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| Basse Ville Old Quebec Vacations and Luxury Travel Packages |
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Vieux Quebec (Old Quebec), the worldfamous historic area of Quebec City, was originally divided into two distinct towns - the Haute Ville (Upper Town) and the Basse Ville (Lower Town), separated by a 350-foot cliff, Cap Diamant.
Place d'Armes is the natural departure point for the city's Basse Ville, a must not only for serious antique collectors (on rue St-Paul) but also for some of the most colorful and intriguing shops, boutiques, outdoor cafes, historic sites and street musicians, jugglers and clowns that Quebec City has in abundance. To get there quickly, take the Escalier Casse-Cou literally, breakneck staircase - near Place d'Armes to descend from the cliff-top walled city into the riverside Lower Town area. An equally quick alternative is to take the Funicular from the Dufferin Terrace, which stops in the Basse Ville inside Maison Louis-Jolliet, built in 1683 for its namesake, who discovered the Mississippi River in 1672. He lived here until his death in 1700. From this point, contemporary "discoverers" can easily explore the Basse Ville and neighboring Vieux Port.
Two of the area's attractions are also the oldest districts in North America: Place Royale and Quartier Petit Champlain. Even today, these areas still reflect their 1608 origins as the first permanent settlement in New France. Vestiges of military and trade activities of that period can be found everywhere. Originally called Place du Marche, it became Place Royale in 1686 when the colonists erected a bust of Sun King Louis XIV.
Eglise Notre-Dame-des-Victoires on the south side of Place Royale is the oldest church in Quebec. Built in 1688 on the site of Champlain's first residence, it takes its name from two French victories against the British, one in 1690 and one in 1711. Somewhat ironically, given its name, the church was destroyed by shellfire in 1759 during the "conquest" and has been rebuilt twice since then. Highlights of this holy edifice are: the altar in the shape of a castle; the scale model of Le Breze-the boat that brought the Marquis de Tracy and soldiers of the Carignan Regiment to New France in 1664; the chapel dedicated to Ste-Genevieve, the guardian saint of Paris; and the excellent copies of paintings by such masters as Van Dyck, Van Loo and Boyermans. Also in Place Royale - and some might say the devil's work - is the Maison des Vins, housed in the 1869 warehouse designed by architect Claude Baillif, who also designed Jolliet's residence. This is a wine connoisseur's paradise - more than 1000 kinds of rare and vintage wines stored in its climate-controlled vaults and ranging in price from $ 10 to $1000 can be bought by the public from this historysteeped branch of the Societe des Alcools du Quebec.
Nearby Quartier Petit Champlain has boutiques, restaurants, and arts and crafts galleries galore, most housed in beautifully restored 17th-century surroundings. Characteristic of the bon vivant attitude which infects resident and vacationing revellers, this quartier is lively night and day. The action even spills out onto the streets during the spring and summer months. Just steps from the bottom of Escalier Casse-Cou is yet another of Quebec City's finest Quebecois restaurants, featuring traditional dishes and nouvelle versions of provincial delicacies. Le Marie Clarisse is housed in one of the ancient buildings lining the square. The restaurant's wooden-beamed ceiling, stone walls, sea-blue color scheme and big fireplace make it particularly attractive during cool weather or as a respite from the sun. It is a favorite haunt of Qu6becois because of its wine cellar.
Before heading back up to the Haute Ville, make time for the Musee de la Civilisation, located in the Vieux Port (Old Port) area, near Place Royale. Open only five years, the museum has garnered international praise for its comprehensive exhibitions on Quebec history, FrenchCanadian culture, and the culture and people of the whole world.
Also in this area is the huge Agora Vieux-Port 5800-seat amphitheater, located between the river and Customs building. The setting for outdoor classical and contemporary music concerts, plays, variety shows, folkloric dance recitals and other types of entertainment for both adults and children, it is a mecca for residents and visitors alike and a wonderful respite for the footsore explorer. |
Note: The hotel and resort prices listed in this guide are published fares - we often have specials at substantially lower rates. Please use our "Vacation Planner" and our agents will tell you about all available specials.
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During this time of price volatility in the travel and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until you make a deposit. |
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| Full Service Basse Ville Old Quebec Vacation Planner |
| Click here to start planning a great Canadian vacation, tour or cruise with our Virtuoso Travel Advisors. You may call us too, but we'd really appreciate it if you complete a vacation planner first so we can determine which destination specialist to introduce you to.Thank you very much! Call 1 800 330 8820 or 415 446 5252 to book your Basse Ville Old Quebec vacation. | |
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During this time of price volatility in the Basse Ville Old Quebec vacations, travel, tour and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until booked.
Disclaimer: We've worked hard to make all the Basse Ville Old Quebec vacations, cruise and travel packages information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.
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