Parlez-vous français? Voudriez-vous?
Language classes are marvelous things, but to truly begin to speak a language, nothing compares to a visit to a place where the language you are studying is spoken. If the lovely French language calls to you, we have the perfect place, and it isn’t even an ocean away.
To some, Montréal and Québec City will remain undiscovered treasures that exist just over the border in our neighboring country, Canada. And what a shame that is! Even if you don’t ever speak a word of French, you won’t want to miss out on the beautiful, intriguing cities that are Montréal and Québec.
Montréal
Bicycle -friendly Montréal is culturally diverse and thriving. It is an urban metropolis that is alive with a unique and fun energy! There are so many amazing things to see here, so let’s talk about just a couple. First, the Botanical Gardens, where you will visit the Biodome and see wondrous things, like the mesmerizing waltz of the moon jellyfish.
You will also explore space in the interactive Cosmodome and stand in awe of the Notre Dame Cathedral while getting your history fix in Old Montréal, the oldest section of the city!
There is so much to see and do (and so much good food to eat) here, that our fellow travelers tend to return again and again. Word to the wise, however – January may not be the best time to book your trip! It gets c-c-cold in the upper reaches of North America.
Québec
Québec is arguably the more scenic of the two cities (hard to believe after looking at pictures of Montréal, we know) and has a distinctly European feel with its narrow streets and historical stone buildings. It is less of a thriving metropolis and more of a slow-paced, gorgeous city to discover on foot.
Some highlights of this beautiful city are the Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré that has been a site of pilgrimage since 1658 (it is, in fact, the oldest known pilgrimage site on the continent) and the Plains of Abraham, where you can feel the historical significance of the battles that shaped the fate of North America. Here, the French and British battled for supremacy…it is now referred to as the “lungs of the city.”
After a visit to a local Sugar Shack where the sap of the maples is boiled to make syrup that is then used to make mouth-watering local cuisine, you might just fall in love with Québec like Anthony Bourdain has (read & watch him here).
And passports aren’t necessary for your students! But your adults will need theirs – see the ‘entry, exit & visa requirements’ on the US Department of State’s travel site for Canada. (And remember: we are here to help you!)This trip is bound to leave you with an abundance of new impressions, new experiences, and beautiful memories.
Nous t’invitons! – Book an inspirational and cross-cultural tour to Montréal and Québec today!
