Not in France, but gives a truly French experience, is Quebec City, the capital of Quebec province in Canada. One of North America’s oldest cities, this beautiful city makes it to the list of must see cities in Canada. Founded by Samuel de Champlain on July 3, 1608, Quebec City was established by Europeans, but this time it was not the Spaniards who settled here. Having been founded as a permanent settlement on an abandoned settlement called Stadacona, Quebec City was developed by Champlain who remained administrator to the New French City till his very last.
Quebec City gets its name from the Algonquin word ‘Kébec’, which means ‘where the river narrows’. It was named so because of its location in the Saint Lawrence River Valley along the northern banks of the river where it narrowed down and met the St Charles River. The city has its fair share of history with battles and captures and revolutions. It came under the British rule from 1759 to 1763. Quebec City remained a colonial city even after the French rule ended. During the American Revolution, the American revolutionaries tried to liberate Quebec in the hope that the people of the city would join them in their fight.
However, this attempt failed, but it gave rise to a further fortification of the city. An elevated artillery battery called the Citadelle of Quebec was built along with a number of Martello Towers, turning the city into a strong fortress. The Citadel is still used by the army while three of the Martello Towers serve as museums for public viewing. The ramparts of the old city still remain and in 1985, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the ‘Historic District of Old Quebec’. These fortifications are the only remaining in America to the north of Mexico.
Most of the city’s outstanding architecture is distinctly visible to the east of the fortifications in Old Quebec. Porte St Louis and Porte St Jean are the gateways to this downtown area. Plains of Abraham, where the British fought the French and took over Quebec and Parliament Hill district lie to the west of the fortifications. The city is divided into the Upper Town and the Lower Town with the Old Quebec Funicular connecting the two levels. The Lower Town still retains it original architecture and includes notable structures such as the Notre Dame des Victoires, Musée de la Civilisation, the Petit Champlain district among other places of interest.
The most prominent building marking the Quebec City skyline is Château Frontenac Hotel, an extremely brilliant piece of architecture designed by Bruce Price. Built for the Railway Company as one of the many luxury resorts to attract tourists, this beautiful hotel sits elegant alongside the Dufferin Terrace that offers one of the most spectacular views of Saint Lawrence River. Close to the Château Frontenac, is the famous Notre Dame de Québec Cathedral, a prominent church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec.
Attractions near the city include the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, the Montmorency Falls and Monte-Sainte-Anne ski resort, to name a few. The Winter Carnival and Saint-Jean Baptiste Day celebrations are some grand events that take place in Quebec City. The city is well-connected with several motorways, bridges, ferry services, buses and the railway. The Jean Lesage International Airport receives flights from various international destinations.
Photo by ☺ JEAN de Québec ☺ provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by ☺ JEAN de Québec ☺ provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by ☺ JEAN de Québec ☺ provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by ☺ JEAN de Québec ☺ provided courtesy of Panoramio.com