As mentioned yesterday (in this post), Nick and I went to Quebec City to celebrate our recent wedding anniversary. I told you about the lovely hotel we stayed in, and today I’ll show you some pictures of this beautiful city.
The historic section of Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America, and is the only city north of Mexico to have the honour of being included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. It was built on the steep banks of the St. Lawrence River, so there are many staircases and inclines to climb. It remains surrounded by a stone wall which dates back to the late 1600s.
Although I’ve just seen it with my own eyes, I still find it hard to believe that street upon street of buildings remain, intact with the original structures built back in the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s. I didn’t notice a single modern building within the walls. We did see one construction site, but it involved a refurbishment, rather than a demolition and rebuild.
It was overcast on our first day in the city, which added a moody ambiance …
↑ Even the fast-food restaurants and fast fashion clothes shops are attractively housed. ↑
After a long walk, which included lots of stair climbing, we decided to pick up a few provisions (wine, cheese, pâté, olives and bread … you know, the necessities!) at Epicerie de la Rue Couillard, and head back to the hotel to relax.
↑ Man with Baguette ↑
After a snack, I climbed into the big dreamy bed with my book, and after about three pages, I was fast asleep. Following the best nap, we got ready to go out for dinner.
We’d noticed a place that looked good located just a few minutes walk from our hotel, so that’s where we went. We chose well because Échaudé was excellent, in every way.
↑ Along this alley, on the right. ↑
We weren’t overly hungry after our late afternoon snack, so skipped appetizers and dessert, enjoying expertly prepared entrées and a bottle of what was delicious French wine.
↑ Nick’s Gnocchi with shrimp and lobster sauce. ↑
↑ My salmon ↑
And, that concludes the story of our first day in Quebec City. There’s more to come about our visit to this beautiful place!
Thank you kindly for reading,
xo loulou
