Place Royale in Quebec

Are you going on a trip to Quebec? Old Quebec and Lower Town are certainly among the places you want to visit. Have you thought about seeing the Place Royale, which is also one of the centers of interest of the country ? This square invites you to immerse yourself in the city. You will discover everything about Canadians and Quebecers. Let's discover the superb architecture of this pearl of Quebec. Tourists are amazed by its style mixing France and England.

Place Royale du Québec was known as "the market place" until 1686. It was mainly used for trade. Native American had the chance to enjoy this place before the Europeans arrived. The first dwellings were made of wood, but a fire unfortunately destroyed them in 1682. The owners then built stone houses.

In 1686, the bust of Louis XIV was installed in the Place Royale to talk about French custom. In 1700, merchants decided to store said bust, because it interfered with the various deliveries. New buildings were constructed around 1759 during the siege of Quebec. The reconstruction took place during the English regime. The market was later moved out of town, leading the neighborhood to decay until mid-1900.

A restoration took place from 1960 to 1970. The Place Royale thus had the chance to regain its pride as well as the bust of Louis XIV. Many tourists from around the world come to visit this emblematic place.

The Quebec government chose the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires to make it a historic monument in 1929. It was decided to undertake this work in 1967 while starting other major projects in Place Royale. In 2008, a partnership between the National Capital Commission of Quebec and the Urban Development Institute of Quebec took place. This highlights the church mentioned here to enhance the beauty of the architecture.

By going there, you can enjoy different lights ranging from gold to white to enhance the sobriety. The objective is to highlight the portal, the bell tower and the stained glass windows. You can see blue light through the oculi. The floor lighting completes this superb project.

Place Royale is actually a beautiful paved area decorated with restaurants and shops where you can buy different souvenirs. The buildings making up the premises date from the 17th century. Although it is a symbolic place, it is above all the cradle of Quebec. It is here that the capital was founded in 1608. North of the square, you will find the museum retracing the history of this square.

This public square has been a real business center for merchants since the 17th century. This is where the town crier made announcements and it was also where municipal ordinances were posted for the general public to read. The public market was also held at this exact location. He brought Quebecers together.

The old port of Quebec is not far from the place. You will find a much appreciated haven of peace there.

By following the St. Lawrence River by bike or on foot, you will come across sublime panoramas. Make a stop at the Marché public de Québec to savor local products and enjoy this exotic walk. Moreover, the old port is not just a tourist spot. It also has an industrial vocation. Silos and containers can tell you that. At nightfall, the old port comes to life with its superb luminous fresco.

As for the Palais station, it was built in a similar style in 1915. In 1922, it became a heritage railway station. We love its enchanting decor with its beautiful historic houses.

After your arrival at the Place Royale, go in front of the church to take the most beautiful photos as souvenirs.

Continue your walk by going to see the contours of Champlain's second dwelling. The lines are visible on the ground not far from the church. You can also take beautiful shots of the historic building which is precisely a true symbol of the Francophonie.

You can also take a seat on the Maison Smith terrace to immerse yourself in its history. This place offers a cachet to the Place Royale. You can also contemplate the bust of Louis XIV. The square also invites you to marvel in winter by contemplating the magnificence of snowflakes.

After having observed the Place Royale, you can indulge in the various activities offered to you near there:

Are you visiting the square between the end of January and mid-February? Take the opportunity to attend the Carnaval de Québec, transforming the city into a magical place. Young and old, you will have many entertainments to choose from. Admire the beautiful light sculptures and enjoy the musical evenings.

Built in 1688, this church is one of the oldest in North America. Note that mass is celebrated there every Sunday at 11 a.m. As a visitor, you also have the right to use it.

Every visitor is free to attend this event. Splendid fireworks come to decorate the scene. Since 2022, you can even watch two more shows that have been added to the schedule.

Founded in 1968, thanks to a group of artists, this festival focuses precisely on the presentation of different artists. If you go to admire the Place Royale in July, you can enjoy this unique spectacle.