le Refuge du Poète, we firmly believe that the most beautiful days begin with a moment of pure joy, a gourmet interlude that awakens the senses. Forget rushed routines and hurried mornings; with us, breakfast is an experience in itself.

​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.
​
Frédéric & Louise Vézina