A Taste of Montreal
For those of you seeking a little bit of charm and romance, the beautiful city of Montreal holds many hidden secrets. The heart of this Canadian city beats in French; but the mix of cultures is what really makes this city bloom.
It can take weeks, even years to discover all the hidden laneways, secret shops and local hangouts in Montreal, here are just a few of my favourite discoveries:
Walk the city
For a taste of Europe and a glimpse back into Canada’s rich French heritage, take to Old Montreal by foot. The historic area is one of the most popular areas for Expedia’s Aussie travellers and a good base for exploring the city. You can meander through the cobblestone laneways, admire the beautiful architecture then slip into a café and just simply watch the world pass by. If you’re after an easy option, book in a guided tour for a few hours.
The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a gothic-inspired masterpiece rising above the city. Walk beneath its towering sculpted columns and discover its rich, intricate woodwork and ethereal stained glass.
Historic and quaint, amble along Saint-Paul Street and delve into the creative world of the local artists. The street is a haven for art galleries, artist studio’s and artisanal boutiques, making it the perfect place to stop off to buy hand dyed silk scarves or local paintings.
In the heart of Old Montreal is Place Jacques-Cartier, where laneways are lined with Victorian street lamps, fresh flower stalls, street artists, roving entertainers, face painters and wandering magicians. Drop into one of the local gourmet delis and pick up a fresh baguette, salted cheese curds and a cold sparkling water, and then find a bench seat to sit, eat and soak in the ambience.
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