The Mauvide-Genest Manor is one of the few remaining 18th-century manor houses in Quebec.
Our goal is to preserve and showcase this exceptional heritage through site access, personalized tours, and a diverse cultural program.
Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, this historic and architectural landmark is open to all and deeply rooted in the community of Île d’Orléans.
Originally from Tours, France, Jean Mauvide arrived in New France in 1720 as a simple ship’s surgeon. Charmed by the beauty of Île d’Orléans, he decided to settle there. In 1733, he married Marie-Anne Genest, daughter of the blacksmith in the parish of Saint-Jean. Together, they built their first house in 1734, which they enlarged for the first time in 1742.
Thanks to his business acumen, Jean Mauvide also became a successful merchant, which allowed him to acquire a share of the seigneury of Île d’Orléans in 1752. That same year, the house was enlarged again to create a residence befitting a seigneur, a manor house.
Jean Mauvide’s success, holding the titles of surgeon, merchant, and seigneur simultaneously, also rested on the unwavering support of his wife, Marie-Anne Genest, and his daughter, Marie-Anne Mauvide. During his absences, his wife managed the seigneury for several months, purchasing land, taking out loans, negotiating, and signing contracts. His eldest daughter, Marie-Anne Mauvide, signed legal documents on his behalf when he scaled back his seigneurial activities after the Conquest. The seigneury was later ceded to her husband, René-Amable Durocher, in 1779.
Jean Mauvide and Marie-Anne Genest had five children who reached adulthood, but none of them left descendants. In 1782, upon Jean Mauvide’s death, the Manor passed to their son, Laurent Mauvide, and his wife, also named Marie-Anne Genest. François-Marc Turcotte then took possession of the Manor, which remained in his family for several generations. In 1926, the property was sold to Judge Joseph-Camille Pouliot, a descendant of the Genest family. With his wife, Eugénie Lemieux, he dedicated himself to restoring the Manor to its former glory and transformed it into a “local history museum.” They hosted many prominent figures there, including politicians, artists, and members of royalty. Passed down through generations, the Manor remained in the Pouliot family until 1999, when it was purchased by the Mauvide-Genest Seigneury Development Corporation. The Manor was then restored to its 18th-century appearance and became an interpretation centre for the French seigneurial system. It became an accredited museum in 2023.
The Mauvide-Genest Manor, with its size and elegance, still testifies today, almost three hundred years later, to the ambition and success of the Mauvide-Genest couple. Learn more during your visit!
The Mauvide-Genest Manor Foundation works to preserve, enhance, and promote the Mauvide-Genest Manor, a listed heritage building recognized as being of national interest for its historical and architectural value. Its mission also includes maintaining a museum and interpretation centre dedicated to the seigneurial system of New France, open to the public, and offering museum, educational, cultural, and tourism activities. Finally, it contributes to the development, in partnership with the parish council that owns the property, of the St-Jean-de-l’Île-d’Orléans maritime cemetery.
Respect for heritage and
historical facts
Inclusive & Kéroul
certified experience
Guided tours, family and
seasonal activities
Community, volunteers, and cultural partners
General Manager: direction@manoirmauvidegenest.com
The Board of Directors:
President and Treasurer: Danielle Perreault
Vice-President: François Grenon
Secretary: Mélinda Caron
Observer: Luc Blouin, Municipality of St-Jean-de-l’Île-d’Orléans
Director: Benjamin Robinson-Chouinard
Director: Frédéric Déziel
Director: Louise M. Geoffrion
Director: Lise Létourneau
Director: David Rosentzeig
The Foundation also wishes to express its gratitude to all the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to preserving the Mauvide-Genest Manor. If you would like to get involved, please contact us at
info@manoirmauvidegenest.com or at 418-829-2630.
Association of Cultural Facilities of Île d’Orléans (RÉCI)
Fannie Massicotte
France Tellier
Claudia Tozzi
Sylvain Gauthier
Michelle et Xavier BUREAU
Christiane Dandois
Eric St-Marseille
Sarah-Eve Cossette
Marie-Hélène Frappier
The Mauvide-Genest Manor Foundation ensures the preservation of the site and the development of its cultural mission. Your support helps to keep this historic place alive.
