Montréal’s French roots
History France Old Montreal and Old Port Patrimony and Architecture
What two things spring to mind when you think about Montréal? European charm and lifestyle. Just think of the city’s many French restaurants, cafés, markets, endless bakeries and pastry shops and huge love of culture. But to really understand this unique side to this major North American centre, time travel is in order: several centuries back to New France (1534-1763), when French immigration was the cornerstone of European settlement in Canada.
Though rare, these lovingly-preserved reminders of Montréal’s past can be seen in the old stone buildings, while its French soul lives on in the ambiance, language, accents and style of living. Here’s a quick tour to tap into Montréal’s French roots:
Old Montréal, the historic cradle of New France
Here you’ll find the “remains” of the neighbourhood, or three centuries of history that you can explore at your leisure.
Marguerite Bourgeoys Historic Site
Travel back in time to the shores of the St. Lawrence River and learn about the founding of Montréal and some of its iconic figures. The Marguerite Bourgeoys Historic Site is home to an archaeological site, the 300-year-old Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel (the oldest of its kind in Montréal) and a history museum dedicated to Marguerite Bourgeoys, pioneer of the New World and first teacher in the French colony. Don’t forget to end your visit at the chapel’s belvedere, where you can soak up spectacular views of the river, Old Montréal and downtown.
400 Saint-Paul Street East
Château Ramezay – Historic Site and Museum of Montréal
This prestigious stone residence built in 1705 for Claude de Ramezay, then governor of Montréal, is now a Canadian museum and national historic site that gives history buffs the chance to travel 500 years back in time. After your visit, take a stroll through the Governor’s Garden, which comprises an orchard, a pleasure garden and a kitchen garden, styled after an 18th-century urban garden in New France.
280 Notre-Dame Street East
Saint-Sulpice Seminary
The only remaining heritage building from the 17th-century, constructed between 1684 and 1687 by the Sulpicians, is also the oldest building in the borough of Ville-Marie still in use. This impressive example of architecture from the French regime is also home to the oldest private garden in North America. An absolute must-see in Old Montréal.
116 Notre-Dame Street West
Pierre du Calvet House
An architectural gem built in 1725, this is one of the most stunning examples of New France’s urban architecture. Though it underwent major changes during the 19th century, this former family home, which is filled with antique furnishings, history and ornate touches, is now an upscale inn.
401 Bonsecours Street
Immerse yourself in New France living
Maison Saint-Gabriel
Head to Pointe-Saint-Charles to check out a 300-year-old farmhouse that was once the hub for agricultural and educational activities of the congregation of Notre-Dame. First acquired by Marguerite Bourgeoys in 1668, it was later a place to welcome the Filles du Roy (“marriageable women”) sent by France to help populate the colony. Get a feel for the Montréal countryside between the 17th and 20th centuries and discover some 18,000 artefacts dating back to this same period.
2146 Place de Dublin
Musée de Lachine
Nestled at the junction of the St. Lawrence River and the Lachine Canal, this museum is testament to Lachine’s architectural, artistic and historical heritage and includes the Maison Le Ber-Le Moyne historical site. Built in 1669, it comprises the city’s oldest built complex from New France. Why not pack a picnic lunch, hop on a bike and pedal along the Lachine Canal bike path to soak in all the scenery? At the same time, you can discover the enchanting open-air museum, which is home to some 50 outdoor sculptures.
1 Chemin du Musée
Maison Nivard-De Saint-Dizier, Musée et site archéologique
Constructed in 1710, on the largest prehistoric archaeological site on the island of Montréal, the house is a fine example of New France rural architecture. Discover artifacts, collections, archives and iconic documents related to the history and archaeological heritage of the site. Dive into 6,000 years of history!
7244 LaSalle Boulevard
Vieux-Moulin de Pointe-aux-Trembles
Built along the banks of the St. Lawrence River in 1720, the Vieux-Moulin is one of the oldest and tallest windmills in Québec. A relic of New France’s feudal regime, today it offers fun and educational activities and events for people of all ages.
11630 Notre-Dame Street East, at the corner of Notre-Dame Street and 2e Avenue
A touch of Paris: the Square-Victoria-OACI metro entrance
The Square-Victoria-OACI métro station, a perennial favourite among photographers and content creators, boasts a truly unique aesthetic. The only Art Nouveau-inspired station entrance in Montréal, it was designed by Hector Guimard in the early 1900s, and is the only authentic Guimard aedicula outside of Paris. The RATP (Paris’s state-owned public transit operator) first loaned and then eventually offered it to the STM in 1967 to mark the collaboration between French and Québec engineers during the construction of Montréal’s métro network.
Plateau-Mont-Royal, the “New France” of the new millennium
In a single century, the Plateau has evolved from a blue-collar district to an affluent cosmopolitan neighbourhood. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was home to the working class then, following WWII, to Jewish, Greek, Vietnamese and Portuguese communities. In the 1980s, it became a vibrant cultural and intellectual hub, thanks to the influx of young professionals, artists and students. Its latest transformation began in the early 2000s with the arrival of many French ex-pats, earning it the moniker of “New France”. The Plateau Mont-Royal’s popularity is due to its plethora of French restaurants, boutiques, central location, effervescence and European charm. And take it from this ex-Parisian: you’ll hear the French accent on every street corner.
Laure Juilliard
Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.