Travel: Quebec City - Celebrating 400 Glorious Years

Bonjour!! A few weeks ago we flew to Quebec City, Canada to experience this citadel of French culture in North America and to enjoy the city’s 400^th anniversary activities. Old Quebec, the only completely walled city in North America, provides visitors a unique allure. And we came away with nothing but wonderful memories. Prior to our departure we worried we might encounter some of the poor attitude we’d experienced on our previous travels to France. Well, Quebec City was absolutely the opposite! The Quebecers- store clerks, hotel and restaurant employees, tour guides and even folks walking the streets-were consistently friendly and helpful.

Quebec City officials have gone all out to provide an abundance of activities and events up through the end of September to celebrate their four hundredth birthday. We strongly recommend that our readers consider a visit prior to the end of September to partake in the ongoing festivities. Think Mardi Gras in New Orleans with more sophistication and a lot less rowdiness. If your schedule is too crowded to leave on such short notice don’t worry. Quebec City, a recipient of the prestigious UNESCO designation as a “World Heritage Treasure” and its plethora of historic sites and cultural attractions makes it worth a visit at any time.

We can’t come up with any other city in North America that reminds us of being in Europe as much as Quebec City. Air fares are much cheaper than flying to the continent and the hotels, restaurants and shops are more affordable. The Canadian dollar is not the bargain it used to be, but unlike the currently ultra strong Euro, it is almost equal to our dollar. The official language in Quebec City is French but Quebec has one major advantage over France. Most residents speak wonderful English or at the minimum make an effort to help visitors with their charming French accented Anglais. For info on anniversary activities, lodging, dining, future events, etc: www.quebecregion.com or www.bonjourquebec.com

Both of our hotels were reminiscent of timeless museums. Our first 3 nights were at the famous Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac, reportedly the most photographed grand hotel in the world. This spectacular hilltop gem, dating from 1893, looks like a castle overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The highly regarded Fairmont hotel group has done a wonderful job in maintaining and upgrading this legendary property. Accommodations, cuisine and service were all first rate and it’s one of those rare hotels in the world that offers museum like tours. For rates, etc: www.fairmonthotels.com Our last two nights were spent at the stunning Auberge Saint-Antoine, an ultra chic hotel located on the river front. Designers have miraculously joined structures from the 1700’s to a new and modern addition. So how did this hotel accomplish a museum feeling? In order to build the newest edifice, major archaeological digs took place that uncovered thousands of historic artifacts. The owners have brilliantly and thankfully had many of the relics restored and display them in museum type exhibits throughout the hotel including the guest rooms. For details: www.saint-antoine.com

Not too surprising, much of the dining in Quebec City has innovative French influences but most ethnic cuisines can also be found throughout the capital. Besides the superbly creative dinners we had at Le Champlain in the Frontenac and Restaurant Panache in the Auberge, we experienced two other exceptional dining experiences. Le Saint-Amour boasts a critically acclaimed chef and wine list and Aux Anciens Canadiens offers traditional Quebec cuisine in a home built in the 1600’s.

Quebec City is another of those perfect cities to walk. We actually hiked along-and on top of-the entire length of the city’s historic wall and to most of the major attractions and historic sites. Our daily strolls on the meandering cobble stone streets viewing quaint shops, sidewalk cafes, antique stores, galleries and street artists were always fascinating. If a taxi is needed, fares were reasonable.

Things we think you shouldn’t miss when visiting Quebec City: cruise of the St. Laurence River aboard the renowned M/V Louis Jolliet ; visit to the Musee de la Civilisation and Musee de la Beaux-Arts du Quebec – both world class museums; tour of the historic Parliament building; and finally an interior viewing of the imposing Basilica of Notre Dame de Quebec.