We are staying near Le Village on the map below. Today we spent time in Vieux Montréal (Old Montreal)
The view outside of our hotel window. They say there are two seasons in Canada - Winter and Construction. The building industry closes down when the snow arrives, so building contractors make the most of the fine months to complete projects.
Breakfast included. Nothing to write home about. Feels like a high school cafeteria.
Interesting walk from our hotel to Old Montreal - about 10 minutes. Beautifully restored old buildings and attractive flowers everywhere.
I was impressed by the quality of the displays throughout the area.
We had booked a walking tour for 11 am.
We met across from Place d’Armes, which was buzzing with tourists.
We had an excellent guide, who was a retired engineer. He kept us all captivated with stories of early Montreal. These buildings are the Town Hall and Courthouses.
This is Chateau Ramezay, which was originally built for the Governor in 1705.
There is a traditional French garden at the rear - with a progression from vegetable and flower bordered plots to larger trees.
We were wondering where all these magnificent public flower displays go in the winter.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur, a Gothic Revival Church completed in 1829. There were some beautiful paintings and stained glass windows, telling Montreal’s history, including of an Indian saint.
A public sculpture in one of the small alleyways, called Whisperers.
Flags and signs. The first flag is the provincial flag of Quebec, the second the Quebecois flag during the British occupation, the fleur-de-lys was replaced by the beaver.
The church of Notre Dame de Bon Secours, which was founded in 1655 by a nun, now Sainte Marguerite Bourgeoys. Now it is known as the sailors’ church as it is close to the port and has blessed many ships’ crews before they set off on voyages.
Lunch at a boutique brewery. Mark decided to order a local specialty Poutine - usually French fries, cheese curds covered in gravy but he had a modified version - chicken, bacon, aioli, French fries with gravy. They had a range of vivid drinks on the menu, none which appealed to us.
On our return journey we walked by the port. It was more like a fun park with a Ferris wheel, Zipline, climbing equipment, paddle boats etc. All popular with the tourist families. We were disappointed it didn’t offer more ambience like Toronto harbour. Originally, this was this was main port for Canada, where grain and furs was exported. Montreal is an island port and is at the end of the St Lawrence Seaway, which gives access to both the Great Lakes and The Atlantic Ocean, opened in 1959.
The highlight of the day. We walked up to the community park at the end of our street. Very much part of Le Village. A karaoke night. Very gay, very individual, very mental health, some doped out but so heart-felt and such a beneficial activity. Felt quite teary as there were such wonderful efforts, talented singers and awkward moments. There was total crowd support.
Dinner in the Latin Quarter. Two streets away.
M&M
No comments:
Post a Comment