Neighbourhood guide

Petit-Champlain

The cradle of French America

Québec

The vibe

At the foot of the cliff, the Petit-Champlain district lines up artisans’ shops, bistros and stone houses all the way to Place Royale, where Champlain founded Québec in 1608.

Good to know

The Fresque des Québécois on rue Notre-Dame tells four centuries of history in trompe-l’œil.

When to go

In December for the decorations, or on summer evenings.

Getting there

By the funicular or the Breakneck Stairs from Dufferin Terrace.

The story

How the neighbourhood came to be

Place Royale is the site of Champlain’s first “Abitation”. Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, begun in 1688, is one of the oldest stone churches in North America.

Did you know?

1The Breakneck Stairs are Québec City’s oldest staircase.
2The funicular has linked the Upper and Lower Towns since 1879.

Want to explore further?

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