Quebec was the only walled city in North America and most of the historic section is within these walls. The British built this wall to protect the city from the invasion by the United States. A lot of the walls no longer exist but there are still stretches of it. The building w/the green roof is the Fairmont Hotel - Le Chateau Frontenac - pretty impressive I would say. We will be going back into town tomorrow and hopefully get a chance to at least walk in the door. The building w/the red shutters is a museum. They have many many museums; however, we would have to be here a week to see them all. The top right photo is a portion of the wall. Below is the Parliamont Building and a non historic hotel. Had to include the picture as there are some modern buildings in the city.
The Old Town area is just delightful with all the colorful store fronts and restaurants. Every street offers another European looking street with flowers everywhere. Some of the largest hanging baskets I've ever seen. The top right corner picture is of a mural painted on the side of the entire building because it had no windows. It showcases the four seasons of the year. I could add another dozen pictures of the streets and buildings but I'm trying not to get to lengthy.
Like I said before, flowers, flowers and more flowers. Petunia's, Begonia's and Peonie's are in abundance here. Some we've never seen or heard of before such as Goat's Beard - the tall white flowers in the bottom picture.
I have to single this picture out that Bruce took. I just love it. Can't you just smell the wild roses?
A few pictures to prove we are really here. I'm standing next to the mural - looks like a regular street w/people next to me - cool hah?? Bruce and I in front of the Tourny Fountain as well as with Patty. Rod and I have the Montmorency Falls behind us. It was a good day as the sun was in and out but not hot.
This is the Montmorency Falls which is l00 Feet taller than Niagara Falls. It was great fun walking over the falls on the bridge and looking down. Lot of water happening here!!
This is the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre'. The grounds include the Basilica, a Memorial Chapel, The Way of the Cross, and Museum. St. Anne, Grandmother of Jesus and Saint of Storms is visited by over a million people every year. The statue on top of the Basilica is 13' tall. The cooper doors were made by a local artist. There are six statues on each side of the main entrance depicting the l2 apostles.
This has to be one of the most beautiful Basilica's I've ever been in. The Rose Window is stained glass depicting different times in St. Anne's life. The ceiling is covered with mosaic's of her life as well. The pews have carvings of animals on the sides. People have left their crutches and canes because they say they have been healed by praying to St. Anne. There are stained windows with names of every city that has a church honoring St. Anne. Very impressive.
More pictures of inside the Basilica. Some were taken downstairs such as the one w/the pipe organs. The top right picture actually has a pc of bone from St. Anne's arm behind glass. It is inside a copper framed arm. You can see the hand. The Pieta' was downstairs as well. We took several dozen other pictures of the side alters and column's but I've probably got you on overload already.
We also toured the Isle of Orleans. It is where a lot of very rich people own summer homes and small farms where they grow fields of strawberries in the summer and vegetables later on. Also have a few vineyards on the island as well. Some houses were very old and others quite new and large. We stopped at a market and bought freshly picked strawberries - the sweetest I've ever tasted.
Also on our itinerary for the day was a stop at Albert Gilles Copper Work's. It has been a family owned company for many many years. The Father passed away 33 years ago but the children are still running it. They have a factory on the grounds and make a lot of very beautiful pieces of art and jewelry. They do custom work for many notable people in Hollywood as well as around the world including the doors of St. Anne's Basilica.
One of the daughters gave us a quick demonstration of a leaf as to how they make some of their pieces such as the horses. She drew out the design on the one side with a sharp tool. Then turned it over and went over the same lines. Then she took a smooth tool and pushed out the copper to give it a dimensional appearance - puffy on the outside. In French they have a word that means "pushing". It was really quite amazing. The bottom left picture is of a piece of jewelry and on the right is more of a modern art pc.
It was a great day as we saw so many things but plan to go back tomorrow to see more and just slowly walk around the Old City.
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