Overview

No excursion to French speaking Canada is complete without a visit to exuberant, romantic Québec City, which can claim one of the most beautiful natural settings in North America.  The well preserved Vieux-Québec (Old Québec) is small and dense, steeped in four centuries of history and French tradition.  The city is full of 17th- and 18th century buildings and numerous parks and monuments.  The Québec government has completely restored many of the centuries old buildings of Place Royale, one of the oldest districts on the continent. Because of its immaculate preservation as the only fortified city remaining in North America, UNESCO has designated Vieux-Québec a World Heritage Site.

Perched on a cliff above a narrow point in the St. Lawrence River, Québec City has one of the most beautiful locations in the world.  In the 17th century the first French explorers, fur trappers, and missionaries came here to establish the colony of New France.  Today it still resembles a French provincial town in many ways.  The culture, music, food, and art are all distinctly influenced by French culture.  At the same time, the Quebecois have created their own enduring culture with its own unique traditions, flavors, sounds, and sights.

Québec City's split level landscape divides Upper Town on the cape from Lower Town, along the shores of the St. Lawrence.  Separating these two sections of the city is steep and precipitous rock, against which were built more than 25 escaliers (staircases).  Both parts of the town have lots to see and experience, from centuries old buildings to beautiful churches.  The city also has an amazing array of cabarets, cafes, and restaurants where visitors can enjoy the unique Quebecois cuisine.

Visitors to Quebec City find an incredibly charming old world city right in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery in North America.  This is the closest one can come to being in France without leaving North America, and visitors to Quebec City are never disappointed.  The blend of French culture with other traditions has produced an amazingly beautiful city with a great sense of pride and lots to offer each of its many visitors.