My Mélange

A Fall Stroll in Old Quebec City

Strolling down the breakneck stairway, called the Casse-Cou that leads from upper to lower town, if you head to your left, you run into the Park Montmorency.

 

It was a dreadful, rainy, windy, miserable day.  But we made the best of it.  I love the blanket of colorful fall leaves carpeting the park.  It offers a stark contrast to the black cannons and grey stone walls that would otherwise have been invisible against the steely gray pavement.  

 

I can't imagine this park being any more beautiful than in the fall.

Quebec City is a fortified city.  This park is located along the upper ramparts.  These cannons are on wheels and can be swiveled  about 120 degrees to the left and the right.  Napoléon would feel pretty safe here.

 

The spire in the background is the Séminaire de Québec.

It is a magnificent building.  The Seminary was founded in 1668.  I love the zinc mansard roof.  Trés Francais, non?

Another close-up nearby.

This is a view looking down from the ramparts on the port below.  A giant Crystal cruise-liner bellied up to the port, letting passengers off for a stroll around the city.  The lifeboats secured on the sides are larger than some houses I have been in.

Trekking back up the steep staircase, we find a lovely spot to rest our creaky knees and tired tootsies.

And stare across the main square at this beautiful stone statue and fountain.  An oxidized copper turret peaks out on the right.

And a view from the rear.  I love the red roof in the background.

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What are some of your favorite places to visit or stroll in the fall?

Old Quebec: Quartier Petit-Champlain

One of the biggest draws of Old Quebec City is the shopping street,  rue du Petit-Champlain, which is located in lower town. 

Tiny little shops, with stone facades are tucked in along the cobblestone sliver of a street with the same little hand painted artistic signs found in Europe that swing from wrought iron hangers.

You'll find everything from souvenirs, designer clothing, chocolate, art galleries, gourmet food, kitchen and cookware, other specialty shops and cafes.

This shop is the perfect example.  I love the bright two toned colors against the gray stone. Pot en Ciel is a gourmet cook's delight.  Kitchenware, dishes, pots and pans, spices, cookbooks and more.  I bought a few little treats here.

There is always a hustle and bustle in this area.  Mostly tourists of course.  But there are some wonderful stores and fun little places to eat.

The easiest way to reach it is to take the Funiculaire from Upper Town.  It drops you off right on the street.  And at $1.75 CAN, it is totally worth it- just for the view.

And the Chateau Frontenac seems even more majestic from the lower town vantage point.

If you round the corner and head for the rue Saint-Paul, you will find a quaint little square that looks like it was plucked right out of a tiny French country village.

 

And if you are looking for a quick little nosh, don't miss the Bistrot Le Pape George.  Grab a table outside this cute wine bar and enjoy some local cheese and a glass of wine.

The Quartier Petit-Champlain is a great place to get lost and soak up some French-Canadian flavor for the day.

Château Frontenac

The Château Frontenac is the focal point in Old Quebec City.  It can be seen from anywhere in the upper or lower town.  Its perfect location offers a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence river.

It was named after the Governor of the colony of New France, the count of Frontenac. 

It also just happens to be a luxury hotel, currently managed by the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.  The hotel opened in 1853.  It did have a recent sprucing up for the Quebec's 400th year celebration.

I just love the stunning architecture of the building, the copper turrets, red brick and interesting heights of all the tiny roofs.  You just can't appreciate how grand it really is!!

This is a shot under the passageway, which just screams Euorpe to me.  Inside you find the grand entrance, lined with a row of about eight flying flags.  And there is a pristinely dressed doorman the help with your ever need.

If I could afford to stay here, I would in a heartbeat.  The rooms are to die for and I can just imagine the view from a room on an upper floor.  The hotel boasts four restaurants, an indoor pool and a health club.

But, I am a budget traveler, so I stayed nearby, about a block up the road.  And the good news, I was able to appreciate its beauty and European details from anywhere in Old Quebec City, for free.

If interested, you could most likely find packages or specials available for rooms with no view (what would be the point) for about $160 a night off season.  Rooms with views can go upward of $500.

Château Frontenac
1 rue des Carrières
Quebec, Quebec
Canada
866-540-4460 toll free

Old Quebec City : An Introduction

This year is the 400th anniversary of Quebec.

Old Quebec is a fortified city that is separated into the upper and lower towns. The upper town is surrounded by walls or ramparts.  You can only enter through gates.  There are a total of four.

This is the main gate of Saint-Louis.

How 'bout a close up?

Very French non?  Love those green copper turrets!

Here you can see the very romantic horse and buggy, called a caleche, that takes tourists and lovers through the cobbled streets of Old Quebec.  The city is fairly quiet and you can hear the clip-clop of the horse echo throught the streets.  The city is also very clean- you can see a mini street sweeper picking up leaves and debris under the arch in the right of the photo.

One of the charming homes on a side street.  I loved the black accents, wrought iron, grey stone and red geramiums.  This one screams Paris to me.

A tiny side street.

A square with a church.

And this gorgeous rooftop, that of the Chateau Frontenac, a very exclusive and expensive Inn, can be seen from every spot in the city.  It can be used as a beautiful compass to locate your whereabouts in the small city.  In fact, it becomes fun to spot different angles and small slices of the copper roof through the trees and buildings in both the upper and lower towns.

And here is a shot of the boardwalk, which hugs the St. Lawrence river.  It was totally rebuilt for the 400 year celebration.  This is taken from the upper town, looking down at the lower town.

And how do you get from the upper to the lower town you ask?

Well, by taking the Funiculaire, of course!!

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So, what do you think so far about Old Quebec City?  Does it look French?  Remind you of Paris?

Stay tuned.  Much more to come in the next few days!