Assemblee Nationale

Ave. Honore-Mercier & Grande Allee

Tel: (418) 643 7239

The Assemblee Nationale, Quebec’s provincial parliament, meets just outside the walls of the Old City in this graceful Second-Empire building, completed in 1886 as a showcase of provincial history. Niches along the imposing facade and up the sides of the tall central tower display 22 bronze figures, each representing a person who played a vital role in Quebec’s development. The first inhabitants of the territory are honored in a bronze rendition of a First Nations family by the main door. Inside, the blue chamber is the hub of Quebec’s political activity.

Fortifications de Quebec

Tel: (418) 648 7016.

After a century of peace, the fortifications that had secured Quebec since their completion by the British in 1760 were transformed in the 1870s from a grim military necessity into this popular attraction. On the city’s northern and eastern edges, low ramparts studded with cannons defend the clifftop, with the walls on the western side reaching 2.5 m (10 ft). Two elegant gates, the Saint-Jean and the Saint- Louis, pierce the western stretch. Visitors can walk along the top of the walls for 4 km (3 miles).

Vieux Port

100 Quai Saint Andre.

Tel: (418)648 3300.

This delightful area has its focus around the old harbor northeast of the walled city. In contrast to the crammed heritage of much of the Lower Town, Vieux Port is an airy riverside walking site, full of new and restored modern attractions. Boat cruises downriver to the Chute Montmorency waterfalls are available. Waterfront walks pass chic boutiques, apartment blocks, the city’s concert stadium, and shops in trendy warehouse settings.

Place Royale

Rue Saint Pierre.

Tel: (418) 646 3167.

Of all the squares in Canada, Place Royale has undoubtedly the most history. Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec, planted his garden on this site, and the French colonial governor Frontenac turned it into a market in 1673.

A bust of Louis XIV was installed in 1686, and the square was named Place Royale.

Today it remains much as it did in the 18th century, exuding an air of elegance and delicate grandeur. A cobblestone court in the center of Basse-Ville, Place Royale is surrounded by steep-roofed early 18th-century buildings with pastel-colored shutters that were once the homes of wealthy traders. The square declined in the 19th century but is now fully restored and a favorite for street performers.