400 Years of Changes

This summer, we bring you to Quebec City, from Parliamentary Hill to the Côte-de-Beaupré, passing by Stoneham and Sainte-Foy – Sillery. Quebec City is THE region to visit in 2008 since the city will be in the middle of the celebrations of its 400th anniversary. Founded in 1608, we can’t overlook the historical importance of this city and its founders. It is because of them and of their descendants that Quebec City became what it is today. The Citadelle, the fortifications and the Plains of Abraham are only some remnants of a colony which became the second largest city of the province. Today, this region cannot be described with only a word. But let's just say that politic, knowledge, art, culture and nature could all fit to describe this city.

Institutions

Some will say that Quebec City is a city composed predominantly of state-employees. This claim is actually true in the sense that Quebec City is the home of the Parliament of Quebec and the official residence of the Prime Minister as well. So, the city has the chance to have the most important political monument of the province on its ground with all the other governmental buildings surrounding it. Some other might say that Quebec City is rather a city of university students. This statement can also be confirmed by the fact that Quebec City holds the Université Laval campus, the oldest francophone university in North America. Situated in the Sainte-Foy – Sillery district, it can be considered as a city inside the city.

Artistic and Cultural Diversity

The region of Quebec is also widely recognized as a center of art and culture. In Old Quebec, tourists enjoy to wander around Rue du Trésor, a remarkable outdoor art gallery situated close to the always magnificent Château Frontenac. A bit further on Grande Allée, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec always makes a good impression on the tourists with his art exhibitions of known or less-known artists. If you go towards the Old Port, you will also have the chance to visit the Musée de la Civilisation, a place full of thematic exhibitions on many different themes. Also, be charmed by the many artists who will sing for you during the Quebec City Summer Festival or by the several characters that will make you relive the time of New France during the New France Festival. And if you are interested in the religious heritage of the city, Quebec has a large number of churches and other places of cult throughout the region. For an out of the ordinary pilgrimage, the Basilique Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré is a must. Whether you wish to gather your thoughts, light a lantern or simply admire the basilica in its whole, you are more then welcome to come.

Gifts from Nature

The many natural wonders, which are all across Quebec City’s landscape, must not be forgotten. In the regions of Beauport and Côte-de-Beaupré, the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and the Canyon Saint-Anne are only one of few attractions. And from the Île d’Orléans, depending on your position, you will be able to see in the distance the Mont Sainte-Anne, the start of the mountainous Charlevoix region or simply the boats or cruise ships travelling across the St.Lawrence River. Don’t miss also the opportunity to observe the vast fields which colour and dress the island of its next harvest. Further north, in the Jacques-Cartier and Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury regions, majestic landscapes, hills and water streams will undoubtedly offer you serenity and a true impression of greatness.

In all its Simplicity

In short, whether you are at the bottom of a fall watching fireworks, riding a bike on the many cycle tracks of the region, canoeing on the Jacques-Cartier River, having a feast in a local restaurant or simply walking around the small alleyways of Old Quebec, your stay will amaze you without a doubt. All these outings and many more will await you during your visit in the region. We'll see you there!