Articles on some of the world's most romantic destinations by
professional photographer Eleanor S. Morris

TASTE THE ROYAL LIFE IN HISTORIC QUEBEC
by Eleanor S. Morris

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Quebec, Canada - Stay in the castle-like Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City and tour the city like a royal visitor. Le Chateau Frontenac has offered more than 100 years of hospitality to visitors of all ranks,royal or just regular citizens. One of Canada's most beloved hotels, at the Chateau you'll get a taste of European elegance in any one of the beautifully furnished 607 guest rooms or 21 suites.And you'll dine royally in high style at Le Champlain or enjoy the relaxed ambience of Le Cafe de la Terrasse. Both restaurants promise an award-winning gastronomic experience.

From the Observatoire de la Capitale, located 70 feet above the St. Lawrence River, you can get a good view of the city and its surroundings from the vast windows opening on four sides. Quebec City was the capital of New France and the administrative center of an empire stretching all the way to Louisiana.

Then take a guided tour to see why Old Quebec is proclaimed a World Heritage Treasure by UNESCO. Both Haute Ville (High City) and Basse Ville (Lower City) have much to offer. They're connected by a huge flight of stairs--or the easy way, the Funiculaire, a cable car that goes from the Bufferin Terrace near the Chateau Frontenac down to Basse Ville's historic 1683 Mansion Louis-Jolliet on 16, rue du Petit Champlain.

In Vieux Quebec, Old Town, catch a ride in rue St. Paul or rue des Carriers (across from the Chateau Frontenac) in a horse-drawn caleche. Or just stroll through the picturesque streets of Basse Ville, the Old Town, enjoying street entertainers along the way: guitars, accordians, even a harpist.

At the Musee du Fort, you can relive the battle that shaped the rich history of Quebec City, including that famous battle of the Plains of Abraham, and Benedict Arnold's march to Quebec. In 1759 the British laid siege to Quebec, capturing the town with a surprise attack on the Plains of Abraham, hoping for support from the French against those rebellious subjects in the colonies to the south. The museum is on the Place des Armes opposite the Chateau Frontenac. It's brought vividly to life by state-of- the-art sound and light technology.

Tour the Plains of Abraham, one of the world's most prestigious and historical parks, the site of those clashes between the British and the French. The urban park is to Quebec what Central Park is to New York and Hyde Park is to London. In 1759 the Conquest took place, changing the fate of North America. There's a multi-media show about the battles in the Battlefields Park Interpretive Center.

And, as you tour the park, you might run into generals Wolfe and Montcalm, who will fill you in on the historical battles that made them famous.Be sure to visit the Joan of Arc garden there. The Joan of Arc Garden embraces both classic French and typical British styles. More than 150 flower species bloom between May and October.

The Citadelle, the largest military fortification in NorthAmerica, is still garrisoned by regular troops. It's the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, and home of the Royal 22nd Regiment. Guided tours include explanations of the battle of Quebec City from the King's Bastion and the Prince of Wales Bastion.Then back to the luxurious Chateau Frontenac to sleep the sleep of pampered monarchs--king or queen.

For more information, contact:

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
1 rue des Carrieres
Quebec City, Quebec
Canada G1R 4P5
(418) 692-3861
www.fairmont.com