Québec: Symphony of a new world
For four centuries, the single walled city in North America, the capital of the Belle Province (three times the size of the France) is the cradle of French civilization. Named "kébec", at first by the améridiens, which means "there where the river narrows", this city cultivates paradoxes, offering an indefinable charm linked to its history, its walls, its citadel, its steep streets, with its mosaic of influences and its two French and British legacies.
Joie de Vivre and spontaneity: two essential Quebecer qualities
In 2008 the city celebrated its 400th anniversary. It was then that Champlain built his first «habitation». What strikes in the first place is the spontaneity of the habitants of Quebec, the warm welcome, the collective spirit, everywhere you're received with kindness and smiles. Very patriotic, their Province and their city come first. They are not individualistic. Here solidarity prevails above all. It is very pleasant to walk, stop anywhere and be welcomed with a big smile and their traditional "welcome" or "with pleasure". The French heritage is clearly present, with French as the predominating language.
The Château Frontenac in Québec, an institution
Québec is a great destination for a long weekend trip. First stop at the Château de Frontenac, a real institution. Built in 1893, this luxury hotel hosted a large number of crowned heads and famous people. Take a stroll through the maze of the small streets of the old town or walk along Saint Paul's Street with its warehouses of grains and spices and dine (at any time) in any pub or restaurant. I suggest you go to Cochon Dingue, 46 bld Champlain, a simple restaurant with paper tablecloths, with copious salads, mussels and Chinese paté (a Quebec specialty, made of minced meat, potatoes and spices) on the menu. Don't forget to make the ferry boat crossing on the St. Lawrence River when it’s frozen in winter, you have great views of the town and the Château Frontenac. This 20 min trip is quite an adventure, because the boat makes its way through impressive blocks of ice.
Charming alleys, history everywhere
With children, go to the Musée de la Civilisation. Inaugurated in 1998, this cultural complex hosts temporary exhibitions and permanent collections, including "Le Temps des Québecois", interesting and educational. Go back in history to the cradle of French civilization in the heart of the French Quebec, "le quartier Place Royale". The small houses were restored in the 17th century style. The alleys are lively and original shops have emerged here. The church “Notre Dame des Victoires” and La Place Royale with their 400 years of history are the oldest in North America. Nice to know that it was here that the scene from the movie "catch me if you can" with Tom Hanks was filmed. In the middle of the square thrones a bust of Louis XIV, to recall the arrival and domination of the French between 1608 and 1758. At a short distance you will find “la Place de Paris” with a 6-metre white cubic sculpture by the French artist, Jean-Pierre Raynaud, entitled "Dialogue with history". The work was donated in 1987 by Jacques Chirac and kindly nicknamed "Le Colosse" by Quebecers.
Quebec: the place to shop
After a bit of shopping in the Samuel Champlain area, and especially after having tasted a maple syrup lollipop in one of the small sugar cabins- not to be missed – take the funicular, existing since 1879 and at the time operating with steam, to go up to the upper town. Here you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence Riiver. On the plateau you will find the Château Frontenac and Saint Jean Street for a little shopping. There are quite a number of nice shops, including Harricana, a brand that recycles fur and offers vintage fur-based products. Their products are quite expensive, but interesting. Quebec City, with its disturbing charm, is a wonderful prelude to the New World Symphony not to be missed.
