Our recent visit has focused on Old Quebec City where we had a most delightful time. JR managed well driving through Quebec City itself with the Toad thanks to the GPS Navigation which is working better now. Christa managed speaking some limited conversations in French to help get us around. Overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River, Québec City exudes a French flair unique to its North American location. The only fortified walled city north of Mexico, Old Québec (officially the Upper City, Haute-Ville, within the fortifications) has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Quebec City was once occupied by the French for over a hundred years until the British gained control of the city in 1820. It took climbing numerous stairs to make our way up into the walled city. A guided walking tour through La Citadelle (the historic military fortress) with its ramparts and cannons on the hilltop provided a grand view overlooking the St. Lawrence River. But the Lower City, Basse-Ville, is actually the oldest part of town since it was here that Samuel de Champlain built his first settlement. Both areas, with their narrow streets, historic buildings, and cafés gives the feel of being in an old European city. | |
| Climb the stairs or take the Fundiculaire | cable lift |
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| Night lights up Lower Old Quebec City |
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| One of many canons once used in battle between the French and the British |
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| Soldier during changing of the guard at La Citadelle |
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| La Citadelle Fort overlooks St. Lawrence River |
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| Giants in the Opening Parade of Les Fetes de la Nouvelle France |
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| La Vie de New France marches on |
We were able to experience life as it was in New France during the French Regime in the 17th and 18th centuries as “Les Fetes de la Nouvelle France” the Festival of New France was happening. For several exciting days, over 700 artists and performers in costumes were out and about breathing new life into historical Old Québec. The event showed the first families of New France sharing the adventures of their arrival and their lives here. The dancing, music, storytelling, re-enactments (street performers and parades) added more good memories to our trip.
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| Merchant hauling his kegs |
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| Aristocrats out on a stroll in New France celebration |
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| Wall mural on Rue de Champlain |
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| More Aristocrats enjoying their arrival in 17th century New France |
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| Les Fetes Opening Parade for the Arrival of New France |
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| Frenchman and Huron Indian dancing on stilts |
