Richmond

Richmond is a heritage town of 3,259 residents (2021 census) in the MRC du Val-Saint-François, on the Saint-François River in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. At the crossroads of Highway 55 and routes 116, 143 and 243, it is about 30 minutes from both Sherbrooke and Drummondville and about an hour and a half from Montreal. It appeals to families, retirees and lovers of older homes.

Living in Richmond

The MRC describes it as the most bilingual municipality in the Eastern Townships, and you can feel it. École du Plein-Cœur and St. Francis Elementary serve elementary students, and Richmond Regional High School offers high school in English. The CLSC (local community health centre) and a family medicine group share a location on rue Barlow. The year is punctuated by the Mousquiri tournament, held since 1964, Irish Month in March and the September agricultural fair, held just outside town.

Outdoors and nature in Richmond

Parc Gouin, at 44 hectares, is the largest urban forest in the MRC, with a 2 km loop, and Parc Richard-Arsenault runs along the Saint-François. In summer, Canot-kayak Richmond offers trips down the river. La Cantonnière cycling network links Richmond to Windsor via the Sentier de la Rive (25 km) and to Cleveland via the Sentier de la Vallée. In winter, the Centre de ski de fond Richmond-Melbourne grooms 42 km of trails close by.

Culture and local flavours

Richmond has the highest concentration of slate roofs in Estrie and an English quarter rich in 19th-century homes. The Centre d’interprétation de l’ardoise occupies an 1889 church covered in slate, and the Centre d’art de Richmond, in the former Mont Saint-Patrice convent, welcomes renowned Quebec artists. At the table, the town lists, among others, La Vieille Gare restaurant, set in the old train station, La Desserte bakery and pastry shop, and Fromagerie Le Campagnard.

Real estate in Richmond

The housing stock stands out for its Victorian homes and 19th-century residences, often topped with slate, alongside newer single-family homes, plexes and properties near the river. Heritage lovers, bilingual families and retirees find character homes within walking distance of services. The value of an older home depends on its condition, the authenticity of its materials and its location. Have the inspection done by a professional experienced with older buildings.

Frequently asked questions about Richmond

Is Richmond a good place to live?

Richmond appeals to people looking for a small bilingual town with a rich heritage, with schools, a CLSC, an art centre and trails on site, about 30 minutes from Sherbrooke.

How far is Richmond from Sherbrooke?

Richmond is about 40 km from Sherbrooke via Highway 55, roughly 30 minutes. Montreal is about an hour and a half away.

Why are there so many slate roofs in Richmond?

Richmond is part of the Pays de l’ardoise (slate country), an area shaped by the quarrying of this stone. The town has the highest concentration of slate roofs in Estrie, and the Centre d’interprétation de l’ardoise tells that story.

Has a character home in Richmond caught your eye, or are you thinking of selling yours? See our properties for sale, request a free home estimate or talk to a broker at BEAU, the real estate team.

Photo: Fralambert (Wikimedia Commons user), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons