As much as we all wish we could take a European vacation every year, some times it just isn’t possible. So, if this year has you dreaming of a trip to France, but your vacation schedule or your wallet just won’t allow a trip across the pond, why not consider visiting Québec instead.
 |
||
| By Carolyn Aiken via |
If you live in the Northeast or the Midwest, it is an easy flight (or even a drive for New Englanders and New Yorkers) to either Montreal or Québec City, two cities which will instantly make you think you have been transported to France.
 |
| via |
In Montreal, explore Vieux Montreal, see the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica, the stunning Jardin Botanique de Montreal, admire the art at the Musee des Beaux-Arts and take a carriage ride through the Parc du Mont Royal.
 |
| via |
 |
| via |
Indulge in your favorite French food…crepes and quiche at Marché de la Villette, chocolat chaud and profiteroles at Juliette et Chocolat, croque monsieur at L’Express, or go for a true French gastronomic experience at Les Deux Singes de Montarvie.
 |
| via |
Stay at the luxurious Hotel Le Saint James in the heart of Vieux Montreal for a classic European atmosphere in a historic building.
 |
| via |
A little further north, Québec City should satisfy even the most avid Francophile…
 |
| via |
Stroll through Old Québec and you might as well be in Montmartre…there is even a funiculaire! A UNESCO World Heritage site with buildings dating back to the 1600’s, the historic walking area is reminiscent of those found in Europe’s most classic
cities, with plenty of shops, European-style eateries, sidewalk cafés,
parks and more.
cities, with plenty of shops, European-style eateries, sidewalk cafés,
parks and more.
 |
| via |
 |
| via |
 |
| via |
Just as in Montreal, you should have no trouble satisfying any cravings for classic French food, sidewalk cafes and traditional European ambience. Two not to miss…Café Chez Temporel, a prototypical French cafe, and Le Moine Échanson, for the wine lover. To get your chocolate fix, go to Choco-Musée Érico.
 |
| via |
And for those of us who love Shakespeare and Company in Paris, Librairie St.-Jean-Baptiste will easily fill that void.
Love the markets in France? Don’t miss the Marche Vieux Port.
 |
| via |
For the quintessential Québécois (read French) hotel, stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, the centerpiece of Old Québec, which sits above the city like a castle in the Loire Valley.
So, what are you waiting for? Head north of the border to experience la belle vie Francaise au Québec!
I enjoy visiting Montréal and Quebec City. It's so French. Your recommendations here are very good. Merci!
Hi Sandy hope you had a great weekend….this is great advice. We were there years ago for a wedding and I have to say I was amazed at what an incredible city it is…just so charming and full of European elegance. A great choice indeed!
Think my comment just got eaten up by Blogger….LOVE it there, was there for a wedding about 10 years ago and it was the first time for me, what a gem! So full of European elegance it is a must see for anyone…great suggestion!
Canada and in particular Québec and Montréal have been on my must-visit list for a while now. (Of course visiting France itself is relatively easy for us!)Your fabulous post makes me even more keen to go and I'm bookmarking this right now.
Looks lovely, Sandy! I've always wanted to go to Quebec and all your wonderful tips are reminding me to keep this city high on my "must visit" list.
Hope you had a lovely weekend! XOXO
This is a fabulous idea Sandy! I've never been to Canada either and would really love to see this part first!
Good afternoon Sandy! I am so mad about my blogroll that has been so slow! I get up every morning very early to make sure I catch everyone's new posts,and yours did not come up until NOW!
Oh, I have to get my husband to take here to Québec since we live here in Minnesota, it shouldn't be that long of a trip! Look at those fabulous buildings!
Enjoy your day dearest Sandy! Anita
We just watched the Formula 1 race in Montreal yesterday and reminisced about our time there many years ago. Time to show the boys a bit of Canada, eh!
xxoo
C + C
A group of friends and I take a trip together every 5 years to celebrate "big" birthdays. Quebec City is next on our list but we are a couple of years past due because of everyone's crazy schedules. (Who knew it would be harder to coordinate all of our schedules once we were all empty nesters!) I'm going to send this post to the gals to inspire us to find a date to go to this beautiful city!
Oh I love both Quebec and Montreal! This is an excellent post filled with fabulous ideas and tips!
I hope that you have a wonderful week.
I just started using bloglovin and following blogs. I discovered yours. This is just so romantic! I hope one day I could visit Canada and discover for myself the beauty of the place. Thanks for sharing!
We went to both last summer.we really liked quebec city.it really does remind you of france
: )
I've only been to Quebec once but loved it! After this post, I want to go back!
Looks so beautiful, charming and old world!! Thanks for the highlights, Sandy. I'll have to check out the flights from Maine when we go up. Cheers, Loi
I have this on my list to visit for sure What great suggestions you have here. Thank you! great post!!
Rosemary
http://www.nycstylelittlecannoli.com/
Been to Montreal a few times but always wanted to go to Quebec, maybe this Summer!
so, so beautiful! thanks for the reminder that Canada exists…ha! I have been a few times and it is so lovely.
I have yet to visit Quebec, but I know my friend who lives in Paris adores it. I have been to Montreal and really liked it , so would go to Quebec next.
I love this place a lot..