New owners modernize vintage Richelieu inn

Les Trois Tilleuls Htel & Spa, on the banks of the Richelieu River, has been a go-to destination for bon vivants for 40 years.

French gastronomy, rare vintage liquor and indulgent spa treatments have defined the high life at this rambling, upscale waterfront inn, so popular for romantic sojourns, sunset weddings and other celebrations. But four decades is a long time to party, and la belle vie has taken its toll. Its high time for a facelift and a fresh direction.

Say no more. Enter the new owners, Michel Barrette, comedian, actor and Radio-Canada host, and his partner, real estate entrepreneur David Sepulchre, who are giving Les Trois Tilleuls a fabulous second debut.

Contemporary new look

Its curtains for the dowdy drapes. Say sayonara to ruffles and doilies. We bid adieu to dated French bedroom sets, wave farewell to faded carpets and say toodle-oo to tables of rustic pine.

Les Trois Tilleuls new look is clean, crisp and contemporary. The lobby, bar and dining room have been redecorated with cool taupe leather seating, natural wood floors and pure white walls. New glass patio doors let in the light and broaden the mesmerizing river views.

Life has moved outdoors too, while there still is fine weather. Sepulchre and Barrette are betting on an endless summer, with a new large deck shaded by colourful patio umbrellas and overlooking gardens and tinkling fountains. They have even added a chic outdoor living room, with sofas for lounging and gauzy fabric separating each space for privacy.

It wouldnt be an authentic Richelieu River scene without a lot of leisure boats, so Tilleuls has added a 20-slip marina. Thats right you can power up your yacht or paddle your canoe and stop in for lunch.

Food and drink

We still represent the high life, said Barrette, who lives across the street from the inn, was married there and has been a regular client, but we have introduced affordable options.

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New owners modernize vintage Richelieu inn