Storytelling by the fire has become an unmissable summer ritual in Trois-Rivières. Every summer, in the garden of the Manoir Boucher de Niverville, the Culture Trois-Rivières heritage team brings to life a timeless experience: gathering to hear stories. These moments of pure relaxation create a space where our storytellers share tales that offer new ways of understanding, perceiving, and connecting with history.
Firmly rooted in Culture 3R’s summer programming, Storytelling by the Fire is far from a new idea! It belongs to a much older heritage, the oral tradition of sharing knowledge and stories. To explore this further, we spoke with Alexandra Carignan, Head of Cultural and Civic Engagement at Culture 3R, to uncover the story behind the event and the intention that sparked its addition to the summer lineup.
Can you tell us about the origins of oral storytelling around the fire and what it meant for our ancestors?
Absolutely. The tradition of storytelling draws from a rich blend of heritage; both from our French roots in New France and from Indigenous cultures, where oral transmission was as powerful as it was wise. Among the French, gathering by the fire was a way for communities to share myths, legends, morals, and life lessons. For First Nations, storytelling also played a central role, both socially and educationally. Over time, and across generations, this tradition evolved into an art form that continues to unite and inspire us today.
Why did you choose the Manoir Boucher de Niverville as the setting for these storytelling nights?
It’s been over a decade since Storytelling by the Fire joined Culture 3R’s summer programming. Originally, the idea came about as an extension of the New France exhibition hosted at the Manoir Boucher de Niverville. During a team discussion, Jean-Philippe Marcotte proposed the concept and we instantly fell in love with it! It was a playful and original way to celebrate Quebecois culture. Since then, these storytelling nights have become a highly anticipated event, offering the unique experience of hearing stories under the stars, next to or within one of the oldest houses in Canada.
What value do you see in this initiative—for the audience and for preserving our heritage?
Storytelling by the Fire has become a downtown Trois-Rivières summer staple. And even as pricing has changed over time, we have made sure to keep this activity free. It’s our way of giving this historic site back to the people and using it to its fullest potential. The Manoir isn’t just a place of history, it’s a space that breathes the Trifluvian spirit and carries it forward. That’s the true richness of this initiative.
How does storytelling help keep our culture and local stories alive?
These evenings are both comforting and full of surprises. In recent years, we’ve expanded our programming to include more urban and contemporary tales. While storytelling is a long-standing classic of Quebec culture, it’s also an evolving art, one that naturally reinvents itself across generations. That’s why our current programming offers a delightful mix of classic and contemporary stories for everyone to enjoy.
One thing is certain: Storytelling by the Fire is here to stay! Art evolves, history too, and with them, our storytelling evenings continue to grow.
What should people expect from a storytelling evening?
There are countless ways to enjoy Storytelling by the Fire. When the weather’s nice, the evenings take place outdoors, in the garden. Guests are invited to bring their own chairs, or borrow one of ours. Whether you’re with friends or family, you just settle in and let yourself be transported through the rich worlds of the stories. It’s that simple. Everyone is welcome!
To make the experience even more unique, all stories are told in French — celebrating the beauty and richness of the French Canadian language that has carried these tales through generations.
If it rains, the event moves indoors to the Manoir, and reservations become essential since seating is limited.
Around the flames, summer after summer, memories are reignited through captivating stories! Interested in joining us? Visit the Activities section for upcoming dates and details.
Photo Credit: Étienne Boisvert
