Merci la Vie: one of the best tables in the Laurentians

Ten years ago, Merci la vie built its first nest in Prévost. Since then, the address has moved to Piedmont to flourish and better pamper its clientele. Today, Merci la vie is far more than the small bakery it was in 2015: it has become a must-visit destination in the Laurentians, where you can always count on eating well.

Above all, Merci la vie is a love story. Before venturing into baking, Johanne Martineau was a speaker and relationship coach, and Albert Elbilia was an artistic director. Life’s ups and downs led this warm-hearted couple to open Merci la vie. Ever since, the success of the address has never wavered—what more is there to say than a simple “merci la vie!”

Standing strong through it all

Soon after opening, their Prévost space became too small for their growing operations. With limited room, the couple had to work out of an outdoor trailer to keep up with ever-increasing demand. Moving just a few kilometers north allowed Johanne and Albert to welcome guests more comfortably and push their culinary ideas even further. The new space is filled with light, warmth, and softness. It’s a minimalist setting that invites you to slow down, recharge, and appreciate life’s small pleasures.

In 2023, the space suffered a severe sewer backup that caused significant damage. Faced with the extent of the destruction, the duo decided to close their doors a few months later. When the news broke, the community was stunned at the thought of losing their beloved spot and rallied together to save Merci la vie. Thanks to a GoFundMe campaign and the collective effort of locals, Merci la vie survived—and came back stronger than ever.

A menu that takes your taste buds on a journey

At the entrance, a counter offers breads, pastries, and coffee to go. To the left, a vast open kitchen with large windows gives ample space to bakers and cooks alike. The dining room breathes with abundant natural light. Merci la vie also opens in the evening for private events—an option we highly recommend for a successful group gathering. In the summer, a beautiful terrace borders the restaurant.

We especially love Merci la vie for its exceptional brunches. The famous pancakes—whose flavors change with inspiration—are always a hit. We also have a huge soft spot for the Desayuno Español: cast-iron croissant, smoked speck from Viandes Bio de Charlevoix, two soft-boiled eggs, confit cherry tomatoes, Madrid sauce, fresh greens, Parmigiano shavings, and pine nuts. A generous, flavorful dish that leaves no one indifferent. At lunch, all their pitas are delicious. The menu evolves regularly, taking your palate from one continent to another.

Bread remains at the heart of Merci la vie’s offering, even though the address is much more than a bakery. The team prepares breads without commercial yeast or poolish, letting nature do its work, with fermentation periods ranging from 72 hours to as long as 10 days. Merci la vie’s primary mission is as clear as it is noble: “to nourish the body and the soul.” The pastries are just as exceptional—perfect to bring along for brunch at a friend’s place.

Johanne sums it up: “Here, the key word is love—love in the dishes, in how we prepare them, how we present them, and where the products come from. It’s important to recognize what the earth offers us and to return to what truly matters.” Merci la vie pays special attention to ingredient selection, prioritizing both their benefits and the quality of the products they work with.

In summer, soft-serve ice cream comes in pretty swirls—vanilla, strawberry, Mexican chocolate, creamsicle orange, and coffee. Year-round, pints of ice cream are always available to take home (a dream!).

Merci la vie for this little treasure of the Laurentians!

Written by Sophie Monkman
Photography by Alison Slattery

Updated on February 18, 2026

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