Quebec City is full of incredible historic architecture.Credit:Caroline Gladstone
WHY?
Quebec City brims with charm and history at every corner. The only walled city in the Americas north of Mexico,its 4 kilometres of ramparts enclose a UNESCO World Heritage centre accessed through four stone gates. Built on a lofty escarpment above the St Lawrence River,it is topped by the fairy tale Le Chateau Frontenac,said to be the most photographed hotel in the world. And this city of just half a million is French – but without the arrogance,as the Quebecois love to say!
VISIT
One of Quebec City's four gates.Credit:Caroline Gladstone
Begin inside the walls of Old Quebec where you'll not only find horse-drawn carriages (calesches) clip-clopping along cobblestone streets but also discover there's an Upper and a Lower town. Connected by 30 separate staircases and a funicular,each has a distinct personality. The imposing buildings,flower-filled squares and Dufferin Terrace – a boardwalk with sensational river views – are in the upper town,while the lower town has boutique hotels,galleries and restaurants in historic cottages and warehouses.
EAT
For traditional tableside flambe and a night of theatrics head to Le Continental (restaurantlecontinental.com) near the Chateau. Order the flaming steak au poivre and the crepe suzette,performed by waiter Denis who's been flipping pans and slurping cognac for 12 years. A prix fixe meal at Aux Anciens Canadiens (auxancienscanadiens.qc.ca),located in the oldest house in the city,is a steal at $20. Waiters dressed in period costumes serve comfort food including maple syrup pie in this 1675-built red-and-white house. Casual dining on the charming Le Petit Champlain street in the Lower Town doesn't get any better than at Le Lapin Saute (lapinsaute.com). There's plenty of rabbit on the menu along with French onion soup and foie gras.
A Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is a great way to see Quebec City.Credit:Caroline Gladstone
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