The birthplace of Quebec and to a very large degree North American history even though there are other, older settlements. This is where Samuel de Champlain began construction of his fortified habitation at the foot of Cap Diamant, in 1608 and the first permanent establishment in New France.
Rich merchants settle here and lively business develops in the area. It was then known as Place du Marché until a bust to the glory of Louis XIV is erected and it becomes Place Royale. Despite conquest by the English in 1629 and 1690 it continues to be a leading commercial and business centre till the latter part of the 19th century and the decline starts. By 1950 it is poor and rundown. However the importance of this site is recognised and it is restored to former glory.
Like other parts of Québec it is a major tourist site. Most of them inside the old fortifications. There is still so much there I'd love to see. Like La Citadelle and the Plains of Abraham from up high. And the inside of the oldest stone church in North America, l'Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.
2 comments:
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, tomorrow, I'm gonna give a course on Place Royale and I didn't have find any good pic! You're my savior! It's perfect! :-)
-xxx-
Lau
Good, I love that I have been able to help in some small manner! Good luck tomorrow. Gerard
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