August 17 Sunday, Grand tour of Quebec City!
Today has been the most fantastic day…..we have explored Quebec City under the guidance of Guide Rangi….all on foot!
After a little bit of overnight rain, the day was perfect, blue skies, clear air, and about 22 degrees. We headed off mid morning, and Denis found a parking spot near the market…parking is at a premium in the city.
Into the market and I was amazed at the variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats, all from this area, with a lot being grown on Ile d’Orleans, which we visited yesterday. We are at the peak of the summer season with so many berries and fruits in season.
We then wandered around the harbour and marina, before heading to the Old city of Quebec. What an amazing time, little cobbled streets, full of shops, flowers in window baskets, and old, old buildings. The streets were full of people, but everyone was just wandering and soaking up the festive atmosphere. Le Chateau Frontenac is a huge hotel, amazing architecture, and it dominates the skyline at the top of the city. The weather in Quebec had finally become summer and people were out enjoying it.
It was early afternoon, and Guide Rangi decided it was time for a lunch stop…he found us a great spot at Le Cochon Dingue, where we sat on the pavement, enjoying a cold beer and salad lunch, watching the people passing by.
We meandered all afternoon, visiting two very ornate and beautiful cathedrals, watching free concerts that were happening in different corners, including a pipe band, and a Quebec brass band playing military music. There were lots of street artists with fiddles, and guitars…all in festival mode. We climbed to the heights of the city, wandered through the Chateau Frontenc, and then up to the Fortifications and battlefield park, with expansive views over the river and surrounding areas.
It was after 5 before we returned to the car and home via the supermarket for some salmon for tea….and wine and beer! Another wonderful evening and I have had my first bubbles since arriving in North America…Nicole enjoys them too! We met Nicole’s sister, Francine and her partner BJ who live next door.
Hard to believe, so far from NZ and we are enjoying the hospitality of a French speaking family in the heart of Quebec. Tres Bien!
Today has been the most fantastic day…..we have explored Quebec City under the guidance of Guide Rangi….all on foot!
After a little bit of overnight rain, the day was perfect, blue skies, clear air, and about 22 degrees. We headed off mid morning, and Denis found a parking spot near the market…parking is at a premium in the city.
Into the market and I was amazed at the variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats, all from this area, with a lot being grown on Ile d’Orleans, which we visited yesterday. We are at the peak of the summer season with so many berries and fruits in season.
We then wandered around the harbour and marina, before heading to the Old city of Quebec. What an amazing time, little cobbled streets, full of shops, flowers in window baskets, and old, old buildings. The streets were full of people, but everyone was just wandering and soaking up the festive atmosphere. Le Chateau Frontenac is a huge hotel, amazing architecture, and it dominates the skyline at the top of the city. The weather in Quebec had finally become summer and people were out enjoying it.
It was early afternoon, and Guide Rangi decided it was time for a lunch stop…he found us a great spot at Le Cochon Dingue, where we sat on the pavement, enjoying a cold beer and salad lunch, watching the people passing by.
We meandered all afternoon, visiting two very ornate and beautiful cathedrals, watching free concerts that were happening in different corners, including a pipe band, and a Quebec brass band playing military music. There were lots of street artists with fiddles, and guitars…all in festival mode. We climbed to the heights of the city, wandered through the Chateau Frontenc, and then up to the Fortifications and battlefield park, with expansive views over the river and surrounding areas.
It was after 5 before we returned to the car and home via the supermarket for some salmon for tea….and wine and beer! Another wonderful evening and I have had my first bubbles since arriving in North America…Nicole enjoys them too! We met Nicole’s sister, Francine and her partner BJ who live next door.
Hard to believe, so far from NZ and we are enjoying the hospitality of a French speaking family in the heart of Quebec. Tres Bien!
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