Le Pays de la Sagouine

Experience Acadian Magic at Le Pays de la Sagouine

Nestled in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, Le Pays de la Sagouine is a vibrant cultural village that celebrates the richness of Acadian heritage. Founded in 1992 by renowned Acadian author Antonine Maillet, the village is inspired by her iconic literary character, La Sagouine—a witty, sharp-tongued washerwoman who embodies the resilience, humor, and spirit of the Acadian people. Set on the picturesque Île-aux-Puces, accessible via a wooden boardwalk, this immersive destination brings Acadian stories to life through theatre, music, cuisine, and culture.

What to Expect

🔹 Immersive Performances
Professional actors portray characters from Maillet’s stories through engaging monologues and skits that depict Acadian life, often accompanied by traditional music and storytelling.

🔹 Authentic Acadian Cuisine
Savor the culture at L’Ordre du Bon Temps, the on-site restaurant offering regional specialties such as fricot—a hearty Acadian chicken stew—along with other beloved traditional dishes.

🔹 Theatrical and Musical Shows
Enjoy a diverse lineup of live performances, including plays and musical acts that reflect the enduring traditions and joyful spirit of the Acadian community.

🔹 Akadi Lumina
Inaugurated in August 2023, Akadi Lumina is a magical 1.5 km nighttime forest trail featuring interactive light installations, soundscapes, and poetic storytelling. Created by Montreal’s Moment Factory, it is the first Lumina experience in Atlantic Canada—a multisensory celebration of Acadian culture under the stars.

Île-aux-Puces: The Heart of the Experience

Île-aux-Puces—which translates from French as “Flea Island”—is the small island that serves as the scenic and symbolic setting for Le Pays de la Sagouine. The name, while playful, reflects Acadian humor and folklore.

Key Facts:

• Location: Situated in Bouctouche Bay, the island is connected to the mainland by a charming wooden boardwalk.
• Cultural Role: It hosts the theatrical village of Le Pays de la Sagouine, bringing Antonine Maillet’s stories to life in a recreated Acadian setting.
• Natural Setting: Surrounded by water and marshland, the island offers a stunning, immersive environment that enhances the storytelling experience.
• Symbolism: It serves as a bridge between past and present, uniting tradition with contemporary interpretation of Acadian culture.

The Visionary Behind It All: Antonine Maillet (1929–2025)

Born in Bouctouche, Antonine Maillet was a groundbreaking novelist, playwright, and scholar who elevated Acadian voices on the world stage. With academic degrees from Collège Notre-Dame d’Acadie, Université de Moncton, and a PhD in literature from Université Laval, her scholarly work focused on Acadian linguistics and folklore.

Her 1971 play La Sagouine became a cultural landmark, written in Chiac—a blend of Acadian French and English—to authentically portray the voice of rural Acadians. Her 1979 novel Pélagie-la-Charrette, which won the prestigious Prix Goncourt, tells the powerful story of Acadian exiles returning to their homeland—blending historical narrative with poetic vision.

Throughout her life, Maillet earned numerous accolades, including being named a Companion of the Order of Canada and receiving the Lorne Pierce Medal from the Royal Society of Canada. She passed away peacefully in 2025 at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of cultural pride and literary brilliance.

La Sagouine: A Voice of a People

🔹 Who is La Sagouine?

La Sagouine is a fictional Acadian washerwoman—a humble, candid, and clever character who speaks openly about life, hardship, politics, and faith. Through her monologues, she reveals the thoughts and wisdom of everyday Acadians, shedding light on their struggles, values, and humor.

🔹 Origins

• First Appearance: In the 1971 play La Sagouine by Antonine Maillet.
• Language: Written in Chiac, capturing the authentic voice of rural Acadians.
• Format: A series of 16 monologues, each blending philosophical insight with folk humor.

🔹 Cultural Significance

• La Sagouine gave a voice to a community whose stories had long been overlooked.
• She helped legitimize Acadian dialect and identity in literature and theatre.
• The role was famously performed for decades by Viola Léger, who became synonymous with the character.

🔹 Enduring Legacy

• Le Pays de la Sagouine was built in her honor, offering an immersive way to experience the world Maillet created.
• Today, La Sagouine remains a cornerstone of Acadian and Canadian literature—often compared to Shakespearean characters for her depth and cultural commentary.

Le Pays de la Sagouine and Akadi Lumina stand as living tributes to Antonine Maillet’s extraordinary vision—inviting visitors to celebrate, reflect, and immerse themselves in the unforgettable magic of Acadie.