MONTREAL NEIGHBORHOODS 101: PLATEAU MONT-ROYAL

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For many travelers who reminisce about their trip to Montréal, memories of tree lined streets, spiral staircases and colorful houses begin to surface. There is no neighborhood more synonymous with these images than ‘The Plateau.’

The Plateau is the Greenwich Village of Montréal. With the highest concentration of artists in any Canadian district, the bohemian aura of this neighborhood is visually palpable: stunning urban art, relaxed café terraces and fashionably clad individuals.

It consistently ranks among the hippest neighborhoods in North America. Why? Because here art meets nightlife. Because older Portuguese woman share the sidewalk with uber-chic, young indie musicians. Because you can have $5 empanadas for lunch and then haute cuisine at a French bistro for dinner.  Because the vintage clothing boutiques and used record shops inspire new looks and sounds that continue to resonate when travelers return home.

Plateau Mont-Royal is edgy urban vitality.

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Here are some of our classic Plateau recommendations:

[park] LA FONTAINE – This is where Montrealers go to picnic and find quietude among the urban hustle n’ bustle. Grab a baguette, some cheese and a bottle of vino, and lounge under a maple tree.

[café] CAFÉO – Located conveniently along the great shopping stretch of Rue St. Denis, this cute bistro has beautiful art on the wall, free WiFi and floor to ceiling windows to watch the world go by.

[tourist info] BONJOUR PLATEAU – Get yourself a guided tour. Also, as you exit Metro Mont-Royal, there is a little kiosk to the left. Here you can obtain extra info on what is happening during your stay. Also, if you want to cover a bit more ground, rent a bicycle for the day.

[chocolate] SUITE 88 – You might feel like you are stepping into a jeweler as you walk through the doors of this chic chocolate boutique. And truth be told, you’re going to find some gems – chocolaty treasures that are the perfect gift for the folks back home.

[take-out] PATATI PATATA – A favorite among the locals, this hole-in-the-wall burger shack offers big portions for a small price. As a “friterie de luxe,” it’s your perfect place to pick up a poutine!

[smoked meat] SCHWARTZ’S DELI – The famous restaurant that’s been serving up its famous smoked meat since 1928. It is a culinary right-of-passage for all carnivorous travelers.

[festival] TAM TAMS – Each Sunday afternoon there is a drumming festival on the east side of Mont Royal Park; dine on a picnic, bang on a drum, meander among the vendors, feel the pulse of the city.

[modern furniture] BOULEVARD SAINT LAURENT – If you’re looking to find some new, inspired home furnishing to ship back home, the stretch between Rue Marie-Anne and Ave Mont-Royal is home to five or six stunning furniture boutiques.

[bar/music venue] DIVAN ORANGE – A vibrant space where local and international indie band congregate. Shows usually start around 9:30 PM. Food available.

[spa] ESPACE NOMAD – An organic oasis perfect for those who need pampering and consider themselves environmentally conscious.

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THE DETAILS

Plateau Boundaries

South: Sherbrook Boulevard
North: Rosemont Boulevard
East: De Lorimier Avenue
West: Parc Ave

Public Transit Access

Metro: Laurier, Sherbrooke or Mont-Royal Stations
Bus: #55, #10, #80,

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Finally, here’s a sweet little photo series that depicts some of the colors and charm of the Plateau.

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Lead photo by Luc Deveault. Please click through see his other Montreal images.

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