City quebec
In a predominantly Anglo-Saxon country, there is a small region that preserves the old French culture while modernizing completely. This is Quebec in Canada. Quebec City is a beautiful and enchanting city that has plenty to offer for visitors. Priceless architecture, a rich history, colorful traditions and splendid facilities make Quebec City one of the most attractive destinations in North America. One of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec is located east of Montreal on the Saint Lawrence River. Quebec is derived from the Algonquin word "Kebec", which means, ?Where the river narrows? and is indicative of the narrow width of the river as it flows through the town. Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec. Divided into two parts by steep bluffs, Quebec?s two areas are UpperTown with the old quarter and LowerTown. The city has a population of about 700,000 people.
Quebec City has had quite a long history. Considered to be the first non-Spanish European settlement in North America, Quebec was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Chaplain at Stadacona. Stadacona was the abandoned settlement of the Iroquoian Indians and the name Canada is derived from this. The old quarter or Vieux Quebec, located in UpperTown, has been standing for about 6 centuries and was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The French ruled Quebec City till 1759, when the British defeated them and captured Quebec. After the American Revolution, the Province of Canada was formed in 1840. Quebec City was a part of this and continued to be a part when the Dominion of Canada was formed. Quebec is a capital city. It has acted as capital for various governments. Capital of New France till 1763, it was also capital of the Province of Quebec from 1763 to 1791, of the Province of Lower Canada from 1791 to 1841, of the Province of Canada from this period till 1866. Even today it is the capital of the Province of Quebec.
Tourist attractions in Quebec are plenty. Many of the tourist attractions are located to the east of the fort walls in Vieux Quebec. Stone buildings and winding streets give a European feel to the area. The skyline of Quebec is dominated by the Chateau Frontenac Hotel, which is situated on top of Cap-Diamante in Vieux Quebec. Near the hotel is the Terrasse Dufferin that is a pleasant path offering splendid views along the edge of the cliff. This path leads to the Plains of Abraham where the battle took place between the French and English and Quebec passed into British hands. In the same area is also situated the Notre Dame de Quebec Cathedral. This is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec and is the first church in the New World to be raised to be a basilica. Other places of interest in the UpperTown include Citadelle of Quebec and the National Assembly.
The UpperTown is connected to the LowerTown by the Escalier ?casse-cou? or break neck steps and the Old Quebec Funicular. The Place ? Royal, the site of the first permanent settlement in New France, is located in LowerTown. Other tourist attractions are the Old Port of Quebec, the Naval Museum of Quebec, the church of Notre Dame des Victoires, the Museum of Civilization and the historic district of Petit Champlain.
In this city of joie de vivre, the Quebecois have mastered the art of having fun ages ago. The city of Quebec is famous for its various events. It does not matter whether it is summer, winter, autumn or spring, there is always something to look forward to and have fun. World famous among these events is the Quebec Winter Carnival, which lasts two weeks and is the biggest carnival in the world with excellent ice sculptures and other winter celebrations. Other winter events include the Francophone music festival of Coup de Coeur Francophone, the Sacred music festival, Mois Multi that is an exposition on electronic and art and Parade des Jouets, which is an interactive parade by firefighters to collect toys and gifts for underprivileged kids. In spring, there are film and theatre festivals as well as a book festival featuring French books and comics. There is also the Festival de la gastronomie du Quebec during which competitions are held in cooking and wine making. In the summer, the whole city celebrates the birth of Quebec on the 3 rd of July. Les Fetes de la Nouvelle France is another summer fete to remember the colonized French period. Art exhibitions and military music festival is also held during this period. Autumn festivals are many and include gay and lesbian parades, music festivals, African and Latin American festivals, Scottish and Celtic festivals and the Fete du quartier Saint Sauver. Other major festivals include Grand Rire, which is a humor festival. National Quebecois Festival, National Canadian Festival and others.
In July 2008, Quebec will hold one of its biggest festivals, the 400 th anniversary of the city. Even for a city that knows how to celebrate, the celebrations being planned for this event are fantastic. All of this summer will be dedicated to celebrating the birthday of Quebec with gusto.
A city of celebrations with a rich history and beautiful surroundings, Quebec is one of those places that can be visited at any time of the year.
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