Just call ahead, we'll be ready for you.
As proud descendants of Guillaume Couillard, this family perpetuated this distinguished name of New France in the centuries that followed. Since 1845, members of the direct lineage of the Couillard family have operated businesses in Rimouski. Generations later the tradition and the name have extended to Quebec City. Today, Couillard Fils and Cie are present in the hotel, restaurant and retail industries in the heart of historic Old Quebec.
A 4-star urban inn of 20 rooms in Quebec City, located at the intersection of two pedestrian streets in the centre of Old Quebec, facing the Chateau Frontenac and Holy Trinity cathedral. |
Located in the heart of Old Quebec, the Hotel Champlain stands out as the ultimate 3-star hotel, with spacious rooms, an eclectic decor with modern comfort. |
Located in the heart of Old Quebec City, in a XIXth century building, Hotel Jardin Ste-Anne has been welcoming travelers from all five continents since 1956. |
Our restaurant
While visiting the first French settlement in North America, a French culinary experience is a must. The Chez Jules French Brasserie, located on-site at the Auberge Place d’Armes, serves up tasty dishes focused on simplicity and authenticity of flavours. Whether you prefer the outdoor patio or interior dining room, relax and enjoy – your taste buds will think they are in Paris.
Our Family
The Couillard Fils and Cie was founded by Michelle Couillard-Doré and her sons Marc-Antoine and Vincent Doré. The company owns and operates six establishments in Old Quebec: The Auberge Place d’Armes, the Hotel Champlain, the Hotel Jardin Ste-Anne, Chez Jules French Brasserie, Saint-Chrême ice cream parlour, and Jules’ Creperie.
By acquiring the Auberge in 2003, the Couillard-Doré family returned to its roots, 400 years and 13 generations after their late grandfather Guillaume Couillard had been established in this same building.
The family then completely renovated each of its establishments and ensured the preservation of the ancestral features of each building. The hotels run by Couillard-Doré family stand out through their ability to meld the past with the present, conserving the innate heritage while adding the most up-to-date services.
Michelle Doré
President and Owner
A generous and energetic woman, Mrs. Doré has been successful since the beginning of her career. She was once a radio host and later worked in communications, marketing and public relations for close to 10 years. She affirmed her interest in tourism by developing the concept of group travel in Quebec as the editor of the journal The Official Group Travel Guide of the Association of Quebec Bus Owners (APAQ). Always on the lookout for new challenges, she embarked on the hotel business with the acquisition of a 2-star hotel which she transformed into an internationally renowned 4-star urban hotel that is highly rated on TripAdvisor. Soon after, she added a restaurant, Chez Jules French Brasserie, recognized today as one of the best tables in Quebec. She is at the head of Entreprise Couillard, Fils and Cie.
Mrs. Doré is the President of the Bagatelle Foundation, an organisation that promotes historical sites and heritage societies. She also held the position of President of the Quebec City Regional Hotel Association from 2013 to 2017. She is a board member of the Corporation of Tourism Industry of Quebec, and an active member of Skål International Quebec. In her influential roles she takes advantage of all forums to promote and showcase the heritage of Quebec City and to counteract illegal housing, among other issues. She was named Businesswoman of the Year in 2010 by the Quebec Association of Businesswomen, and was the recipient of the 2014 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Entrepreneurship category. She was involved for several years in the Gala des Grands Québecois of the Chamber of Commerce of Quebec.
It goes without saying that Mrs. Doré is a women of heart who channels all her energy into the causes and projects in which she believes with a genuine concern to develop, maintain and proliferate the rich heritage of Quebec City.
Marc-Antoine Doré
Co-Owner
The eldest son of Michelle Couillard-Doré, Marc-Antoine has had a long-time passion for tourism. As well as being a certified tour guide, he earned a university degree in philosophy and architecture. He is a member of the Quebec Association of Restauranteurs, and Skål International Quebec, and he has also been on the board of directors and various internal committees of the Commercial Development Corporation (SDC) of Old Quebec since 2013 where he is involved in the commercial development of the historic district of Old Quebec. An active member of the Artisans of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where Chez Jules’ affiliate creperie is established during the summer season, Marc-Antoine has extensive experience in the restaurant industry and has contributed to the vitality of Sainte-Anne Street since 2005.
Vincent Doré
General supply manager
The youngest son of Mrs. Doré, Vincent brings all of his strengths and skills to the table for the companies of Couillard, Fils and Cie. With his background in administration and computing, there is no lack of opportunities within the businesses to apply his knowledge. Vincent has a knack for remembering and knows better than anyone where everything can be found. Today, as General Supply Manager, he occupies a strategic position, ensuring that everything is available at a moment’s notice. Needless to say, this is a fundamental responsibility when ensuring the procurement of supplies for three hotels, a restaurant, a creperie and an ice cream parlour. He is as proud of his businesses as he is of his two young daughters with whom he spends a lot of his spare time. His integrity and his devotion are qualities that are highly valued in business transactions.
Thibaut Godicheau
General Manager - Hotels
Thibaut joined Couillard, Fils and Cie as General Manager of the hotels in 2015. He graduated with a diploma in Hotel Management in France and arrived in Quebec in 2009. Thibaut has held various positions at properties in Old Quebec. Since joining our team, he has been very involved with the Quebec Regional Hotel Association and Skål International Quebec.
Marie-Pierre Saint-Jean
Director of the 24 Saint-Anne
Smitten by the charm of Old Quebec since her arrival in 2014, she joined the team of Couillard, Fils and Cie in June of 2017. She brings with her a solid experience in business management that enables her to respond quickly to diverse issues. She continues to be involved in the historic district of Old Quebec through special company projects in conjunction with the Commercial Development Corporation of Old Quebec, in addition to helping out with some local burgeoning festivals.
Arnaud Thenot
Executive Chief
Jean-François Gilbert
Restaurant Manager
Cathy Girard
Service and social media
Lise Gagnon
Accounting and Management
Charles Bourgeault
Service et restauration
Benoit Gauthier
Christelle Regat-Barrell
Gabrielle Gleeton
Isabelle Barabé
Jean Frédéric
Marina Aussedat
Noëlle Mirouze
Pierre Laroche
Charles Collerette
Adjoint de Direction
Rosanne Gerry
Sarah Wagner
Our history
From yesterday to today, discover the key dates that shaped Couillard Fils et Cie in the historic heart of Old Quebec.
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1613
Guillaume Couillard settles in Nouvelle-France at 22 years old.
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1845
Creation of the first forefather store of the Couillard family in Rimouski.
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2003
Acquisition of what is now the Auberge Place d’Armes
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2006
Acquisition of the Fleur de Lys Hotel which becomes the Champlain Hotel.
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2012
Acquisition of the Jardin Ste-Anne Hotel
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2016
Brasserie Française Chez Jules becomes the new brand of the family’s restaurant.