The old city of Quebec, capital of the eponymous province, is like an enclave of the Old Countries in North America. A visit to the city is a constant reminder of the French colonial era. Its rich heritage provides an opportunity to immerse in French-Canadian culture. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

01. Château Frontenac

The iconic Château Frontenac overlooks the old town. It is reminiscent of the ancient architecture of the châteaux of France, even though it is only a hotel built in 1893, an eminent representative of the Château style. Yet it symbolises the city’s rich history and charm. Profusely photographed, it is often used to illustrate Canada in its entirety.

02. Louis Hébert Monument

Near the Château Frontenac, the Louis Hébert Monument pays tribute to Louis Hébert, a French apothecary who became a ploughman when he arrived in Canada in 1617. The monument honours Hébert’s role as one of the first settlers in New France. It symbolises the courage, perseverance and spirit of discovery of the early history of Quebec and Canada.

03. Gravestone of Monseigneur de Laval

Born into the Montmorency family in 1623, a member of the French nobility, he became the first bishop of New France in 1658. His role was both religious, with the conversion of members of the First Nations, and administrative, with the structuring of this immense territory. He died in 1708, and his gravestone is in the Seminary chapel.

04. Grand Séminaire

The Grand Séminaire de Québec is a historic institution from New France. Founded in 1663 by Monseigneur de Laval, it trained future priests for both their religious mission and their administrative role. It embodies tradition and academic excellence. An emblematic place where spirituality and knowledge have intertwined for more than three centuries.

05. Old Quebec

The architecture of Old Quebec is a captivating blend of European influences and local necessities, such as the high walls separating houses to prevent fires from spreading. The cobbled streets, charming courtyards and stone facades take visitors back to another era, a tribute to the city’s unique cultural heritage.

06. Saint-Louis Gate

Québec was walled in the same way as European cities. The Saint-Louis Gate was first built in 1694, but at the end of the 19th century it was reshaped to facilitate traffic, losing its defensive function. The Fortifications contribute to the distinctive character of the city and offer visitors a beautiful walkway over the St. Lawrence.

07. Citadel

The present-day Citadel was built between 1820 and 1850 by the British as a successor to the French fortifications of the 17th century. It bears witness to the importance of this stronghold on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. By tradition, it is the second residence of the Governor General of Canada. A military museum is open to the public.

08. Plains of Abraham

This peaceful urban park with its lawns plunging into the St. Lawrence was the site of a battle for control of New France in 1759, which the British won. Commemorative monuments along the footpaths are a reminder of the historic role played by the site. Today, it’s a great place for leisure activities such as major public concerts.

09. Parliament Building

Québec’s Parliament Building was completed in 1886. Its architecture is inspired by the Second Empire and Victorian neo-Gothic styles of the time. The National Assembly sits in the Salon bleu. Although other buildings are occupied by civil servants, the government elected by parliamentarians also has its offices in the building, including that of the Prime Minister.

10. René Lévesque

The gardens around the Parliament building feature several statues of historical figures such as General de Gaulle and Joan of Arc. Perhaps the most moving is that of René Lévesque (1922-1987), Premier of Quebec, who organised the first referendum on Quebec sovereignty. Sovereignty remains at the heart of the political debate in Quebec.