Quebec City - French Canada Offers the Quaint Feeling of France - Quebec, Canada

And with a big thanks to Lin from Briefcases Direct off we go to Canada! Another big thanks goes for Roy Tennant from Free Large Photos for the amazing photos.

Who knew that raveling to France could be as easy as crossing the Canadian border? Quebec City is perhaps as French as you can get without traveling to France itself. The entire city will leave you feeling as though you have crossed back in time to the France we all love to fantasize about. This quaint city is a perfect trip, especially for couples looking for a romantic escape.

As you travel down the cobblestone streets, the aroma drifting out of the cafes will lure you to the best French cuisine made in town. While being greeted with a hearty bonjour from the local shopkeeper and seated at the café table with a breathtaking view of the European architecture, it will be difficult to think you are anywhere other than on a street in France.

Vieux Quebec, interpreted as Old Quebec, is made up of two distinct sections, Basse Ville and Haute Ville. Chateau Frontenac is an amazing Chateau located in Haute Ville and is the prominent landmark to the city. The Chateau sits high above the city providing visitors with a dramatically gorgeous view of the St. Lawrence River.

For traveling from Haute Ville to Basse Ville there are two options of traveling, both of which will provide you with a beautiful view of the hillside. The first option is to walk down the stairs embedded into the hillside which have taken the name of L’Escalier Casse-cou, which means break-neck stairs. You may opt for the Funiculaire which will take you to the bottom or if you have made it down the stairs, it will bring you back up.

Whichever route you choose to get to Basse Ville, it is a must visit section. There are shops reminiscent of France, restaurants serving the best French cuisine and the trip would not be complete without a tour of La Musee de la Civilization. It is Basse Ville’s museum with historical information regarding Quebec as well as quite a few delightful exhibits.

Quebec’s off season is during the winter months. The hotels are very reasonable priced during this time and the historical landmarks can still be visited during this time. One such landmark that every visitor to Quebec should visit sits outside of the old city wall; it is the Plains of Abraham Battlefield Park. This historical location is where the British won control of Quebec from the French in 1759. This area is certainly rich in history and worth a visit; however, traveling here in the winter months can be quite cold so remember to dress warm for the snow covered battlefield.

After visiting the battlefield you may need to thaw out from your journey back in time, so stop in one of the lovely Quebec cafes or pubs. Spring is the optimum time to visit Quebec as it does get cold during the winter. During any season, however, there are so many beautiful sites and quaint shops to visit in Quebec. Many of the best French restaurants and specialty shops can only be found by accident as you are walking through the cobblestone streets in awe. Pull out your high school text book, learn a few French phrases and plan an unforgettable trip to Vieux Quebec.

Lin writes for Briefcases Direct, a website that offers luxury briefcases direct from the manufacturer. Lin travels to Quebec City yearly to brush up on her French and take in the quaint charm the city offers.