Quebec City - Canada
Quebec City: The French Cradle
Quebec City, the cradle of French civilisation in America. Its architecture and urban landscapes bear witness to the historical role Quebec has played as capital under the French, British, and Canadian regimes. As a strategic stronghold for almost three centuries, Quebec has conserved the principal features of its ancient defence system and is the only city in North America still surrounded by its authentic fortified walls.
Strolling the streets of Old Quebec is like journeying back in time. The eminently walkable walled city has a unique European feel and is extraordinarily well preserved after 400 years. The 700 metre boardwalk, Dufferin Terrace and fairytale like Chateau Frontenac are two attractions that never cease to amaze visitors and locals alike, offering spellbinding views of the river and the surrounding landscapes.
The narrow streets leading to Dufferin Terrace and Chateau Frontenac are oozing with charm and cachet, and are well worth taking the time to explore. Rue Saint-Loius and rue Sainte-Anne are lined with renowned restaurants and delightful boutiques. Rue du Tresor doubles as an outdoor art gallery. Nestled between Chateau Frontenac and Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral, it attracts a host of artists who display their work on the walls lining the narrow street.
Wandering the picturesque pedestrian streets of the Petit-Champlain district and stopping to explore Place Royale is like stepping back in time to the earliest days of Québec City. The two- and three-storey plastered stone homes with their dormer windows, gabled roofs, large chimneys and party walls rising above the rooftops to act as firewalls are all typical of the French architectural style of the time. It was the first permanent French settlement in North America.
Only a few steps from Place Royale the enormous Fresque des Québécois mural recounts the story of Québec City and pays homage to some fifteen historic figures and various authors and artists. A number of other frescos dot the city for visitors to admire.
Dominated by the majestic outline of the Parliament Building and graced by a splendid fountain in its forecourt, Parliament Hill exudes style and elegance. Fontaine de Tourny stands directly in front of the Parliament Building, where it inevitably draws the gaze of passersby with its 43 water jets and sculpted figures. The 7 meter high fountain is especially stunning when lit up at night.
The Plains of Abraham are to Québec City as Central Park is to New York—an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. The scene of many historic milestones over the centuries, the Plains today are the main-stage venue for headline cultural events. The Plains of Abraham were the site of the famous Battle of Québec in 1759, which saw the French and British troops face off in a fight for control of the city and the surrounding territory. The star shaped Citadelle remains guarded here and can be visited.
Montmorency Falls Park is just a few minutes from downtown Québec City. Take the cable car up the cliff to start the panoramic walking tour at the Manor, where are housed an interpretation centre, gift shop and restaurant. Follow the footpath along the top of the cliff to the suspended bridge, which affords a splendid view of the area. Keep walking along the path until you get to the staircase down the side of the cliff that will bring you to the foot of the falls.
Walk around the walled city and around every corner a piece of Québec City’s rich heritage awaits discovery.
