Audio path Diabolus ex machina

Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Take part in this original tour that will take you from the blast furnace to the banks of the Saint-Maurice River.

No access

For safety and conservation reasons, the industrial valley area between the upper and lower forges and the trails in this area are closed. The trails leading to the Saint-Maurice River are also closed. Thank you for your cooperation.

The Diabolus ex machina outdoor activity is not available due to the temporary closure of the trails.

Created by multidisciplinary artist Fred Pellerin, the 14 stations with sound capsules along the Diabolus ex machina audio path (which he also narrates!) plunge you into the fascinating world of the Forges through the playful lenses of the storyteller straight from Saint-Élie-de-Caxton, in the Mauricie region.

Along the way, you'll see visual markers that indicate the optimal location to start each sound capsule.

Feel free to plan some time before or after your tour to enjoy the various attractions offered on the site.

Infographic of diabolus: a black cat in front of the bass forge and a fire evoking the hand of the devil

Audience: adults and children aged 12 and over

Length: approx. 90 minutes, including walking distance of approx. 1 km

Schedule and reservation: several time slots are available between 10:30 am and 5:00 pm. The last departure is at 3:30 pm. Reservations are best made on the Thepointofsale.com website.

Fees: current prices on the Fees page

Location: the loan of portable audio devices and payment of fees take place at the Grande Maison reception desk, but the tour takes place outdoors.

Audio language offered: French only (English transcription available on request)

Accessibility: the 14 stations are located outdoors on grassy areas and along asphalt or gravel paths with a 125-step staircase and a gradient of around 10%. The audio capsules can be listened to on a bench in the Grande Maison or outside. The path includes a number of outdoor benches for resting. The stations feature audio capsules with narration and audio information in French, as well as interpretation panels with information to read. Magnetic induction loops (M.I.L.s) are available on request and can be connected to the Diabolus ex machina portable audio devices.


Useful information

Listening options

Two listening options are available, but it's best to borrow a portable audio device from the Grande Maison reception desk.

Copyrights are important. Please respect the creation offered to you and do not distribute the access code to others. We're counting on your cooperation!

1. Portable audio device (audioguide) loan

It is possible to borrow a portable audio device at no extra cost. An adapter allows two headsets to be connected to a single unit.

Since they are available in limited numbers and to allow for disinfection after use, the device is loaned for a period of 90 minutes.

2. Parks Canada National Mobile App

Parks Canada National App


By downloading the free Parks Canada National App app onto your smart device, you can enjoy the activity at your own pace. Please note that the historic site does not have Wi-Fi and that the cellular networks are sometimes unstable on the path so be sure to download the app before arriving at the site.

Once downloaded, the app works offline.

On site, after you pay the activity fee, we will give you the code of the day that will allow you to unlock the contents. Note that there is a 2MB download left once the audio path is unlocked with the code of the day.

*Bring your own personal headphones for an optimal experience.

*The transcript of the capsules is available through the app.

Tips

To get the most out of the experience, it is recommended that you:

  • Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time.
  • Have your headphones and smartphone or smart device charged.
  • Bring a bottle of water.
  • Wear shoes for walking and adequate clothing according to the expected temperature.

Audio excerpt from Diabolus ex machina

Listen to an excerpt from audio capsule 1 of Diabolus ex machina, an audio path by Fred Pellerin.

Transcription of excerpt (both in French (original version) and English (Transcription of the excerpt in the original French language)

[ Voice of Fred Pellerin ]
J'ai lu au moins deux mille pages
Puis j'ai consulté des historiens
J'ai flâné dans des rumeurs
J'ai jasé avec des spécialistes, avec des gens du coin puis de la région
Puis j'ai gratté, puis j'ai fouillé
Puis j'ai découvert des personnages
Puis des revirements de situations...
L'histoire des Forges est bien plus grande que celle que je pensais connaître !...
[ Traditional violin music] (Transcription of the excerpt translated from the original French into English)

[ Voice of Fred Pellerin ]
I’ve read over 2000 pages
I’ve met with historians
I’ve delved into rumours
I’ve talked to specialists and locals
I’ve dug deep, I’ve snooped
I discovered characters
Reversals of fortune
The history of the Forges is way bigger than I thought! [ Traditional violin music]

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