A spring city getaway: shake off the winter blues!

Looking for a unique activity to start with? Immersia Laval! 

Once again, a first for me! I’d never had the chance to do an escape room before… But let me tell you, this won’t be the last time! The scenarios offered by Immersia all looked just as fun as , but the one I tried, “The Game Show,” REALLY blew me away.

Since I don't want to ruin the punch, I reveal all the details, but I can guarantee that my brain cells got a good workout after finally MANAGING to escape : I was sweating! What a sense of pride to walk out of the room when there are only a few minutes left on the clock, phew!!! I highly recommend to check it out— it’s the perfect opportunity to work as a team while having a blast fun!

Where to have dinner? At Gatto Matto! 

If you’d like to continue your getaway in style, you should definitely head to Gatto Matto for dinner! This restaurant has been one of my favorites ever since it opened. Once again, the decor is charming and vintage decor adds a little something extra to make the experience even better! The cocktail menu: a MUST-SEE, as many are unique creations and frankly delicious.

If you're having trouble deciding among all the options, let me help you choose: for the appetizer, the grilled octopus is simply stunning! And what about the tuna tartare? Oh, my, god. Next, you can choose between pasta and pizza (and many other options, of course!). Paired with a good glass of wine, you’re sure to be satisfied! I had a real crush, though, on the ravioli stuffed with ricotta and goat cheese, served with wild mushrooms and a creamy port sauce. Sorry, excuse me, but this dish is to die for!!

Where to stay? At the Grand Times Hotel

It was just me who had never set foot in this gorgeous hotel? WOW! As soon as I walked into the lobby, I felt like I was somewhere else: luxurious and imposing decor, a modern and artsy—we love it! It’s actually the perfect place to play the jet-set for a night or two. The hotel is the newest in the , and it also features a pool and a gym available!

The Vertige King suite is absolutely stun-ding. It feels feels like you’re in New York with the view of the city and the in the bedroom! The modern, cozy decor creates the perfect atmosphere for rest and relaxation. A well-deserved good night’s sleep!

Where should we have lunch? At Café Ricardo! 

In addition to having a charming gift shop, Café Ricardo is the perfect blend of a cute little café and a delicious brunch for brunch !! The menu options are truly one-of-a-kind, and that’s what makes this place so unique. We got to try a savory waffle with confit duck (!!!) and a croque-madame with mushrooms & porchetta. One word: DIVINE! With a salted caramel latte in hand, I was absolutely thrilled to discover this restaurant!

Finally, we’re getting active at Le Crux climbing gym! 

Don't be put off by the title—the Le Crux climbing center in Laval isn’t just for route climbing—it’s actually a bouldering gym. This huge space is designed to welcome anyone who wants to try climbing for the first time or even train for competitions, including those who are quite a bit more experienced. 

Since I’m a complete beginner myself, we got a guided tour from one of the owners, Jean François. It was actually really helpful for getting a better understanding of this sport, which is still pretty unknown! People often mistakenly believe you have to be in SUPERRRR shape to get started with bouldering, but that’s not true! Of course, technique takes practice, but some “routes” are easier than others. The V0, V1, and V2 routes are perfect for taking it slow while having fun.

I’d like to share with you some words from Jean-François that I found particularly insightful!

“Bouldering is both an individual and a social sport. Everyone is there to help and encourage one another, while at the same time working on their own to beat their personal bests. It’s a great way to push yourself while sharing tips with other enthusiasts!”

We often forget that you can get a change of scenery without going *that* far! The next time you feel like taking a little getaway, think LAVAL ☺