It was at the foot of Cape Diamant that French civilization in North America was truly born, when Samuel de Champlain founded Québec City in 1608. Witness history by walking along the streets of the Lower Town, which includes the Petit Champlain district, Place Royale and the Old Port of Québec.

1. As a departure point, why not take a little walk through one of Québec City’s must-see attractions, Quartier Petit Champlain! This narrow pedestrian street is teeming with boutiques and bistros which have managed to keep a New France air about their décor. At the end of the alley, the Casse-Cou or Breakneck Stairs are home to welcoming terraces, perfect for enjoying summer.

2. At the foot of Breakneck Stairs, turn right on Sous-le-Fort Street and then turn left on Notre-Dame, which will lead you to the heart of Place Royale, where Samuel de Champlain established the first settlement in New France. On this site, several attractions are worth visiting, including the Centre d’interprétation de la Place-Royale and the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church. Also during your visit, you should admire the Québécois Fresco, a trompe-l’œil work illustrating the city’s 400 years of history.

3. If you take Saint-Pierre or Dalhousie streets, you will find the Musée de la civilisation, a place well worth stopping. It is known as an immensely popular museum and is the most-visited in Québec City, with exhibitions featuring original themes, orientated towards participation and interaction.

4. After this lovely tour, why not take a well deserved break to enjoy savoury dishes prepared at many restaurants and cafés on Saint-Paul Street. Then, you can take your time strolling along the quays of the Old Port or shopping at the Old Port Market while waiting for a screening of the fabulous show invented by Robert Lepage, the Image Mill. What a great way to end your evening!