Saturday, September 27, 2008

Montreal Weekend Getaway

We decided to visit Montreal, Canada after attending a wedding in Plattsburgh, NY. Boy, were we lucky to get a room on our third try as the city was booked. We stayed at a boutique hotel in downtown (Ville-Marie) area. Although, the rooms were small, they were immaculate and decorated in classy French style, similar to our favorite hotel in Paris. A-2-K Hotel is on Avenue Rene-Leveseque at the corner of Guy Street. Say hello to Gopel. Such a courteous gentleman! The hotel is adjacent to a fine Indian restaurant that was quite busy during our stay.

Downtown Montreal (Ville-Marie), Cresent Street
Photo Courtesy of Alexis Hamel www.imtl.org/montreal

Hotel A2K is in a great location. Although, it is on a main boulevard, the rooms are quiet and near all the boutique shops, galleries, museums, restaurants and beautiful brownstone buildings. Architectural detail is everywhere. Even the skyscrapers in the business district are beautifully designed. Besides the friendliness and French language, fashion sense and culture, one of the great treats was the visible blue sky, no matter where we went! Montreal is a great place to discover by walking. Not only did we keep up with our walking routine, but, we were doing a daily walk of about 7 miles (instead of the usual 4 mile trek at home).
Dining at '7 ' Restaurant on trendy Cresent Street was a great first night experience. The bars, cafes, and restaurants were filled with fashionistas, the hip crowd and families alike. The intermingling of all types of folks that took pride in their dress. French, English and Spanish languages wafting through the air, felt like Europe.

De la Commune Street, Old Montreal
Photo courtesy of Denis Tremblay http://www.old.montreal.qc.ca

We spent the next day in Old Montreal, deciding to walk from downtown which is about a 45 minute stroll. We past through the Business district, China town, and came across the Notre Dame Basilica- which is a beautiful church located across from the old City Hall. The stained glass work is exquisite.

Notre Dame Basilica
Courtesy of Marie Le Conte


The streets in Old Montreal, are cobblestone, winding and narrow, reminescent of the arrondisements of Paris. You can venture through many shops, restaurants, and a museum or two.

St. Vincent Street
Photo Courtesy of Marie Le Conte
Place Jacques- Cartier is filled with artisans, street vendors and cobblestone walkways. We picked up photo artwork by one of the local artisans and found a quaint restaurant through the recommendation of the local artisan. What at lovely end to a great weekend!
Place Jacques-Cartier
Courtesy of Denis Tremblay www.old.montreal.qc.ca

Make a point to visit Montreal someday by adding it to your Travel To Do List- Bon Adventure! What an enchanting city!

Bonsecours Market
Photo Courtesy of Denis Tremblay www.old.montreal.qc.ca

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