You don't have to venture far outside Old Quebec before you are into authentic rural Quebec and the Île d'Orléans (Island of Orleans) is a perfect example. Accessed by bridge the island is only about 20 minutes by car from downtown Quebec City, but a visit here is one of the best ways to get a feel for traditional life in rural Quebec. Orchards, wineries, bakeries, chocolatiers, art galleries, restaurants, inns, centuries-old homes and old stone churches dot the road that rings the island. Île d'Orléans is made up of six small villages that have sought over the years to retain their identities. The bridge to the mainland was built in 1935, and in 1970 the island was declared a historic area to protect it from most sorts of development.