Explore the cobbled square where the city’s foundations were laid. Lined by historic buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, Place-Royale marks the birthplace of French Canada. It was here in 1608 that Samuel de Champlain’s original settlement began.
Place-Royale was the centre of all activity in Québec for more than two centuries and was once the site of public executions. As the town expanded to other areas the square fell into disrepair, but it was meticulously restored between 1960 and 1980.
Today the square is the perfect place to learn about Québec’s history and traditions. Join a guided tour of the plaza, named in honour of King Louis XIV, to see the collection of statues in the square. A replica of the French king himself is at its centre. Curiously, this bronze statue is a duplicate as the original went missing after being removed in the 1700s.
The ornate Church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is the main structure on Place-Royale and shouldn’t be missed. The entrance marks the exact point the city was founded on while the interior is famous for its altar and the ship that hangs from its ceiling.
Educate yourself on the events that took place in Place-Royale at the Centre d’interprétation de Place-Royale, an institution run by the Museum of Civilization. See 5,000-year-old artefacts that were discovered on the site and watch a 3-D film about Samuel de Champlain.
Just metres away from the plaza is Chevalier House, an 18th-century building that was once a coffee house favoured by sailors. Visit the building today and you’ll find a museum that explores Québec’s diverse architecture and features many artefacts from the Museum of Civilization’s collection.
After you’ve learnt the history, pull up a seat at a café on the edge of the square to enjoy the ambience. Place-Royale is in Old Québec’s Lower Town and can be reached by cable car or on foot. A local bus frequents the area.
