Two weeks ago I was in my favorite city, Quebec City, Canada! I love this shot in Bas-Ville and the view of the street that is now closed off to vehicular traffic. Notice the cruise ship in the background? Enjoy!
Photography 101: Street Quebec City, Canada
The Ship is Moored and Awaiting the Harvest! Quebec City, Canada
The new underground parking lot at Town Hall has been completed. There is now a lively garden area on top of the underground parking complex and it is the perfect spot to spend a fall afternoon! This year the focus of the park surrounds a sunken pool area, where a replica old sailing ship is moored among the fields of the harvest. Every year I can’t wait to see the adventure that awaits at Town Hall! Using the same props from year to year the displays created are always a new design. Hats off to all the workers and designers who make these displays possible! It is what sets Quebec City as the premier city in North America! Let’s load up the Harvest! Quebec City goes all out to decorate their city for Fall. What fun! Enjoy!
The Welcome Sign at the Public Market during Fall Days in Quebec City, Canada
Can Mums be More Beautiful? Quebec City, Canada
Gotta Have the Spooky Tree! Quebec City, Canada
Gotta Have the Spooky Tree in a Field of Pumpkins! Quebec City, Canada
Stacks of Pumpkins from a Vintage Truck, Quebec City, Canada
A Maiden in the Garden! Quebec City, Canada
A Vintage Tractor in the Fields of Pumpkins, Quebec City, Canada
The Mums of Quebec City, Canada!
Carefully Planned Fields of Pumpkins, Wheat, and Mums, Quebec City, Canada
A Farmer in the Field, Quebec City, Canada
Rows and Rows of Pumpkins! Quebec City, Canada
The Sunflower Fields Surrounding the Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada
The Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada
The Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada
The Harvest Ship Is Ready to Load!, Quebec City, Canada
The Back Side of the Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada
Giant, Giant Red Pots of Blooms in the Park! Quebec City, Canada
Giant Red Pots of Blooms in the Park! Quebec City, Canada
Le Parc au Petit-Champlain, Quebec City, Canada
It’s that time of year for the annual trip to Quebec City. Without a doubt, it is my favorite city in North America! The shops and parks are decorated for Fall and the weather is sunny and cool! Here are just a few of my favorite sights on a quick walk through Petit-Champlain! Lots to look at here! There is COLOR everywhere! Enjoy!
Stick Trees! Fall Decorations at My Favorite Hotel, Hotel Saint Germaine
My Favorite Basket Planters, Quebec City, Canada
More Fall Planters! Quebec City, Canada
New Planters! Quebec City, Canada
Simple and Chic!
New this year were the four different displays of Plastic in Bas-Ville. Entertaining to say the least and as I studied them there were some baskets I could have used!
Plastic Baubles Anyone?
More Plastic! Quebec City, Canada
And Yet Another! Quebec City, Canada
And Yet Another! Plastic Everywhere! Quebec City, Canada
Perhaps the Plastic Baubles remind us of the fun of Summer and the Sea?
Fall Decorating in the Park! Quebec City, Canada
Apple Anyone? Quebec City, Canada
Street Sign, Quebec City, Canada
Outdoor Seating at Park Next to Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada
Pumpkins, Corn and Rakes! Where Is That Rabbit?
Another View of Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada
I Loved the tiny purple pots!
Decorations at Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada
Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada
I’m Back! We had the most wonderful time in Quebec City! More posts to come about Thanksgiving weekend in my favorite place! Won’t you join me? I’m ready for fall!
A Furrier Sign in Quebec City, Canada
One of the Displays in Joan of Arc Park
Yesterday we took a carriage ride through Quebec City. The guide was very attentive and we learned more about this fabulous city. We eventually rounded the Joan of Arc Park and I knew I wanted to come back on my own time to take pictures of the wonderful decorations in this neighborhood park. So early this morning we piled into a cab and asked to go to the Plains of Abraham, the large stretch of parkland and battleground where the Joan of Arc Park is located. We roared up the hill and through the town and through the town and through the town. I was thinking I didn’t remember it being very far, but hey I had been enjoying the carriage ride so maybe it was. We got out at a field track and the taxi driver pointed to a bend in the road so we were sure the Joan of Arc Park was right around the corner, even though we didn’t see it. We walked around the corner and nothing, just another road going along the St Lawrence River, but it did look to be a park.
The Beautiful Gardens we Walked through to Get to the Park
The Woods where the Kids were having the Best Time!
We walked back to the field track where several people were jogging or walking, enjoying the beautiful warm fall day. An elderly woman stopped to ask if we needed help. Ah! The babushka lady to the rescue again! See https://cadyluckleedy.com/2013/03/27/safety–and-the…ndparent-types When she realized we spoke English and she spoke only French the pantomiming began. Basically we got the message to follow the river road. So we started walking. And Walking. And walking. There were woods between the river road and the river and in the woods we could hear the voices and laughter of children. Lots of children. They must have been on a field trip we decided. Boy were they having fun whooping it up! We walked on. We had a map and finally came to a sign that was actually on our map. We were outside the boundaries of our tourist’s map! We kept walking. We walked on the road then we walked on the path. Then we walked on the road again. I decided to walk up up up the hill in the grass to see if anything looked like what were looking for. I could see another path up there but wasn’t sure I could reach it without going all the way along the bottom of the road until the two paths finally met up. How far would that be? We walked some more, passing joggers, more joggers, and those show offs jogging pushing a baby carriage too. Finally another couple, that looked as pooped as we were, moved across a wide meadow and we decided we would follow suit. We FINALLY made our way up to the higher street where there was a bench to rest on, thank goodness! There were kids everywhere! School outings! One group of nine and ten year olds were lined up on the grass: one group dressed as Indians the other group dressed as soldiers. They were having such fun and so were we watching them! We eventually made our way to the Joan of Arc Park where there were more students and teachers. What a great way to teach history! The displays were eye catching, entertaining and there were signs pointing out the historical meaning to each display. I learned a lot!
The Joan of Arc Park and Garden
One of the displays in Joan of Arc Park
Flowers and Foliage
The Scarecrow in the Middle
The Rock
Purple Foliage with Red Berries
More Pumpkins
Still More Pumpkins
The Tunnel Pumpkins
The Pirate Ship
You Are a Monster If You Pick the Flowers!
The Gaol
The Chain Gang Sign
The Duelers
Grave Markers
The Coffin
The Pumpkin Street Light
Several times during our stay in Quebec City we ate at the Buffet de Antiquaire, clustered in a row of antique shops. Every time we ventured by this restaurant it was packed! One evening we decided that this had to be the place to try. Walking up a few short steps into a cozy diner atmosphere we were greeted by a young waitress who promptly seated us. There was a tiny main floor room and a room upstairs. The chalkboard revealed the “Specials of the day.” The food was generous in proportions, home made like grandma’s and the atmosphere welcoming! One of my best local finds! Enjoy!
Buffet de Antiquaire
Today we are going to discover the fabulous decorations at City Hall and around Quebec City! I just love all the beautiful displays at this time of year!! Enjoy! There was construction around and drilling going on, they are making an underground parking lot with a garden above. Can’t wait to see that when it is finished!
Pumpkins for Everyone!
The Bat Tree
The Bat Tree With Spooky Cats!
The BiiiiiiiiG Witch!
The Witches Clothes Line
The Street Lights are Even Decked Out!
The Pirate Ship with Cargo of Purple and Orange Pumpkins!
The Mast
The Fog Rolls in For Effect!
Another Pirate Ship!
The Pirates have Arrived!
I Love the Orange and Red Grass!
It must take them forever to work out the artwork, set up the displays and plant the planters! Unbelievable and sooooooo enjoyable!
The Plant Scapes
And here are a couple of shots of cool buildings in the area!
Serenity
The Half Round Building
I think they are putting in an ice rink! Looking ahead to the Christmas Season!
The Coach Ride with The Dog
Ok, we are heading out of the protective walls of Quebec City! Come back tomorrow to see what is in store for us on the other side!
Out We Go!
Street Folk Music
Basse-Ville
The Beauty in the Walls
Today we are walking to Haute-Ville, the next layer of Quebec City. We leche-vitrine (window shop) along the Petit-Champlain passing lovely art galleries and shops, when I am compelled to stop at Pot en Ciel, a delightfully and artistically decorated kitchen ware shop that always seems to have the latest in cuisine accessories, cooking and table ware. Afterwards, mingling with the tourists from the cruise ships that dock and depart here, we take the funicular to the promenade walkway that is in the front of the famous and majestic Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world, due in most part because of how it dominates the skyline of Quebec City. Designed by American architect, Bruce Price, it was one of a series of “chateau” style hotels built for the Canadian Pacific Railway during the late 19th century. The hotel was named for Louis de Baude, count of Frontenac, who was governor of the colony of New France from 1672 to 1698, with a few years off in the middle. In 1944 the Chateau became the action center of Quebec Conferences of WWII. A tour of the Chateau with costumed tour guides gives you a glimpse into the rooms of “The Who’s Who of Who Has Slept Here” (my term, don’t ask for that as the tour!).
A View from the Funicular
The Cruise Ships
The Frontenac Hotel
The Promenade
The View of the Frontenac and the Promenade
The sight is breathtaking. Here artists and musicians reveal their talents as we walk the promenade gazing down at the cruise ships in Vieux-Port and up, up, up at the Frontenec Hotel. It looks like a castle, but has always been a grand scale hotel. I am sad to say many tourists go no farther than the promenade and surrounding shops and restaurants. Meandering through the streets we find shops, cafes, restaurants and charming fall displays.
Aux Anciens Canadiens Restaurant
Haute-Ville Streets
Some make it the tiny rue du Tresor, a small alleyway lined with working artists. For those who trek on, meandering the winding streets of Haute-Ville there are the Christmas shops, boutiques, plant landscapes and the Morrin Center awaiting you.
Plant Displays!
What Great Pumpkins!!!
The Morrin Center is one of my favorite stops. I can’t wait to show you this years decorations and pictures from past years! We’ll start there tomorrow! As we finish up the day we return to Vieux Quebec and one of the best restaurants in the quarter, the Lapin Saute, the rabbit restaurant. I love the food, ambiance and the outdoor decorations of this restaurant. It is truly what you would imagine a French bistro to be!
Le Lapin Saute
Outdoor Seating at Le Lapin (Notice the Rabbit Tables)
Le Lapin at Night
Inside Le Lapin
The Menu
The French Onion Soup
I began my meal with the french onion soup studded with a thick white Canadian cheese followed by the rabbit (french) cassoulet. Absolutely yummy! I was so digging into the cassoulet I forgot to take a picture!!!! I’m headed back to the Germain-Dominion Hotel and after a mocha night cap I’m off to bed! See you tomorrow at the Morrin Center!
For more information about Pot en Ciel, 27 Petit Champlain, Quebec, Canada view http://www.quartierpetitchamplain.com for a street map of all the shops and restaurants located there.
For information on the Chateau Frontenac, 1 Rue des Carrieres, view TripAdvisor.
For information on Le Lapin Saute, 52 Rue Du Petit-Champlain see TripAdvisor.
Fountain in Vieux Quebec near Hotel Le Germain-Dominion Hotel
Driving the back roads to Quebec City, I am on the lookout for the signs warning of the snow mobile crossings. The paths zig-zag along the highway and at intervals swoop across the road. I daydream about going to grandma’s for Thanksgiving in a snowmobile. The trees would zip by, the air is filled with the scent of pine and wood smoke, and the wind puts roses on my cheeks! I’d get to grandma’s ready to sit by the fire with the aroma of the Thanksgiving meal surrounding me! Heaven! I get that comfortable and at home feeling when I go to my favorite hotel in Quebec City, the Hotel Le Germain-Dominion in the old town of Quebec City. The hotel is easy to find, has an attendant parking lot that is located behind the hotel and is in a perfect location for exploring Quebec City. The hotel itself is in a section of bank buildings. With the first bonjour you are in for a very special stay.
Le Hotel Germain-Dominion, Quebec City, Canada
Le Hotel Germain-Dominion, Quebec City, Canada
I’m not talking Bank of America here, I mean when banks were banks with grand entry ways, fresco ceilings and huge draped crystal chandeliers. It looks more like a ballroom. THAT bank is still here on the corner. Can you imagine? Just walking in you would hope for a line to wait in, so you could enjoy the surroundings! It takes up the entire block and one section on the opposite end corner has been converted into Le Germain-Dominion Hotel. When one walks into the lobby of the hotel, it is a small part of a larger room.
Inside the Lobby Le Germain-Dominion Hotel
A room with a huge fireplace and comfy squashy sofas and chairs surrounding the fireplace. In the center of the room is an extensive coffee station with a massive brewer to make cafes, au laits, mochas, and more, to serve in china cups and bowls. You know already how I like the bowls (bols) of au lait!
Le Cafe Station at the Germain-Dominion Hotel
There are also large tables, I’m talking wide, wide, wide dining room size tables and chairs to sit and spread your favorite newspaper out before you as you eat a healthy delicious breakfast in the morning. Or you can just relax and have coffee, tea, wine or liqueur at any time of day. In the mornings I love to come down here and see everyone spread out at the tables. Eating like this also makes it easy to join in conversation with other guests as we sit, eat and enjoy our spread out newspapers. I love the Globe and Mail Newspaper! The paper is thin, shiny and in color, with the best articles ever on what is happening in Quebec. I can really enjoy the morning breakfasts. No one seems rushed, although there is an additional section where the business men tend to gather for early or late meetings. In the evenings the guests linger by the fireplace drinking coffee or wine and discussing their day, politics, where they are from or where they are going. Great conversations, and just as comfortable and hospitable as being at grandma’s for the holiday. Taking the elevator to the rooms, stepping off the elevator you enter a bank vault door (an original) which tells you which section of the hotel you are in.
The Room at Le Germain-Dominion Boutique Hotel
The rooms are very large, modern, boutique style with HUGE walk in, glassed, rain showers that offer every amenity possible.
The Glassed Rain Shower
Returning downstairs, after my bol de au lait, I am out the door to walk the 17th Century neighborhoods of Vieux Quebec /Old Town Quebec City.
A Restaurant along my Walk in Vieux Quebec
A View of the Frontenac Hotel and the Funicular from Vieux Quebec
The Funicular to Upper Quebec City
Shops in Vieux Quebec
Rue du Petit-Champlain
A 360 Degree View of Vieux Quebec
Place Royale
Place Royale Square
Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica as Night Falls
As night begins to fall, our destination is the La Piazzetta, on the corner of rue Saint-Paul, right across from the hotel. The restaurant offers a tiny cozy atmosphere and friendly knowledgeable staff helping us with our french, and serving home made pizzas with farm fresh ingredients. The pizzas are so large the pizza tin in perched on a side extension of the table, so it looks like it is floating in the air. We started off with an appetizer of Canadian cheese and warm fruit and an assortment of bread and sticks. The cafe was a buzz of guests enjoying their meals.
La Piazzetta
The Fruit and Cheese Appetizer
Afterwards we return to the hotel for a good night’s rest and look forward for our day tomorrow in Basse-Ville, the lower town of Quebec City. See you there!
For more information about Le Hotel Germain-Dominion see: http://www.germaindominion.com, 126 rue Saint-Pierre, Quebec City, Canada
La Piazzetta is located at 63 rue Saint-Paul, Vieux-Port, Quebec Canada
Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica, 16 rue Buade, is free and open to the public. There are also tours of the crypt available. See: http://www.patrimoine-religieux.com
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