A day in Old Montreal, on foot, starting from Chez Mère-Grand

Old Montreal is best explored on foot, and without hurrying. The streets are short, the cobblestones carry three hundred years of history, and the river is never far. Here is the day we suggest to visitors, starting from the café at 800 Berri Street.

Morning: set off on a full stomach

Start at Chez Mère-Grand with a coffee and a morning pastry. It's the moment to fuel up before walking: the day will be long, and the neighbourhood is at its most beautiful early, when the streets are still quiet and the low light catches the stone façades.

Down to the river: Bonsecours Market and its chapel

Heading down toward the river, you come upon Bonsecours Market and its great silver dome, opened in 1847. Right next to it, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, the "sailors' chapel", keeps the memory of Marguerite Bourgeoys, who founded the first chapel here in the 17th century. Step inside for a moment: small model ships hang from the vault, offered by sailors in thanks for a safe crossing.

Noon: Place Jacques-Cartier and City Hall

Then walk back up to Place Jacques-Cartier, with its terraces and street artists. At the top of the square stands City Hall and, just across the street, Château Ramezay, built in 1705, one of the oldest buildings in the city. Behind City Hall, the Champ-de-Mars still shows traces of the old fortifications.

Afternoon: the basilica and the Old Port

Following Notre-Dame Street west, you reach Place d'Armes and Notre-Dame Basilica, whose blue and gold interior is worth the visit on its own. To finish, head down to the Old Port: the promenade runs along the water to the Clock Tower, where the view of the river and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge is magnificent, especially at the end of the day.

Before heading home

A day like that deserves one last stop. Come back for a tea or a hot chocolate, and leave with a little something from our shelves: a jam, a confit, a packet of spices. A souvenir of Quebec you can eat, made by local artisans.