Quebec City: Old World Charm

You're still in North America but it's like stepping into a town in France--old stone houses built in the 17th century, old world charm, Quebecois culture, and magnificent vistas.

In winter this charming 400 year-old city is nestled under a blanket of snow. Tiny white lights twinkle on the tree-lined streets and the smell of hot apple cider lingers in the cold crisp air as everyone prepares for Christmas. But in the summer, expect warm breezes and green grass and locals enjoying being outside. There's so much for artists to explore and capture in their sketchbooks--cobbled street, fortification walls and the palace-like Chateau Frontenac.

Founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, Quebec City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a little taste of France right here in North America. Inside the fortification walls in the historic centre nary a skyscraper can be seen. In fact, many of the stone buildings are hundreds of years old and resemble Brittany, the birthplace of Champlain. Here the steep rooves, designed to carry the snow load, are punctuated by tiny dormers and people sip their vin rouge under charming umbrella tables.

Chosen for its strategic location, upper town, with its spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, is connected to the charming shops and art galleries of lower town by a significant set of stairs and a super quick funiculaire.

With sketchbook in hand we recommend that artists take the time to explore and sketch. Sketch a row of cannons that line the fortification wall. Sketch the marina, the old gates, the railway station, the Ursuline Monastery, the Maison Jacquet, the oldest house in Quebec City built in 1675–76. 

We recommend that artists take an historic walking tour, make a reservation for high tea (after all, it was the British who battled the French on this spot), visit museums, and enjoy a boat tour. All of these activities open up opportunites to sketch and paint, to learn more about the city and to allow the culture of Quebec to inspire you.

Of course, Quebecois food must be sampled . Poutine in all it's variations, tourtière and sugar pie. And if you're lucky, Studio 56 just may have an Artist's Retreat taught by a top Instructor for you to join. 

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