Lower Town, Québec

The delightful Quartier Petit-Champlain at the foot of the steps leading to Quebec's Upper Town is nowadays much favored by artists and crafts people, many of whom have set up business there. Indian leather goods and furs in particular, also examples of Inuit art, are among the many items offered for sale.In addition to the numerous boutiques of Quartier Petit-Champlain are a variety of bistros and other eating establishments.Narrow streets combined with the old architecture also make this one of the most scenic areas of Old Quebec.

Built to designs by the well-known architect Moshe Safdie the new Musée de la Civilisation is of great architectural interest in its own right. In addition to its permanent collection the museum mounts a variety of temporary exhibitions on different aspects of human civilization. Among its prize exhibits are what is thought to be the earliest barque built in America (in Québec soon after 1608), vaulting from the Maison Pagé-Quercy, remains of the old town wharf and items of modern sculpture. Old furniture and various articles of everyday life contribute to a thoroughly fascinating re-creation of the early days of Québec.Every bit as interesting are the special exhibitions, many sponsored by business and industry, on the theme of technical innovation and its effect on people's lives.

In the last few years the area around the 19th c. Old Port (Vieux Port) in Quebec has been turned into a National Monument. What was once a hive of commercial activity centered on the Bassin Louise now has more the air of a leisure park. But the 19th c. is brought vividly to life again in the Center d'Interprétation where visitors are treated to an excellent audio-visual presentation on the shipbuilding industry, the lumber trade, and Québec's commerce. Fine views of the picturesque Old City, the St Lawrence River, and the Laurentian Mountains can be enjoyed from the special observation platform in the Center.

Established by Bishop Laval in 1663 to provide training for the priesthood Québec's Jesuit Seminary quickly became, under the guidance of its founder, the leading institution of learning in New France and the nucleus from which the Université Laval was formed. The university now has its own campus in the south-western suburb of Ste-Foy.A number of university faculties (e.g. architecture) still occupy some of the Seminary's historic old buildings.The Seminary's Briand Chapel was built in 1785 and its 18th c. interior remains unchanged. Many of the wood carvings are masterpieces of their kind.