By Andrew L. Jaffee
Calling Quebec City “picturesque” is an understatement. The center of French culture in the Western Hemisphere, it is perched above the mighty St. Lawrence seaway. Outdoor activities like whale-watching, cross-country skiing, biking, and roller-blading are the norm. Arts and artists abound, from opera to street musicians, to galleries, to art museums. First-class restaurants cater to almost any palate. Since 1608, the Quebecois have tenaciously preserved their beautiful culture and are celebrating their capital city’s 400th anniversary.
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Vieux-Port of Quebec City (old port). Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier landed near present-day Quebec City. Another French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, officially founded the city in 1608. Through various trials and tribulations, the Quebecois have preserved and enhanced French culture in North America. Quebec is home to one of the largest French populations outside France. Indeed, nearby Montreal is the largest French-speaking city outside of France. I say “French-speaking” because first and foremost, most of the people of Quebec consider themselves Quebecois, and consider Quebec their homeland — not France.
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Parliament Building (Hotel du Parlement) - Quebec City. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
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