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Les Belles Histoires des pays d'en haut

Les Belles Histoires des pays d'en haut est un téléroman québécois créé par Claude-Henri Grignon et diffusé à Radio-Canada de 1956 à 1970.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Les Belles Histoires des pays d'en haut was a Quebecois téléroman created by Claude-Henri Grignon and broadcast on Radio-Canada from October 8, 1956, to June 1, 1970. Based on Grignon's novel Un homme et son péché, the series consisted of 495 episodes over 14 seasons, making it one of the longest-running téléromans in Canadian television history.

Origin

The series was created by Claude-Henri Grignon, adapted from his own novel Un homme et son péché. It was produced in Quebec for Radio-Canada and first aired in 1956.

Synopsis

Set in the village of Sainte-Adèle in the Laurentians, the storyline follows characters Séraphin Poudrier, Donalda, and Alexis Labranche amid themes of colonization and local power dynamics.

Broadcast and format

Initially presented in 30-minute episodes, the series later switched to 60-minute episodes. It spanned 14 seasons and 495 episodes from 1956 to 1970.

Cultural significance

Often cited as a landmark téléroman in Quebec television, the series continued to be rebroadcast for many years after its original production ended. It is considered a major work in the history of both Quebec and Canadian television.

Key facts

  • The series is a television adaptation of Claude-Henri Grignon's novel Un homme et son péché.
  • It aired for 14 seasons on Radio-Canada from 1956 to 1970.
  • With 495 episodes, it is one of the longest-running téléromans in Canadian television history.
  • The story is set in the village of Sainte-Adèle, Quebec.
  • The series is associated with the development of the téléroman format in Quebec and Canada.
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Canadian context

C’est une œuvre majeure de l’histoire de la télévision québécoise et canadienne, diffusée à Radio-Canada et liée à l’évolution du téléroman au Canada.[2][3]

Frequently asked questions

Who created Les Belles Histoires des pays d'en haut?
Claude-Henri Grignon created the series based on his novel Un homme et son péché.
When was the series broadcast?
It aired on Radio-Canada from October 8, 1956, to June 1, 1970.
How many episodes does the series have?
The series has 495 episodes across 14 seasons.
Where does the story take place?
The story is primarily set in Sainte-Adèle, Quebec.
What is the genre of the series?
It is a Quebecois téléroman, often classified as a historical drama.

References

  1. Wikipédia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Belles_Histoires_des_pays_d'en_haut
    Supports: Création, genre, pays d'origine, chaîne d'origine, nombre de saisons et d'épisodes, durée, dates de diffusion, synopsis général.
  2. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/ca/show/les-belles-histoires-des-pays-den-haut/umc.cmc.4neqoj7dcq3s1t00qfxi8f34l
    Supports: Dates de diffusion, nombre d'épisodes, statut de série marquante et diffusion sur Radio-Canada.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/fr/title/tt0188316/
    Supports: Genre, période de diffusion et cadre historique de la série.
  4. Qui Joue Qui ? — https://quijouequi.com/emissions/les-belles-histoires-des-pays-d-en-haut
    Supports: Intrigue, personnages principaux et déroulement de l’action à Sainte-Adèle.