The Vaulted Cellar of Maison Pagé-Quercy

The vaulted cellar of Maison Pagé-Quercy is integrated in one of the exhibition room of the Musée de la civilisation. It is part of the 27 vaults of Place-Royale, which are some of the city’s oldest and most beautiful structures. There are over 65 residential vaulted cellars in Québec City, most of which were built in the 18th Century under the French regime. This one in particular is the last remnant of a house built between 1695 and 1713 by merchant Guillaume Pagé, known as Quercy.

Vaulted cellars were used in the 18th Century to conserve perishable foodstuffs, including wine, beer, rum, spirits, vinegar, oil, butter, cheese, salt pork, salted salmon, moose meat, fruits, vegetables, and more. The constant cool temperature (14°–15°C) and humidity were ideal for storing these provisions.

These stone cellars also provided protection against fires, burglars, and even bombardments. They also helped insulate the house from basement moisture and reinforced the floor on the ground level.