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Canada > Quebec > Quebec > Basse Ville > Basse Ville travel guide

Basse Ville Travel Guide



Basse Ville is the lower part of Vieux Quebec, located on the northern, lower-elevated grounds of the old city. Basse Ville encircles the base of a cliff and stretches into the St. Charles River valley, where the suburban sprawl begins.[1]

Basse Ville is lined with original old-style architecture and street designs that date back to the city’s beginnings in the 16th century. You’ll find murals and statues along with various boutiques and shops selling local arts, leather goods, and handicrafts made by Canada’s First Nations Peoples.[2]

Attractions

Petit Champlain
The oldest street in the city is rue Petit Champlain, which you can reach by taking the Côte de la Montagne which leads to the Cassecou (Breakneck) stairway. Alternatively, you can take the funicular from Terrasse Dufferin. Petit Champlain is not only the narrowest street in the city but also a bustling center where cafes and arts and craft shops tempt you as you stroll through.[3]

Place Royale
Place Royale is an 18th century square that surrounds a series of distinctive homes once owned and built by wealthy merchants. The square is located northeast of Petit Champlain. The homes there are known for their dormer windows, steep roofs, and multiple chimneys. This square was also where the renowned French Explorer Samuel de Champlain erected his fortified house. At one time, Place Royale was the center of the city’s commercial industry. Businesses, however, began moving away in the 19th century. The entire area has been restored and the beautiful homes now house restaurants, museums, art galleries, and shops, making it the hub of the Basse Ville district.[4]

Notre Dame des Victoires
Notre Dame des Victories is a small church located on the south end of Place Royale. Originally built in 1688, it was restored after being destroyed in 1759. The church boasts a model of a wooden boat, which hangs from the ceiling. It also has a fort-shaped altar inside.[5]

Maison des Vins
The Maison des Vins is located at 1 Place Royale. This store sells extremely rare and vintage wines. It is run by the Québec Société des Alcools and is worth a visit and a browse. The inside of the old building is cool and full of candlelit vaults.[6]

Musée de la Civilisation
The Musée de la Civilisation is a modern building that meshes well with the older, surrounding architecture. It is located at 85 rue Dalhousie in the Old Port area just north of Place Royale. Inside, you’ll find a multimedia exhibition devoted to the history and society of Quebec. There are exhibits showcasing the city’s culture, society, and famous men.[7]

Old Port
The Old Port has been restored and now hosts condominiums, shops, theaters, and marinas. Located at the south end of the Louise Basin, the Old Port was once considered one of the great ports of the world. Its glory days are commemorated on rue St-Andre where you can watch Port of Quebec in the 19th Century, a series of films, demonstrations, and displays about the lumber and shipbuilding trade.[8]

References:
Carroll, Donald. Insider’s Guide Canada. Edison: Hunter Publishing, Inc, 1996. ISBN: 1556507100.

“Quebec City.” < http://wikitravel.org/en/Quebec_City>

[1] Carroll, 242-43
[2] Quebec
[3] Carroll, 246
[4] Id., 246-47
[5] Id. at 247
[6] Id.
[7] Id.
[8] Id.







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