Montreal’s founders, led by Paul Chomedy de Maisonneuve, built the Catholic
village of Ville Marie, that was to become Montreal, on the Saint Lawrence river
in 1642.
Missionary efforts failed to flourish, but the settlement blossomed into a
prosperous fur-trading town with fine homes and a stone stockade. As Montreal
expanded in the mid-20th century, the old city, Vieux-Montreal, fell into
decline. In 1980, however, the district underwent a renaissance. The remaining
18th century buildings were transformed into the restaurants, bistros, and
boutiques that are so fashionable today, especially those of rue Notre-Dame and
rue St-Paul.
Basilique Notre-Dame
One of the most splendid churches in North America, the city’s 1829 Catholic
showpiece has a richly decorated and colorful interior
Pointe-a-Calliere Archeological Museum
An underground tour here leads visitors past excavated ruins and early water
systems dating from the 17th century.
Hotel de Ville
The city hall was created in grand French Empire style in 1872 –78, and restored
to its glory in 1922. The marble hall features a statue of the first mayor.
Chapelle Notre Damede-Bonsecours
Long the spiritual home of Quebec’s sailors, this church has fine views of the
river from its tower.
Marche Bonsecours
The neo-Renaissance façade of this elegant building conceals its lively history,
from its early 19th-century days as Canada’s Parliament to a thriving time as a
vegetable market.
Chateau Ramezay
Once the home of Montreal’s governing city council, this 18th-century building
pays tribute to the settling of Quebec with its fine museum of early tools and
artifacts.
Canada Cities