Quebecmusts.com - Old Quebec city, Unesco world heritage treasure

To stroll through the streets of Old Québec City is to step back into another time – an era when our ancestors built the continent’s only fortified city north of Mexico. This 400-year-old historical jewel shines proudly, topped by Cap Diamant and the celebrated Château Frontenac hotel. But her story really began at the foot of the mountain, just steps away from the Saint Lawrence River. Today, the Lower Town and adjacent Old Port teem with all manner of fascinating activities that let visitors become time travellers.

La Place Royale

Here you stand, at the very centre of the cradle of French civilization in North America – where it all began, nearly 400 years ago!

Le Vieux-Port

Spread out over an area of 33 hectares, the Old Port oozes history, and epitomizes Québec City’s port and maritime operations.

Quartier Petit-Champlain

Located at the foot of Dufferin Terrace and the Château Frontenac , the oldest commercial district in North America is an absolute must-see when visiting Québec City!

Place Royale is the spot where explorer Samuel de Champlain, soon after his arrival, chose to build his Habitation. It became the first permanent settlement of New France. A succession of well-to-do merchants would follow his example.

The narrow streets and sidewalks of Quartier Petit Champlain neighbourhood take visitors back to the heart of New France. Browsing through the shops and taking a well-deserved break in one of the many restaurants makes for a delightful afternoon.

Located at the confluence of the Saint Charles and Saint Lawrence rivers, Québec City’s Old Port is the site of many activities and attractions, among them the Marché du Vieux-Port public market and the Agora amphitheatre.

Stop by the Centre d’interprétation de Place-Royale, where you can watch a multimedia presentation and learn more about the important historical figures who lived in the area.

To descend from the Upper Town into the heart of Quartier Petit Champlain neighbourhood, you can walk down the picturesque Frontenac Stairway, or hop on the Funicular, which leaves from Dufferin Terrace.

To experience Place Royale the way its original settlers did, time your visit to Québec City during the Festival de la Nouvelle-France, held each year in August. You’ll have the uncanny feeling of having travelled back in time to this historical period!

On your way from Place Royale to the Old Port, be sure to visit the Musée de la civilisation, impressive both in its architecture and the quality of the exhibitions, which cast a contemporary gaze on local and international history and culture.

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