Historic Quebec is a lively scenic metropolis
The
first significant settlement in Canada, the French-inspired historic
district of Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Slate-roofed granite
houses surround the fabulous, romantic Chateau Frontenac, with sweeping
views of the scenic St Lawrence River below.
Vieux-Quebec, the old walled city, comprises two areas, Basse-Ville and
Haute-Ville. Both are almost entirely French-speaking, and very proud of
their French culture. Basse-Ville, the
original colony, located at the foot of Cap Diamant, is a burgeoning area
of cafés and boutiques, once the home to merchants, traders and boatmen.
Haute-Ville, fortified by walls and connected to Basse-Ville by
funicular, is particularly European in architecture and style. Pavement
cafés, horse-drawn carriages and cobbled streets prevail here.
As you wander through the gas-lit lanes of compact Haute-Ville, you may
come across an ancient convent and museum, and the nearly hidden,
partially star-shaped Citadelle - the largest group of fortified
buildings in North America, despite no shot having been fired here. Dufferin promenade at the height of the city affords majestic river and
mountain views.
The Basilique Notre-Dame is also worth a visit. Its interior, rebuilt
after a fire in 1922, is neo-Baroque in style and features paintings and
treasures from the French regime, its original exterior, built in 1647,
was largely reconstructed in 1771.
The majestic Chateau Frontenac, on Cap Diamant, is the city's iconic
landmark. A large-scale model of a Loire valley chateau, it can be seen
from nearly every quarter of the city.
If you visit this beautiful city in summer, take advantage of the free
concerts given at the stunning Parc des Champs-de-Botanic. This 108 ha
(270 acre) park has more than 5,000 trees, grassy mounds, monuments and
fountains, as well as the fantastic art museum, the Musee du Quebec. The
park is also home to the Plains of Abraham, where in 1759, General Wolfe
and the Marquis de Montcalm fought in the battle that ended French rule
in North America.
A short walk down the Breakneck Stairs is Basse-Ville's Rue Sousle-Fort.
From here you can head to the picturesque Place Royale, the heart of
seventeenth-century industry and commerce. While you are here, a visit to
the Musee de la Civilisation is a must.
