A few blocks from the bustling downtown area sits Old Montréal (French: Vieux-Montréal), a historic neighborhood lined with cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to the 17th century. This is one of the oldest European settlements in North America, and where the city of Montréal started its humble beginning as Fort Ville-Marie in 1642 before evolving into a sprawling metropolis it is today.
Anchor your visit along Rue Saint-Paul, the oldest street in the city. Here, you will find yourself greeted with a plethora of artisanal boutiques, art galleries, and eateries awaiting to be discovered and explored. This is also where you can easily branch off to nearby historic sites, and get lost for a few hours to learn about the city’s rich history, to admire the charming architecture that surrounds you, or just to take it all in.
Notable sites in the area —
- Marché Bonsecours (a former public market now hosting a small collection of boutiques and restaurants)
- Place Jacques-Cartier (a plaza lined with restaurants, cafés, and street artists)
- Château Ramezay (a former governor residence; now a museum with exhibits of the city’s historic past)
- Hôtel de Ville (the five-story city hall featuring Second Empire style architecture)
- Place d’Armes (a plaza surrounded by historic buildings and most prominently anchored by the statue of Paul de Chomedey, founder of the city)
- Basilique Notre-Dame (the famous landmark featuring Gothic Revival architecture and ornate stained glass)
- Vieux Port de Montréal (a former shipping hub for trade and export; now a waterfront esplanade)