“The area AROUND THE
CHATEAU is full of authentic CHARM, with SHOPS, ART galleries &
wonderful RESTAURANTS”
Quebec Most of all, though, this is a city that invites
casual wandering and chance discoveries. Easy to negotiate on foot or by the efficient Metro system, it positively welcomes visitors with that sense of Old Europe in a New World setting. Vive la difference, in all its glory!
QUEBEC CITY The old and new also mingle comfortably in the oldest European colony in Canada. Founded in 1608, the accents of France and England provide a unique cultural mix that adds up to its reputation as the country’s most romantic city. The only fully fortified city in North America, Quebec was declared an international heritage site by UNESCO in 1985 and its history today is evoked by the many old churches, stolid, stone-built houses, fortifications and the cannons that still sit along the walls and roads. Iconic Chateau Frontenac – nowadays one of the fine resorts in the five-star Fairmont Hotels collection – looms over the city like the fortress it actually isn’t (although it is still well worth a look), providing an architectural link to the cliff-top fort of La Citadelle, the real old military heart of Quebec, with daily tours and an excellent museum. The area surrounding the Chateau is full of authentic charm, with shops, art galleries and some wonderful restaurants – notably Le Pain Beni, where the region’s own cuisine is one of the highlights. Locals insist it is impossible to get a bad meal here and, just ‘window-shopping’ the many well-dis- played menus, it is hard to disagree!
Return down the hill via the funicular railway to the Old Port and the Place-Royale is another key area to demand your attention with its shops and cafes. Stop by the Notre Dame Cathedral and marvel at the 18th
century architecture, then visit
the atmospheric Interpretive Centre telling the full story of the city. The innovative Musée de la Civilisation adds even more historic detail, while the nearby cobblestone streets of Quartier de Champlain are a true delight to explore. Once you have enjoyed the sights of the city, head out to discover a natural wonder. Montmo- rency Falls is barely 30 minutes away and features the highest falls in North America, a 275ft torrent that is magnificently fringed with autumn colour. Take the cable car to the top and walk above the falls on the suspension bridge. On a fine day, the views of the St Lawrence here are simply superb. All in all, the two cities provide a wonderful
contrast of large and small-scale; historic and modern; authentic charm and contemporary delights (especially in the many restaurants). Montreal boasts more, but Quebec is possibly a more profound experience. And, with both being so accessible for cruise passengers, they offer, per- haps, the ultimate in value – no shore excursions required!
MORE INFO: look up the excellent websites of Tourism Montreal –
www.tourisme-montreal.org – and Bonjour Quebec,
www.bonjourquebec.com, for all the details of any visit to either city, plus
www.cruisesaintlawrence.com and
www.quebecregion.com.
Summer 2011 I WORLD OF CRUISING
77
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