Romantic to the core, the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal lead the way to many rare architectural jewels. From heritage sites to contemporary designs, you’ll be carried away by the historical charm of where it.
Morning
Start your experience with the Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-gothic architectural masterpiece that majestically rises above Place d’Armes. Discover its rich, decorative woodwork, exquisite stained glass, the dazzling gold-leaf ceiling ornamentation, and its sculpted columns, either as part of a guided tour or on your own.
Along Saint-Paul Street, gallery owners and designers invite you to delve into their colourfully creative universe. A stop at artisan-jeweller Roland Dubuc’s studio-boutique is an absolute must: he sculpts each work from a single piece, folding, twisting and knotting gold and silver sheets into his trademark complex and elegant designs.
Just a stone’s throw away is le Cours le Royer, an elegant, tree-lined pedestrian thoroughfare complete with park benches and bordered by former factory-stores (1861-1872) turned apartments and office buildings. It is a great place to stop for a rest before jumping into the city’s rich heritage at the Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal museum of history and archaeology. Built directly upon the very foundation of the first colony, the museum exhibits hundreds of artefacts that retrace the history of the city, from first meetings with the Amerindians until present day.
Then it’s back to Saint-Paul Street to savour the irresistible sandwiches and fresh salads from Olive et Gourmando, a small bakery that emphasizes local products. Try the organic apple Panini with Perron cheese, or perhaps the antipasto plate made with homemade marinades. But be sure to save some space for dessert.
Afternoon
Make your way towards Place Jacques-Cartier. Always bustling with activity, you could come across street performers, wandering magicians, local Montréalers. There is always something going on or someone passing by!
Old Montréal is synonymous with patrimonial heritage. As you stroll down Saint-Paul Street, you won’t be able to miss the numerous historical buildings, such as the Pierre du Calvet house, the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours, dedicated to sailors, as well as the Marché Bonsecours, deemed as one of the ten most beautiful heritage sites in Canada. The building houses a number of artisan studio-boutiques. This is the ideal place to find a unique gift as a souvenir of your time in Montréal.
Now that you’ve seen Montréal by land, it is time to see it by sea! Explore Montréal’s gorgeous panorama aboard the Bateau Mouche, who can navigate waters that are inaccessible to conventional watercraft thanks to its low draft and turbine engines.
Once back on the island, treat yourself to a cocktail at Verses Sky, the terrace located on the roof of Hôtel Nelligan. Sip, relax and drink in the beauty of your surroundings.
Evening
We propose two “great tables” of the many fabulous dining choices in the area. First, Aix Cuisine du Terroir offers – as its name implies – a delectable and unique local dining experience in an exceptional atmosphere and décor.
We also recommend the S le Restaurant, for its refined European-inspired cuisine, its creative menu featuring a variety of local produce, and its magnificent gardens.
Created by:
Bassira (Tourisme Montréal)
Best for:
En couple
Last updated:
December 30, 2009
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Theme:
Length of stay:
1
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