Parlez-vous francois? - Canadian Style

Want to experience Paris without crossing the "pond"?  Think Canada, especially Quebec.  For about $500/person and in less than 2 hours, you are transported 400 years into the past and start your very French experience.

The heart of this province is Quebec City a vibrant capital city, filled with historic sites and a thriving arts and culture scene. Set along the St. Lawrence River, the city received its name from an Algonquin word "Kebec", meaning "where the river narrows."  The city is the second-oldest existing European settlement in Canada. This historic city is divided in two by steep bluffs into Upper Town?which includes the old quarter?and Lower Town. Perched atop Cap-Diamant, the old quarter is the only walled city in North America.   It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and millions of visitors flock to this cultural Mecca to obtain a glimpse into the history of New France. 

French culture is prominent in the city and most of the population is French speaking, while most people in the tourist industry also speak English.

Upper Town
Enclosed by fortification walls, with century-old buildings, the Upper Town creates a historic feel and charm. Here you can find the famous Quebec City landmarks, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac as well as Basilique Notre-dame-deQuebec and the Musee de l'Amerique Francaise. Many small hotels and inns can be found within the walls of Upper Town. They are mostly family-run establishments that offer breakfast and if you can share  a bathroom, prices are lower.

Lower Town
As the river brought them here, Lower Town is the oldest neighborhood in North America, the beginnings of New France. Popular spots include the attractive restored square, Place Royale, once used as the public forum and market, Notre-dame-des-Victoires (Our Lady of Victories) and the Museum of Civilization. Tour the boardwalks of Quebec's Old Port (Vieux-Port).

A funicular connects Lower and Upper Town but if you're in shape for it, take the take the steep and climbing streets of Cote de la Montagne and Escalier Casse-Cou.  You'll be ready for a good meal by the time you get to upper town.

In general, the large chain hotels and motels are found outside the city walls and are more expensive but what Americans are use to. Public transportation connects these districts to tourist attractions found in the historic older area of the city.

Got more than a quick weekend, than you have to go outside the city to Ile d'Orleans Discovered by Jaques Cartier in 1535, Ile d'Orleans?as its French name implies?is an island in the Saint Lawrence River, just 5 km (3 mi) from Quebec City. Home to six distinct villages, the island measures 34 km (21 mi) long by 8 km (5 mi) wide and can be accessed by the Pont de I'lle Bridge and its main road, Chemin Royal.

Originally named the "Island of Bacchus" for its wild grape vines, its fertile soil first led settlers of New France to the island in the 1600s, followed by a thriving shipbuilding industry in the 1700s. Over 20 shipyards on the island produced 300 to 400 boats annually and this rich maritime history is illustrated in the old Saint-Laurent Village Shipyard, which is now the Parc Maritime de Saint-Laurent. Its early beginnings as a farming centre have not faded away, however. Today, the island continues to bear grapes and is host to several vineyards, orchards and farm shops. And amongst its many historic buildings are some 18th and 19th century bakeries, which are still in operation and form an integral part of Quebec's cultural heritage.  Well worth the day trip from Quebec City.

But wait, there's one more place to visit. Levis. Situated on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River opposite Quebec City( take the ferry across), the area around the City of Levis, Quebec, was originally settled by Europeans in the early 17th century and was occupied by native Indians for thousands of years previous. History and culture abound in this city and lucky visitors have the opportunity to experience both. First explore the neighborhood of Le Vieux-Levis (Old Levis), which features historic homes like Maison Alphonse-Desjardins and Maison Natale de Louis Frechette, as well as Fort Levis National Historic Site of Canada, constructed in the 19th century to protect Canada from potential American invasions (if there's a fort, I'm there!).To get a quick view of all the best spots, hop on a shuttle bus tour and let guides lead the way and admire works by local artists at one of the city's four art galleries.

So there you have!  The history, culture and culinary delights of France right next door.  This summer save time and money while visiting Quebec City.

                                    Patrick Barney
                                    4 More Travel
                                    703-490-9777
                                    pbarney@4moretravel.com