OLD QUÉBEC Tourist circuits to explore - Office du tourisme de ...

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OLD QUÉBEC Tourist circuits to explore - Office du tourisme de ...
regional overview OLD QUÉBEC AND THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS

 Tourist circuits to explore

 OLD QUÉBEC
 and the surrounding neighbourhoods

Old Québec,                                       Centre Infotouriste® de Québec
a UNESCO World Heritage Site                      The Centre Infotouriste® of Québec City is located at
Both the cradle of French civilization in North   12 rue Sainte-Anne, in the old Union Hotel, built in 1805.
                                                  Open daily, the Centre provides travellers with free
America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site,         tourism publications and information on all tourist
Old Québec constitutes the historical core        regions in the province of Québec.
of Québec City, the only walled city north
of Mexico. Old Québec’s past is everywhere        Place d’Armes
you turn: down each street and on each            During the French Regime, this area was called Grande
monument, site and building. The French and       Place. It was the most popular meeting place for military
English Regimes left their mark on this part      parades and public speaking events. A gothic style
of the city, which is still remarkably well-      fountain stands in the centre, above which you see the
preserved after 400 years.                        monument de la Foi, commemorating the 300th
                                                  anniversary of the arrival of the Recollet Fathers in 1615.
A stroll down the quaint, narrow streets will
be like a trip through time as you pass silent    Musée du Fort (museum)
witnesses to different aspects of the city’s      10, rue Sainte-Anne
architectural, religious and military history.    418-692-2175 • www.museedufort.com
As you explore Old Québec, you will become
acquainted with its most well-known               Through a 30-minute sound and light show, travel back
anecdotes and most closely guarded secrets.       in time to the foundation of Québec to revisit the six
                                                  military sieges that shaped its history! This exciting
                                                  historical period is brought to life with an impressive
                                                  model of the city circa 1750. Located in the heart of
                                                  Old Québec, start your visit to Québec City with a bang
For more information:                             at the Musée du Fort.
www.quebec-cite.com/oldquebec

20                                 #quebeccite                         Photo credit: Jeff Frenette Photography
OLD QUÉBEC Tourist circuits to explore - Office du tourisme de ...
regional overview OLD QUÉBEC AND THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS

                                               3
                                 4
                                                                                                         Place
                             5                                                                            des
                                                                     1                                  Canotiers

                                                               2

                                                                 1 Musée du Fort (museum)
                                                                 2 Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux
                                                                   National Historic Site
                                                                 3 Cathedral Holy Trinity
                                                                 4 Musée du Pôle culturel du Monastère
                                                                   des Ursulines (museum)
                                                                 5 Centre Marie-de-l’Incarnation

Monument to Samuel de Champlain                                Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux
This monument, created in honour of the founder of             National Historic Site
Québec City, a work by Paul Chevré, was inaugurated            Dufferin Terrace
in 1898.                                                       418-648-7016 • 1-800-773-8888
                                                               www.pc.gc.ca/saintlouis
UNESCO Monument
                                                               Explore what lies beneath the Dufferin Terrace in
Bronze, granite and glass monument commemorating
                                                               Old Québec! This authentic archaeological crypt
the UNESCO proclamation of Old Québec as a World
                                                               reveals the official residence and seat of power of
Heritage Site in December, 1985. The monument
                                                               the French and British governors between 1620
recalls the UNESCO emblem, where the world is
                                                               and 1834. Let us tell you more about the life at the
represented by a circle, and human accomplishments
                                                               château where decisions affecting all North America
by a square. The prism in the center symbolizes the
                                                               were made. Choose between a self-guided tour and a
historic part of Québec City as a World Heritage Site.
                                                               guided tour by a Parks Canada team member
                                                               for a complete experience.
Dufferin Terrace
The Dufferin Terrace stands on the site of Fort Saint-Louis,
built by Champlain in 1620, and where he died in
1635. On this same site his successor, Montmagny,
built a chateau that served as residence for New
France governors for two centuries. Unfortunately, the
chateau was destroyed by fire in 1834. Four years later,
Lord Durham, who was governor at the time, had a
promenade built here that was enlarged and renovated
several times over the years. This terrace, named after
Lord Dufferin, provides magnificent views on the river
and surrounding area, as well as on Lower Town and
Place-Royale, which are must-see attractions for visitors
that can be accessed by the funiculaire (cable car).            Dufferin Terrace

 Photo credit: Guy Lessard                                     www.quebec-cite.com                              21
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Fairmont Le Château Frontenac                               Monument to Religious Teaching Orders
This world-famous hotel, inaugurated in 1893, was           Located on Place des Tourangelles, this monument is
named for the Count of Frontenac, a notable governor        a memorial to nuns who have dedicated their lives to
of New France. The central tower was built in 1924.         education. The monument was inaugurated in 1997
The two historic conferences of 1943 and 1944,              to mark the 325th anniversary of the death of Marie
attended by Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill           de l’Incarnation, the founder of the first school
and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie          for girls in North America.
King, were held here. The hotel celebrated its 125th
anniversary in 2018. [ Ad p. 19, 176 ]                      Cathedral Holy Trinity                                    3
                                                            31, rue des Jardins
Maison Maillou (house)                                      418-692-2193 • www.cathedral.ca
Built in 1736 by architect and stonemason
Jean-Baptiste Maillou, this former house at                 Consecrated in August 1804, Holy Trinity is the first
17 rue Saint-Louis is a good example of past                Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles.
trademen’s skill at erecting long-lasting structures.       Modeled after St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, the
                                                            Cathedral of the Holy Trinity also gets its inspiration
Maison Kent (house)                                         from this church which has forged a strong musical
                                                            identity. Having initiated a decidedly musical shift
At 25 rue Saint-Louis can be found Maison Kent, a
                                                            at the beginning of 2015, the Cathedral’s ambition
superb residence built between 1648 and 1650.
                                                            is now to become nothing less than the
It was here that the document officializing the surrender
                                                            St Martin-in-the-Fields of Québec City!
of Québec City was signed in 1759. This was once
home to many historical figures throughout the years,
including the Duke of Kent and Louis d’Ailleboust,
Governor of New France. The building was designated
a historic monument by the Government of Québec
in 1952. An inn has been established in the building
since 2018.

Maison Jacquet (house)
Number 34 on rue Saint-Louis is Maison Jacquet,
a remarkable house with the steep roof typical of
17th century dwellings. Purchased in 1815, it became
the home of Philippe Aubert de Gaspé, author of
The Canadians of Old. The restaurant in the building
today shares the same name as the original
French title of the book: Anciens Canadiens.

                                                             Cathedral Holy Trinity

22                                      #quebeccite                                   Photo credit: Cathedral Holy Trinity
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Chapelle des Ursulines
The décor in the Ursuline Chapel in Québec City is
recognized as one of the most beautiful collections of
wooden sculptures in the province. Carved by Pierre-
Noël Levasseur from 1726 to 1736, and then gilded
by the Ursulines from 1736 to 1739, the décor was
reintegrated into the new chapel when it was rebuilt
in 1901. The paintings on the walls, acquired after
the French Revolution in about 1820, are part of the
Desjardins Fund. The Ursuline Chapel is also the final
resting place of St. Marie of the Incarnation.

Musée du Pôle culturel                                  3
du Monastère des Ursulines (museum)
12, rue Donnacona
418-694-0694 • www.polecultureldesursulines.ca

This magnificent art and history museum owned by
the oldest religious teaching order in the country
hosts permanent exhibitions on young women’s
education; the history of the convent and its
archaeological roots; and the embroidery work
practised by the Ursuline nuns. The collection of             Monument to Samuel de Champlain
rare books held by the museum may be consulted
at no charge. The 400-year-old convent gardens
are open to the public in the summer.

Centre Marie-de-l’Incarnation
6, rue du Parloir
418-692-2523 • www.ursulines-uc.com

St. Marie of the Incarnation, the first mother superior
of the Ursuline convent in Québec City, was one
of the first female missionaries in the New World.
Come learn about her life, work and writings.
Several biographies and studies on this famous
figure are also available for consultation.

Parc du Cavalier-du-Moulin
This park, located at the end of rue Mont-Carmel,
is all that remains of the original 17th-century
French fortifications. Several cannons and a plaque
to the left of the gated entrance commemorate the
role of the site as part of the city’s defenses until
1700. The geographical location of the park placed
it in a naturally defensive position.

Photo credits: Guy Lessard; Guy Lessard;
Claudel Huot; Ville de Québec                                www.quebec-cite.com                       23
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                                                                                              10
                                                                                                            11

Jacque
         s-Parize
                 au

                                                                                                   6

                                                                                       8
                                                                                9             7

                                                                       Maison Sewell (house)
               6 Chalmers-Wesley United Church
               7 La Citadelle de Québec                                Located at 87 rue Saint-Louis, this former private
               8 Musée Royal 22e Régiment (museum)                     residence was built in 1803 and housed the provincial
               9 Residence of the Governor General                     Post Office Department from 1859 to 1865. The house
                 at the Citadelle                                      was named after Jonathan Sewell, the judge for
              10 Chapelle des Jésuites                                 whom it was built. Sewell lived here for many years.
              11 Morrin Centre

             Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace
             From this belvedere, you can look out over the
             South Shore, Île d’Orléans, Mount Sainte-Anne and
             the St. Lawrence River. There is a bust of Pierre Dugua
             de Mons, the Governor of Acadia who played a key
             role in the founding of the city.

             Chalmers-Wesley United Church
             78, rue Sainte-Ursule
             418-692-2640 • www.chalmerswesleyunited.ca

             Built in 1853, this church has magnificent
             stained-glass windows, superb woodwork and a
             century-old organ, which was restored in 1985.
             The slender steeple is a fine example of neo-Gothic
             architecture. Chalmers-Wesley United Church shares
             this house of worship with the Saint-Pierre parish.

                                                                        Citadelle de Québec

             24                                     #quebeccite                                        Photo credit: Olivier Lavigne-Ortiz
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Citadelle de Québec                                    2      Poets’ Alley
1, côte de la Citadelle                                       On the west side of rue D’Auteuil lies Poets’ Alley,
418-694-2815 • www.lacitadelle.qc.ca                          where are commemorated poets from the cultural
                                                              communities established in the province. Note the
Enter the largest active fortress in Canada! Guided           memorials to Alexander Pushkin, Émile Nelligan
tours of the Citadelle, an active garrison —home of the       and Nguyen Trai.
Royal 22e Régiment, reveal over 300 years of history.
Explore this fortress and delve deeply into this
National Historic Site —open year-round— with its             Chapelle des Jésuites
impressive architecture and spectacular views. The            20, rue Dauphine
entrance fee includes the museum exhibits and the             418-694-0601, ext. 0 • www.chapelledesjesuites.ca
Changing of the Guard presented daily at 10 a.m. from
June 24 to the first Monday of September. [ Ad p. 15 ]        Chapel built in 1817, from plans drawn by architect
                                                              François Baillairgé. High altar by Eugène Taché.
Musée Royal 22e Régiment (museum)                      2      Two statues dating back to 1750 are attributed
                                                              to Pierre-Noël Levasseur. Statues of Ignatius of
1, côte de la Citadelle
                                                              Loyola and Peter Claver sculpted by Louis Jobin.
418-694-2815 • www.lacitadelle.qc.ca
                                                              The Way of the Cross was done by Médard Bourgault.
The Musée Royal 22e Régiment at the Citadelle has             Two recumbent figures representing the Canadian
accumulated one of the largest military collections in        Martyrs by Alfred Laliberté.
Canada, with artifacts from New France to today. The
Je me souviens (I remember) exhibition relates the            Morrin Centre                                          3
history of the Citadelle and the Van Doos, the only           44, chaussée des Écossais
Francophone infantry regiment in regular Canadian             418-694-9147, ext. 223 • www.morrin.org/en
armed forces since 1914. Medals Hall, interactive
kiosks, objects, etc. Temporary exhibition. Tour of the       Originally built as a prison many years ago, the
Citadelle is included in the fee. [ Ad p. 15 ]                Morrin Centre has played many roles since: college,
                                                              library and cultural centre. Delve into fascinating
Residence of the Governor General                             stories from the past as you take a guided tour of the
at the Citadelle
                                                              foreboding prison cells. Fall under the charm of the
                                                              Victorian library. The historical ambiance and central
1, côte de la Citadelle                                       location make the Morrin Centre the ideal venue for
418-648-4322 • 1-866-936-4422                                 events. Meeting rooms in period décor for rent.
www.gg.ca/en/visit-us/citadelle

Discover a place of exceptional beauty! Located in            Rue Saint-Jean
the heart of the Citadelle de Québec and overlooking          Given the number of trendy cafés, restaurants, bars
the St. Lawrence River, this splendid historic building       and shops along this street, it should come as no
has served as the second official home and workplace          surprise that rue Saint-Jean is very popular with
of Canada’s governor generals since 1872. Take a              residents and tourists alike. No cars are allowed
guided tour to appreciate the unique interior design          inside the fortifications on summer evenings and
and the remarkable collection of art and period               weekends, a policy that puts pedestrians first!
furnishings. [ Ad p. 49]                                      From the top of the Saint-Jean Gate, one of
                                                              Québec City’s most recognizable landmarks,
Québec City Conferences Monument                              you have a great view of rue Saint-Jean.
Inaugurated in 1998, this monument commemorates
the historic Allied conferences of 1943 and 1944.
The bust of Winston Churchill, by Oscar Nemon, was
donated by Rolls-Royce and is a replica of a bronze
statue at the Imperial War Museum in London.
The bust of Franklin Roosevelt was sculpted by
Jo Davidson and donated by the Franklin and
Eleanor Roosevelt Institute. It is a replica of a sculpture
once kept at the White House from 1934 to 1965.
                                                              www.quebec-cite.com                                    25
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                                                               13

  12

                                                                                15

12 Fortifications of Québec                                                 16                 14
   (National Historic Site)
13 Le Monastère des Augustines
14 Séminaire de Québec
15 Musée de l’Amérique francophone                                                                                      Place
   (museum)                                                                                                              des
                                                                                                                       Canotiers
16 Notre-Dame de Québec
   Basilica-Cathedral

Place D’Youville                                                    Le Monastère des Augustines                        2
Place D’Youville is a public square that, until 1931,               77, rue des Remparts
served as a public market. In the winter, it is                     418-694-1639 • 1-844-694-1639
transformed into an outdoor skating rink, where                     https://monastere.ca
the public can skate while listening to music played
over a sound system. In the summer, it becomes                      This former convent occupies the historic wings
a gathering place for several events such as the                    of the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec monastery (1639),
Festival d’été de Québec (music festival).                          the first hospital on the continent north of Mexico.
Note the sculpture by Alfred Laliberté called                       Completely restored and renovated, it provides a
Les Muses, an homage to the goddesses of the                        one-of-a-kind experience in holistic health, along with
arts and science in ancient Greek mythology.                        a rare opportunity to learn about the Augustinian
                                                                    Sisters’ remarkable heritage with a secular approach:
Fortifications of Québec                                 3           experiential accommodations, museum, archives,
National Historic Site
                                                                    programs, restaurant, gift shop, specialized care, etc.
2, rue D’Auteuil
                                                                    Séminaire de Québec
418-648-7016 • 1-888-773-8888
www.pc.gc.ca/fortifications                                         1, rue des Remparts
                                                                    418-692-3981, ext. 425
Conquer the only remaining fortified city in North                  www.salledespromotions.com
America! Accompanied by a Parks Canada experienced
guide, explore Québec’s rich military past as you walk              The Séminaire de Québec is a community of priests
through 300 years of history. You will also have the                located in Old Québec that was founded in 1663.
chance to admire the city’s best views and have access              Immerse yourself in provincial history as you explore
to mysterious places. Starting point: Frontenac kiosk               the grounds of this religious seminary. Inside pavillon
on Dufferin Terrace.                                                Camille-Roy can be found the majestic Promotions
                                                                    Room, a restored historical site available for rent
For a fun family activity, go to the Artillery Park, slip on        for private events, receptions and weddings.
a cape and solve the key of the mystery of the Legend
of the talking walls!

26                                        #quebeccite
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Musée de l’Amérique francophone                        3   Bronze Medallion
(museum)                                                   Located in the square outside city hall, this medallion
2, côte de la Fabrique                                     commemorates the 30th anniversary of Old Québec
418-643-2158 • 1-866-710-8031 • www.mcq.org                being added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage
                                                           Sites. The medallion bears the likeness of a part of the
Located on the Séminaire de Québec historical site         historical district, the riverbank and wharves, and the
dating back to 1663, discover the vitality of              heritage buildings that best reflect different periods
French-speaking North America, from its rich past          of the city’s history.
and glorious history to its world vision and future.
It all comes to life in the heart of Old Québec!           Clock from Jura
                                                           This monumental clock, the only one of its kind built
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral                3   by Richard Mille, is a gift from the Canton of Jura, in
Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville                                  Switzerland, for Québec City’s 400th anniversary.
16, rue De Buade                                           The clock, which is impressively large yet more
418-692-2533 • www.notre-dame-de-quebec.org                accurate than a quartz watch, is a true masterpiece
                                                           of the clockmaker’s art. It took more than 6 years of
Built in 1647 under the French Regime, this cathedral      work and the expertise of some hundred specialists
has since been expanded, bombarded, burnt to the           in 28 trades to design and manufacture the clock.
ground, rebuilt in 1925 according to the original
plans, and finally designated as a national historic
                                                           Rue du Trésor
site of Canada for its architectural value and beautiful
indoor artwork. This is the final resting place of four    During the French Regime, settlers would come to
New France governors and the bishops of the Québec         the Royal Treasury Office located on this street to pay
City diocese. Funerary chapel dedicated to François        their taxes. A different kind of treasure can now be
de Laval. Free self-guided tour with an app.               found on this street, now a bustling open-air art
                                                           gallery. Works of art of the highest calibre are sold
                                                           here year-round (watercolours, etchings, original
Holy Door
                                                           paintings, reproductions, etc.).
Inaugurated in 2013 during the celebrations marking
the 350th anniversary of the first Catholic parish in
                                                           Rue Sainte-Anne
North America, the Holy Door is the only one of its
kind outside Europe. Located in the Notre-Dame de          The atmosphere on this picturesque pedestrian street
Québec Basilica-Cathedral, this Holy Door is now           is enhanced by lively and colourful bistros, boutiques,
closed until the next Jubilee, planned for 2025.           restaurants and sidewalk cafés. Every summer
                                                           since 1978, portraitists and caricaturists have been
                                                           demonstrating their craft on this cobblestone street.
Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville park, where you will find
a monument to the memory of Cardinal Taschereau,
first Canadian cardinal. Two tourist routes through
the Greater Québec City Area also start here:
the Route de la Nouvelle-France and the
Chemin du Roy. Across from the park is the hôtel de
ville de Québec (City Hall), built in 1895, on the site
of the Collège des Jésuites (1635). Nearby, the Price
Building, first high-rise structure in the city and
a good example of art deco style.

Codex Populi
The work of art Codex Populi, by artist Ludovic Boney,
pays homage to the Québec City Conference of 1864.
The work symbolizes the political decision made
during this historic meeting, which led to the founding
of Confederation. Inaugurated on July 3, 2017.
                                                           www.quebec-cite.com                                  27
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                                                                                                    21
                                                                                                      Place
                                                                                                       des
                                                                                                     Canotiers

                                                                              20
                                                                17    19

                                                                                   18

17 Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
18 Québec City-Lévis Ferry
19 Centre de valorisation
   du patrimoine vivant
20 Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church
21 Musée de la civilisation (museum)                        Louis-S.-Saint-Laurent Building
                                                            Located at number 3 rue De Buade, this building was
                                                            constructed between 1871 and 1873 on the site of
Return to the starting point of the walking tour            the old Hôtel Le Chien d’Or, immortalized in a novel
on rue Sainte-Anne. From there, you can get                 by William Kirby. There is some debate as to the origin
down to Lower Town, either by taking the                    of a lower-case inscription appearing beneath a gold-
funicular (cable car) or walking down côte de               painted dog on the front wall of this building. The
la Montagne and taking the Breakneck Staircase.             Louis-S.-Saint-Laurent building, named after this Ca-
                                                            nadian Prime Minister, is a Classified Federal Heritage
Both options lead directly to rue du                        Building because of its historical associations, and its
Petit-Champlain in the heart of the district                architectural and environmental values. This building
bearing the same name. If you decide to                     is one of the few postal facilities to survive from
take the funicular (cable car), you will have               this period and the Parks Canada Québec Network
to access it from the Dufferin Terrace.                     information centre is also located inside.
If you would rather take the stairs, head
towards the Louis-S.-St-Laurent Building.                   Parc Montmorency
                                                            This park offers a magnificent panoramic view.
Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec                                 Memorials to Louis-Hébert, first Canadian farmer,
16, rue du Petit-Champlain                                  and to Sir George-Étienne Cartier, one of the founding
418-692-1132 • www.funiculaire.ca                           Fathers of Confederation, are found here, as well as
                                                            a plaque commemorating the first Parliament.
Admire the view of the St. Lawrence River as you travel     Across the street from this park is the Archbishop’s
from Upper to Lower Town at a 45-degree angle along         Palace, a superb stone structure built in 1844,
the cliff face in a funicular (cable car). The funicular,   under the supervision of architect Thomas Baillairgé.
which is one of the oldest businesses in the region,        This park will be closed to the public until late in the
is operating since 1879. This is one of the only            fall of 2019 for major landscaping work.
funiculars on the continent.

28                                      #quebeccite
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Prescott Gate                                               Québec City-Lévis Ferry
Built in 1797, this first gate was named after the          10, rue des Traversiers
governor in office at that time, Robert Prescott.           418-837-1812 • 1-877-787-7483, ext. 2
Demolished in 1871, the present structure was               www.traversiers.com
built in 1983.
                                                            Hop on the ferry to see Québec City from an entirely
Breakneck Staircase                                         different perspective as the seasons ebb and flow.
                                                            The Québec City-Lévis ferry offers spectacular views of
This outdoor staircase, the oldest in Québec City,
                                                            Old Québec from the water and provides an excellent
dates back to sometime before 1635, a few years
                                                            vantage point for taking gorgeous photographs of
prior to the death of Samuel de Champlain, the
                                                            the skyline at any time of the day. Explore the marked
city’s founder. In 1895, the old wooden staircase
                                                            bike paths on both shores: Corridor du Littoral
was replaced by one made of steel. The current
                                                            (Québec City) and Parcours des Anses (Lévis).
staircase was built in 1968.
                                                            [ Ad p. 18 ]

Quartier Petit-Champlain                                    Centre de valorisation
                                                            du patrimoine vivant, ès TRAD
In 1608, this area was a small portside village
                                                            Maison Chevalier
comprising fur trading posts. Over the years,
                                                            5, rue Cul-de-Sac
its fortunes waxed and waned. Now entirely                  418-647-1598 • www.cvpv.net
restored, Quartier Petit-Champlain boasts
narrow cobblestone streets that are lined with              This heritage centre is dedicated to increasing
shops and bistros bustling year-round.                      awareness, respect for and the preservation of
[ Ad p. 158 ]                                               traditional Québec culture through dance, music,
                                                            song, story-telling, customs, and traditional arts
Rue du Petit-Champlain                                      and crafts. In the summer, traditional craft
The restored houses lining this street are now home         demonstrations are held during the living heritage
to bistros, art galleries and specialized handicraft        workshop at Maison Chevalier (house). Our annual
boutiques (leather, jewellery, decorative arts, clothing,   festival, Rendez-vous ès TRAD, features music and
wood and more). This quaint neighbourhood lies next         more. Our program is available online on our website.
to Québec City’s first port. Some of the first houses of
the former French colony still stand where they were        Royal Battery
built hundreds of years ago.                                The Royal Battery (1691), so named in honour of
                                                            Louis XIV of France, who funded its construction, was
Maison Louis-Jolliet (house)                                part of the city’s defences under the French Regime.
The lower terminal of the funicular connecting Lower        Designed by architect C. Baillif and engineer J.-B.-L.
Town to the Dufferin Terrace is located in Maison           Franquelin, this structure helped protect the city
Louis-Jolliet, the former home of Louis Jolliet, the        during the siege of 1759. Note the commemorative
European explorer credited with putting the                 plaque. Directly across from the Royal Battery lies
Mississippi River on the map, so to speak.                  the Quai Chouinard, the departure point for cruises
The house was built for Jolliet in 1683, and he             down the St. Lawrence.
lived there until his death in 1700.
                                                            Place de Paris
Petit-Champlain Fresco                                      The former site of the Finlay market. Notice the
Admire this fresco which illustrates the lives of the       impressive historical architecture of the nearby
residents of the Cap-Blanc district, as well as the         buildings, such as the pretty shutters, rooftops from
bombardments, landslides and other major events             different eras and the ladders on the roofs. In years
that occurred here.                                         past, ladders were used to sweep chimneys.

                                                            www.quebec-cite.com                                 29
regional overview OLD QUÉBEC AND THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS

                                                Place-Royale
                                                Place Royale is the cradle of French civilization in
                                                North America. In 1608, Samuel de Champlain began
                                                the construction of the first permanent settlement in
                                                New France: a small fort at the foot of Cap Diamant.
                                                Rich merchants set up shop in this public square,
                                                then called Place du Marché, and did brisk business.
                                                After a bust of Louis XIV (the Sun King) was installed
                                                here in 1686, the public square became known as
                                                Place Royale. The merchants, ship owners and
                                                shipbuilders established in Place Royale during
                                                the English Regime transformed it into a trade hub.
                                                However, commercial activity began to stagnate
                                                around 1860, marking the slow decline of Place
                                                Royale, which eventually retook its former name,
                                                Place du Marché. By 1950, one of the oldest districts
                                                in North America had become poor and rundown.
                                                But Place-Royale’s fortunes would soon change.
                                                In the 1960s, efforts were undertaken to rehabilitate
                                                this part of the Old City, whose narrow streets and
                                                architecture reflect four centuries of history.

                                                Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church
                                                Place Royale
                                                32, rue Sous-le-Fort
                                                418-692-2533 • www.notre-dame-de-quebec.org

                                                One of the oldest churches in North America,
                                                Notre-Dame-des-Victoires was built atop the ruins
                                                of Champlain’s first outpost. The church was rebuilt
                                                in 1763 after being heavily bombarded. In 1855,
                                                it became a diocesan Marian shrine. The interior décor
                                                includes many votive offerings and bears witness
                                                to Quebecers’ faith and history. The church continues
                                                the tradition of blessing and handing out buns on
                                                the feast day of St. Genevieve.

                                                 Rue du Cul-de-Sac

30                             #quebeccite                                     Photo credit: Audet photo
regional overview OLD QUÉBEC AND THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS

Mural of Quebecers
In Parc de la Cetière, admire this fresco in trompe-l’œil
style depicting 400 years of Québec City history.
An interpretation panel identifies the 15 historical
figures represented in the mural, including Félix
Leclerc, Jacques Cartier and Marie Guyart. A series
of interpretation panels tells about the different
buildings that were erected on this site over the
years. Shows and concerts are staged here in
the summer and during the Christmas holidays.

Parc de l’UNESCO
A park named in honour of the UNESCO mission
to promote peace and education. Nearby, dates and
the names of several founding families from the time
of the French colony appear on plaques affixed to             Mural of Quebecers and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church
some houses.

Place des Canotiers
The design of this public square is inspired from
19th century wooden docks. Stroll along the
diagonally running sidewalks to see the works of
art dotting the site and climb up to the belvedere to
admire the view. Rest areas, water games, intermittent
misty veil and flagstone mosaic reminiscent of
rippling water create an oasis between the majestic
St. Lawrence River and historical Old Québec.

Musée de la civilisation (museum)                         2
85, rue Dalhousie
418-643-2158 • 1-866-710-8031 • www.mcq.org

A popular museum in Québec City. This visitor-oriented
museum has a participatory and interactive approach           Musée de la civilisation
for stimulating wonderment and encouraging
discovery. Magnificent exhibitions of international
calibre about Québec culture and history. Take part
in the family workshops on current, historical or
sometimes unusual topics. Guided tours available
for some exhibitions. Group rates. [ Ad p. 18 ]

                                                              Place Royale

Photo credits: Yves Tessier; Martin Martel; Audet photo       www.quebec-cite.com                                      31
regional overview OLD QUÉBEC AND THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS

        Jardin Jean-
        Paul-L’Allier
                                                                   26

                                                                                         23
                                                       25
                                                                                        24

                        27                                                                                                22

       22 Naval Museum of Québec
       23 Village Nordik du Port de Québec
       24 Le Marché du Vieux-Port de Québec                                                              Place
                                                                                                          des
                                                                                                        Canotiers
Jacque
       25
       s-       L’îlot des Palais
          Parizeau

       26 Gare du Palais
       27 Érico

   Québec Old Port district                                  Naval Museum of Québec                                 3
   Located at the confluence of the Saint-Charles            170, rue Dalhousie
   and St. Lawrence Rivers, the Old Port covers an           418-694-5387 • www.museenavaldequebec.com
   area of 33 hectares and boasts a rich maritime            The only one museum depicting the naval history of
   and shipping history.                                     the St. Lawrence River. In the permanent exhibition
                                                             The Heirs of the Wars you will be touched by stories
   Place de la FAO                                           that demonstrate we must remain aware that wars
   Place de la FAO commemorates the 50th anniversary         generate permanent impacts on veterans, their
   of the United Nations Food and Agriculture                families, their loved ones and on all of us, still today.
   Organization, which was founded in Québec City            Discover their objects and our collections which,
   in 1945. The sculpture of the figurehead holding          from now on, are more and more accessible.
   foodstuffs from around the world, entitled La Vivrière,
   reflects Québec City’s historical role as a major         Village Nordik du Port de Québec
   trade port. Nearby, you can admire the magnificent
                                                             160, quai Saint-André
   architecture of the Canadian Bank of Commerce,
                                                             418-692-0002 • www.villagenordik.com
   with its impressive columns, cornices, cupolas and
   pediments. This building dates back to 1914.              Go fishing while sitting in the comfort of an inflatable
                                                             igloo in the Old Port of Québec City. Wintry fun for
   Pointe-à-Carcy                                            visitors of all ages, right on the frozen waters of Louise
   This boardwalk with a wonderful view of the               Basin. Families and expert fishers will enjoy this
   St. Lawrence River is popular with residents, tourists    activity accessible to all.
   and cruise ship passengers on a stopover in the city.
   Here you will find the Agora, an open-air amphitheatre,
   and the Old Port lock, which was built to maintain
   a constant water level in the Louise Basin. The lock
   made it possible to create a pleasure craft marina
   able to accommodate hundreds of boats.

   32                                     #quebeccite
regional overview OLD QUÉBEC AND THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS

Le Marché du Vieux-Port de Québec                              Quartier Saint-Roch
160, quai Saint-André                                          In the 19th century, Saint-Roch owed its
418-692-2517 • www.mvpq.ca                                     expansion to the timber and shipbuilding
This seasonal public market is where local artisans            industries. By the turn of the next century,
and farmers come to sell their wares or fresh                  the manufacturing industry, in particular the
produce.                                                       clothing and footwear sectors, became the
                                                               district’s new economic engine; many
L’îlot des Palais                                              Saint-Roch residents made a living working
8, rue Vallière                                                at manufacturing plants in this part of town.
418-692-1441 • http://ilotdespalais.ca
                                                               Then, with the onset of World War II, many
The entire history of New France and the brewing               businesses began to migrate to the outskirts.
industry awaits you at l’îlot des Palais. In 18th century      Today, Saint-Roch is undergoing urban
vaults, the exhibition Revelations tells the history:          revitalization. The creation of the Saint-Roch
from the Jean-Talon Brewery to the intendant’s palace,         Garden (now named Jean-Paul L’Allier Garden),
from the prison to the Boswell-Dow Brewery. Artifacts,         is the inception of the district’s renewal. With
archives, projections, rallies... gripping discoveries!        the transformation of abandoned plants and
Our outside activities: Old Québec UNESCO GéoRallies
and On the Beer Trail with GPS or walking tour on
                                                               empty buildings, coupled with the arrival of
our tablet. New puppet show for children: Guignol              universities, multimedia companies and
and the pig.                                                   artists’ workshops, this section of Lower Town
                                                               is gradually recovering its former lustre.
Gare du Palais
                                                               The opening of trendy restaurants, bars and
450, rue de la Gare-du-Palais                                  fashionable boutiques is transforming the face
1-888-842-7245 • www.viarail.ca
                                                               of Saint-Roch, giving it a fresh, modern look.
Gare du Palais, train station and bus terminal, which          Discover the revitalized Saint-Roch district,
could easily be mistaken for a French Renaissance              where history meets modernity!
chateau. Inaugurated in 1916, it is considered one of
Canada’s heritage train stations. Across from Gare du          Rue Saint-Joseph
Palais is the Place Jean-Pelletier, with an interesting        Note the wide variety of shops big and small on this
fountain by Charles Daudelin celebrating the power             street, many of which are unique in Québec City.
of water. Interpretation panels are located on-site.           During your stroll through this part of town, you
                                                               will make a number of pleasant discoveries: trendy
Fresques des piliers                                           restaurants, signature clothing boutiques, deluxe
Admire the beautiful frescoes painted between                  food stores, bakeries and fancy shops of all kinds.
the years 2000 and 2002 on the pillars supporting              The street is brightly decorated for the winter season.
the highway overpass.                                          Several historical buildings on rue Saint-Joseph have
                                                               notable architectural features, such as the old factory
                                                               sign painted on the brick wall at the corner of rue de
                                                               la Chapelle. You may be surprised to learn that, for
                                                               25 years, several blocks of rue Saint-Joseph had been
                                                               transformed into a mall. If you look carefully at the
                                                               buildings lining the street, you can see traces of the
                                                               removed mall roof.

                                        Fresques des piliers

Photo credit: CCNQ, Sandy Lebrun                               www.quebec-cite.com                                 33
regional overview OLD QUÉBEC AND THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS

Saint-Roch Church
At the very heart of the Saint-Roch district, stands
Saint-Roch Church. Both the church and district
were named in honour of the saint whose name was
commonly invoked in New France to ward against
the plague and other illnesses. Interpretation panels
tell the history of the site. Four churches have been
built on this site since 1811. The current church was
constructed during the First World War and is the
largest in the city. You can go inside to look at the
church’s interior décor, such as its beautiful
woodwork and stained-glass windows.
                                                            Faubourg Saint-Jean

Place Jacques-Cartier
                                                           Faubourg Saint-Jean
Place Jacques-Cartier was once an outdoor market,
first playing this role in the mid 19th century.           Faubourg Saint-Jean is one of the most popular
An indoor market then took its place from 1856 until       districts in the Upper Town. Here you will find
1911, when it burned down. Nowadays, the main              bookstores, fine grocery shops, record stores,
branch of the city’s public library system, bibliothèque   a number of clothing boutiques and several
Gabrielle-Roy, is located here. It serves as a cultural    artisans’ workshops. You are sure to appreciate
centre and regularly hosts shows and exhibitions.          the delicious wares available from speciality
It will be temporarily relocated during the construc-
tion of a new library that is to be inaugurated in
                                                           food shops and bakeries.
December 2021.
                                                           Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church
                                                           This church, in Second Empire style, was rebuilt in
Jean-Paul-L’Allier Garden
                                                           1884 after being destroyed by fire in 1881. Note the
This urban oasis comprises a small waterfall, many         superb stained-glass windows, organ (a designated
species of flowers, trees and shrubs and the busts         historical monument) and rich interior decor of
of three painters: René Richard, Alfred Pellan and         marble, stone and wood. The chuch was closed
Horatio Walker. The busts are located near rue             May 24, 2015, for an indefinite period.
De Saint-Vallier Est.
                                                           Érico chocolaterie pâtisserie                        3
Faubourg Staircase
                                                           634, rue Saint-Jean
One of the many such staircases built in the 19th          418-524-2122 • www.ericochocolatier.com
century to link Upper and Lower Town. This 99-step
staircase affords a splendid view of the Saint-Roch        A creative chocolate shop and a quaint small chocolate
district and the Laurentian Mountains.                     museum. Learn about the history of chocolate
                                                           from Mayan times to this day. Ancient and modern
                                                           accessories, chocolate-making techniques (video and
                                                           view on the kitchen), and more. For chocolate lovers:
                                                           handmade chocolate, cookies, brownies, cupcakes,
                                                           cakes and hot chocolate. Summer: homemade ice
                                                           cream dipped in chocolate, yogurt and sherbet.

                                                           Épicerie J.A. Moisan
                                                           699, rue Saint-Jean
                                                           418-522-0685 • www.jamoisan.com
                                                           The oldest grocery store in North America (1871).
                                                           Its décor is reminiscent of 19th century general
                                                           stores. Standard grocery items, fine food products
                                                           from around the world and local specialities.
34                                     #quebeccite                                         Photo credit: Guy Lessard
regional overview OLD QUÉBEC AND THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS

St. Matthew Protestant Church                                Maison Henry-Stuart (house)
Constructed between 1878 and 1882, the church has            82, Grande Allée Ouest
since been transformed into a library. The beautiful         418-647-4347 • www.maisonhenrystuart.qc.ca
interior architecture, including the original stained-
glass windows and woodwork, are worth a visit. The           Step into this Regency cottage built in 1849 and tour
cemetery behind the church dates back to 1772,               the house. The Maison Henry-Stuart is one of the
making it the oldest urban burial grounds in the             few remaining examples of a characteristic style of
province. An audioguide is available on iTunes               residential architecture popular in the 19th century.
(St. Matthew’s Cemetery (Québec) By Ville de Québec).        Envelop yourself in the ambiance of Québec
                                                             bourgeois society in the early 1900s. Before you
                                                             leave, stay for tea on the wide veranda.
Quartier Montcalm
Boulevard René-Lévesque                                      Maison Krieghoff (house)
This boulevard is one of the main thoroughfares in           This house, built around 1850, is located at
Upper Town. Given its location and the fact it stretches     115 Grande Allée Ouest. The Dutch painter
from downtown to the university, many bus routes,            Cornelius Krieghoff lived here in 1859, and a plaque
including the Métrobus, travel at least partway along        dedicated to him can be found on the grounds.
its length.                                                  Nearly 2000 of Krieghoff’s works were inspired
                                                             by daily life in Canada.
Avenue Cartier
A stroll along avenue Cartier in the Montcalm District       Musée national                                     2
will lead you past about a hundred local shops.              des beaux-arts du Québec (museum)
ou are sure to appreciate the bustling atmosphere,           179, Grande Allée Ouest
fine grocery shops and trendy specialized boutiques.         418-643-2150 • 1-866-220-2150
This avenue was named in memory of politician                www.mnbaq.org
George-Étienne Cartier.
                                                             An unforgettable rendez-vous with the works of
Lumière sur l’art                                            Québec’s greatest artists. Discover the Lassonde
                                                             pavilion and visit the exhibition galleries, where
Avenue Cartier
                                                             contemporary Québec art since 1960 is on display,
http://quartierartsquebec.com
                                                             including Inuit art, the decorative arts and design,
A street exhibition called Lumière sur l’art in the city’s   the Baillairgé which served as the Québec City jail
art district consists of 17 giant lampshades placed          and the Morisset and its collection of Québec
along avenue Cartier showcasing the work of a                historical art. Complete your visit by enjoying the
Québec artist.                                               creations of renowned chef Marie-Chantal Lepage
                                                             or by visiting our boutique. [ Ad p. 40 ]
Grande Allée
The street that never sleeps! There is always a crowd
here at any time of the day or night, be it families
out for a walk or party-goers bar hopping. A number
of restaurants, bars and buildings with impressive
architecture are located on this street. The name
Grande Allée goes back to the French Administration;
in those days this was the road linking Québec and
the Amerindian mission in Sillery. Also known as the
Québec Champs Élysées, at one time Grande Allée
was the most fashionable street in town. It is lined
with buildings of diverse architectural styles, typical
of Victorian times. Several Second Empire residences
were built here (677-695, Grande Allée Est),
influenced by the Parliament Building’s architecture.
                                                              Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

Photo credit: Jeff Frenette Photography                      www.quebec-cite.com                                    35
regional overview OLD QUÉBEC AND THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS

                                                                                               30

                                                                       Jacque
                                                                               s-Parize
                                                                                          au
                                                                                                                          31

                     28
                                                                                                                   32

29

                                                                 28 Henry-Stuart House
                                                                 29 Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
                                                                    (museum)
                                                                 30 Observatoire de la Capitale
                                                                 31 Parliament Building
                                                                 32 Plains of Abraham Museum

     Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park)                2      Monument to Charles-De Gaulle
     Created in 1908, Battlefields Park commemorates            This monument was erected in honour of this French
     the clashes between the British and French armies          statesman, who supported the development of
     of Wolfe and Montcalm (1759), and then Murray              relations between France and Québec during the
     and Lévis (1760). A host of recreational, cultural and     sixties. The sculpture is by Fabien Pagé (1997).
     historical activities are held on the Plains of Abraham,
     located in downtown Québec City.                           Monument to Montcalm
                                                                In Général-De Montcalm Square stands a monument
     In the summer, you can enjoy a concert at the
                                                                to this French hero of the Battle of the Plains of
     Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand or take the historical
                                                                Abraham (1759). The statue was created by sculptor
     Abraham’s Bus tour. Interactive themed tours and
                                                                Léopold Morice and architect Paul Chabert in 1911.
     educational activities are available to youth and
     adult groups throughout the year, upon reservation.
     The beautiful Joan of Arc Garden pays homage to
     the heroes of 1759-1760. Family activities are held
     here on Halloween. The garden is also decorated in
     the winter. In the summer, Martello Tower 1 features
     Attention! With a smart tablet, experience augmented
     reality and discover in real time period animation
     superimposed on the tower’s setting.

     The Governors’ Promenade and Grey and Pierre-
     Dugua-De Mons terraces afford breathtaking views
     of the St. Lawrence River year-round. Many foot and
     bike paths, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails,
     and bus tour route. The multiplatform application
     My Mobile Plains features close to 200 points of
     interest of the park (tablet rental also available
     at the Plains of Abraham Museum). [ Ad p. 14 ]
                                                                 Plains of Abraham

     36                                     #quebeccite                                             Photo credit: Guy Lessard
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