Historic District Of Old Québec: Learn More About 'Latin Quarter'

Set along the St. Lawrence river, Old Québec is a place that has been amusing people for many years.

This city was founded and built as an effort to create a French foothold in case of colonial wars. Now, however, it is one of the main tourist attractions in Canada!

The Historic District of Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains many historic buildings and monuments. This district was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, and it is the only walled city in North America.

The Historic District of Old Québec is home to over 4,000 residents. There are many interesting facts about this historic district that we would like to share with you!

History

Old Québec is built along the shores of the St. Lawrence river and is a great place to visit if you want to remain within North America and still experience a piece of European culture and architecture. Founded in the beginning of the 17th century, Quebec city is definitely a beautiful place.

The charm of this old city is imparted by its many beautiful buildings, the cobbled streets that are synonymous with Europe and architecture that is sure to take people by surprise.

Old Québec was founded by a French explorer named Samuel de Chaplain in 1608. The main intention behind the founding of this city was that the French wanted to create their powerful base in North America.

Canada, in particular, was one of the most sought after places in this regard and hence, this walled city was to become the New France.

There is no denying that Old Québec has a French charm to it, and that is not just because of the names of the popular tourist attractions. It is the former capital of New France and is a constant reminder of the way in which Europeans have tried to gain control over North America.

From its founding in 1608, till 1760, Old Québec was the capital of New France and was where nearly all of their economic and administrative activity was centered. From 1760, it became the center of the British colony.

For the longest time since, it remained a center for the major administrative activities of the British colony and it was not until the independence of Canada that the city became independent as well.

Old Québec was built in two parts, which were the Upper Town or Haute Ville and Lower Town or Basse Ville.

The Haute Ville or Upper Town is located on the top of the promontory of Cap Diamant. Samuel de Chaplain ordered this area to be built in such a way that it would become the center of the military and administrative activities for the French.

The fortifications of this area were demolished in the 19th century since the amount of military activities taking place in the area were a direct threat to urban development.

The area was later rebuilt - meaning that most of the buildings that now stand at Haute Ville come from the 18th and 19th centuries. At the same time, there are some pieces of architecture which date back to the very beginning of Old Québec, in the 17th century.

The Upper Town is therefore a wonderous place to visit.

There are many places to visit in Old Quebec city, which are sure to transport you to Europe in a matter of seconds. The twisted and winding streets of Québec city require people to put on their walking shoes and start exploring the small nooks and corners where culture is hidden in abundance.

The charm of this old city can only be experience in full once people start appreciating the small spaces and the amount of historic value that they hold.

Since the Old Québec city has such a rich history with regards of European settlements, parts of French and British culture are also visible quite readily - and not just in the style of architecture. A visit to this old city is therefore a great departure from the American way of life!

Towns

Old Québec city was built in two parts, or in the form of two towns. There is an Upper Town and a Lower Town - both of which have their own functions.

The distinction between the two towns was undoubtedly clearer when the French people lived here. Eventually, the distinction became a hindrance in the way of development and hence, people demolished any rigid barriers.

At the present day, both Upper and Lower Towns are open for people to visit. The Upper Town was built as a center for the administrative activities of the French.

The military also had its base in the Upper Town, which a part of the reason why people were not able to spread their urbanization here. The Lower Town, on the other hand, was the place wherein the French or British merchants would live. This was basically a residential area that was set completely apart from the administrative activities.

Both the towns have their own attractions and no one place can be seen as less impressive than the other. Places such as Chateau Frontenac and Quebec City Hall are located in the Upper Town.

These places are some of the most famous in the city In fact, Chateau Frontenac is regarded as the most photographed hotel in the entire world.

Nearly none of the tourists that visit Old Quebec city ever come back without some pictures in front of Chateau Frontenac.

If you are wondering, there are several other hotels in the city which you can stay at and have a great time. You could also always choose from the range of hotels that are built in the old European style for an extra dose of culture.

There are many citadels in Old Quebec city, which add to the old-worldly charm. The Parliament building, too, is a great piece of Second Empire architecture and stands for people to visit and appreciate.

The Parliament building is also surrounded by a number of very elaborate gardens, which are nearly impossible to miss out during a tour. The Old Port is probably one of the most visited places in Old Quebec city.

This is because this is the only place where people can experience the laid-back charm of the city. Old Port provides many possibilities to its visitors, such as biking, or shopping.

Equally famous is Petit-Chaplain which is regarded as one of the prettiest pedestrian streets in Canada. If you happen to visit Old Quebec city in the winter season, Petit Chaplain is sure to turn into a real Christmas village, with its beautiful lighting and millions of stores.

If you are a fan of artisanal products or clothes made by local designers, Petit Chaplain will have you coming back for more!

Both Petit Chaplain and Place Royale are located within Old Port, and hold a lot of cultural significance. Place Royale the sort of Europeanness to itself that will have to transported in an instant. In addition to this, Place Royale is also the very spot where Samuel de Chaplain once laid the foundation for the first French settlement.

Old Quebec is the only walled city to exist in the Northern direction of Mexico. In fact, its cultural and historical importance is such that people even visit the walls and appreciate their innate beauty.

Transportation

Getting to Old Quebec is not much of a hassle. While you can always take up a road trip from any part of Canada, and spend more time in appreciating the landscape, taking the train or a flight isn't a bad idea either if you have lesser time on your hands.

The airport where you can land in order to get to Old Quebec is Jean Lesage International Airport.

Apart from this, Old Quebec is also serviced by a very efficient network of trains and busses. The Gare du Palais bus and train station is not very far from the heart of Old Quebec.

If you are wondering how to travel within Old Quebec, the answer is quite simple. The twisted cobble-stone streets of Old Quebec are best appreciated when you are walking down them.

If you are not a fan of walking, you might miss out on some of the greatest pieces of European architecture and culture that can be seen in all of North America.

Geography

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec is known for its old European charm. In addition to the many historic buildings and citadels, Old Quebec also greets its guests with a waft of culture and traditions.

This historic site is located adjacent to Quebec city in Canada, and is a great place to visit if you want a quick break from the North American way of life.

FAQs

What is special about Old Quebec?

A: Old Québec city is a great place to visit if you want to experience Europe without actually going there.

This city is smothered in the European feel and was once home to a very potent European settlement in North America. Old Québec city has a rich history which dates back to around 400 years.

Hence, it is considered one of the most popular ancient districts in the entire world.

At the present day, Old Québec is one of the main tourist attractions in Canada and attracts people from all over the world. A visit to this old city can give you a mini tour of Europe without having to spend as much money.

In addition to this, Old Québec is not only covered in old buildings from the 17th century but also has some new architecture, which can serve as your guide to ow architecture has evolved in this part of the world over centuries!

Where is the historic district of Old Quebec?

A: The Historic District of Old Quebec is located in the city of Quebec, Canada. It covers an area of approximately 0.61 sq. mi (160 ha), and it is home to over 4000 residents. The district was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, making it one of the oldest settlements in North America!

Who built the Historic District of Old Quebec city?

A: The Historic District of Old Québec was built by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. Champlain was a French explorer and founder of Quebec City.

He established the district as a fur trading post, and it quickly grew into one of the most important settlements in North America! Over the years, many other historic buildings and monuments have been added to the district, making it a fascinating place to explore!

How old are the buildings in Old Quebec?

A: Many of the buildings in the Historic District of Old Québec are centuries old! The district was founded in 1608, and many of the original buildings were constructed soon after. However, over the years, many new buildings have been added to the district. As a result, there is a mix of old and new architecture throughout the area!

Why was old Quebec built?

A: Old Québec was built by the French as an effort to increase their stronghold in North America. It was important for them to create a strong base in Canada in particular, which is why it also later became the capital of French activities in North America.

This walled city is now loaded with historic sites and cobbled streets. which add to the imposing colonial charm.