At the end of the XVIIe century, nearly 1 Normans landed in Canada to settle there permanently. Among them, a certain Paul Bertrand dit St-Arnaud, a native of Verneuil-sur-Avre. His descendants in North America today number in the tens of thousands. Quebecers, far from us, but ultimately so close
The founders of New France
Explored from the end of the XNUMXth century, seeking a passage to India and China, the New World was a source of curiosity for Europeans. They see in it the opportunity for a new beginning, for riches or for adventures. Less than half of the 33 French people who made the trip decide to settle permanently. Those who remain become stem families and carry on their names in contemporary Canada.
Paul Bertrand, Samuel Champlain, Antoine Cano, Bishop François de Laval, Jean Leveneur… There are many from Normandy, Perche and Charente, to have inscribed their name in the history of French emigration to Canada.
Discover the territories from which hundreds of pioneers left in the XNUMXth century. Immerse yourself in this history, find the genealogical thread going back to your ancestors and visit the main sites retracing this epic. A website is dedicated to this theme: history, tours, genealogical research... Consult landsofourancestors.com
Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton hoists the colors of Quebec
The Cow and the Caribou Festival honors this historic link between France and Quebec. Since 2009, each summer, the city of Verneuil d'Avre and Iton has been keeping pace with the Belle Province by offering spectators numerous activities organized by the Association des Amis des Bertrand and Saint-Arnaud in France. Quebec flags adorn the facades, the singing Quebec accent resonates in the medieval alleys of the Norman city.
Artists close to the public
La Vache et le Caribou is one of the few festivals of its kind in France. Norman and Quebec artists are at the rendezvous. Whether they are comedians, storytellers, singers, directors ... the common thread is always the same: ultra-proximity. The artists are very present and do not hesitate to interact with the public.
Sharing and conviviality
It is about music, cinema, shows, conferences…
The Festival also gives pride of place to gastronomy with the organization of tastings during which the guests exchange their favorite recipes. Conferences and exhibitions are an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of our cousins across the Atlantic.
This festival, eagerly awaited each year, is a real moment of cultural exchange, fraternity and conviviality.
"Draw a log and come chat with us!" (take a chair and join us).