"Life is a succession of moments. To live each one is to succeed."
On a day trip out from Quebec City, we came to stroll the gardens, but the only one available for visitors was Lavender. The timing was perfect, as we were there 10 days before the crop would be harvested for the season. There are 75,000 lavender bushes, with plenty of butterflies and bees to keep them pollinated. This beautiful location is used for weddings, too!
The first of several murals added to walls in Quebec appeared in 1999, but in the oldest part of the city – Place Royale. The three-dimensional work of art is full of the city’s history. So much detail capture one’s attention, as you discover all its features and the moments in history it represents.
We discovered L’Ecole des Ursulines when taking a quiet shortcut off the busy Rue Saint-Louis. It was the first school for girls in New France, established in Quebec in 1639. The Ursulines focused on education and help for the needy. They spread throughout New France, and even as far as New Orleans in the early 1700’s.
The Citadelle of Quebec is still an active military installation after 300+ years. No wonder we saw replacement blocks ready to be put in place. The fortifcation is integrated into the wall surrounding Old Quebec. There is a pleasant boardwalk known as the Governor’s Promenade that runs along the outside wall, and brings you to the Terrasse Dufferin. The green space surrounding the Citadelle, provides a lovely respite and view of the St. Lawrence River for those willing to make the climb.
The oldest section of Quebec dates back to 1608 when Samuel du Champlain founded Quebec. It is maintained as a town square, as visitors enjoy taking a step back in time, rain or shine. Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church is the oldest stone church in North America, built in 1688.
Let’s admit, tourists love to shop. But, this little quarter of Old Quebec is a lovely neighborhood that embraces the architecture and ambiance of the city, while still managing to sell souvenirs. It can be reached by climbing down the Breakneck Steps. The more interesting option, especially for returning from Lower Town is the Funiculaire!
I fully expected to see a monument to French explorer Samuel de Champlain while strolling along the Terrasse Dufferin in the heart of Old Quebec. Known as the “Father of New France”, Champlain was the founder of Quebec City, along with several other colonies along the St. Lawrence River.
What I did not expect to see, was an elephant… Salvador Dali’s $3.6 million “Space Elephant” is on exhibit for two-years.
