La belle ville de Montréal

Cobble stone streets, crepes au chocolat and cafes on terraces, welcome or better yet bienvenue à Montréal! Try to picture yourself sitting at a restaurant on a warm summer's night, with French music in the background, tourists walking by with an ice cream or cafe au lait, all this while you sip on a glass of Chardonnay. Montréal a city with a little bit of everything for everyone.

I have travelled to Montréal on a number of occasions, in the summer, winter and spring and I have never been disappointed. The architecture, in particular in Old Montreal, is impressive and resembles something you would see in Europe. From the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) to Notre Dame Basillica, you sometimes forget you are still in Canada. If the weather is too hot or too cold, you can escape to the Musée des Beaux Arts, into a artisant boutique or explore Rue Ste. Catherine for some shopping. I have always found that the fashion in Montréal is a little different, more adventurous, more fun with a European flare.

There are no shortage of restaurants, pubs or cafes when visiting Montréal. A must when in the city is to try the poutine, be it the classic with curds and gravy or one could be more adventurous and add meat or even lobster! If meat is what you crave, you can head over to Schwartz's Deli, one of the oldest and renowned in Canada for it's smoked meat sandwiches. Another Montréal staple would be the delicious and famous St. Viateur Bagels made fresh daily in a tiny shop on Rue St. Viateur. Be it you like sesame seed, rosemary and sea salt or all dressed, nothing beats the smell and taste of a fresh bagel on a early morning amongst other locals sitting in at a neighbourhood café. If you are in the search for a little more foot traffic, food and drink then head over to Rue Crescent, which is lined with restaurants, pubs and of course people watching.

Montréal isn't just known for it's architecture, food or Celine Dion, it is also home to numerous international events. Every June, Formula 1 Racing heats up the streets of the Gilles Villeneuve circuit for three days of fast cars, loud engines and late night parties. In July Montréal hosts both the Jazz Festival and The Just for Laughs Festival, both attracting world famous performers. Montréal, specifically Le Centre Bell is home to the Montréal Canadians, the most winning team in Stanley Cup history. If hockey isn't for you, maybe a Montréal Alouette football game or Montréal Impact soccer game is more your liking.

The name Montréal is believed to be taken from Mont Royal, which one can visit and enjoy a birds eye view of the city from the mountain top. As one will see that Montréal is set on an island in the St. Lawerence River. If you need a break from being on land, book a nautical experience on the seaway. Bon voyage!

If you are looking for a French experience without breaking the bank, look no further than la belle ville dans la belle province ... Montréal, Québec!