2024 Trip to Montreal/Quebec Blog​
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Tuesday, February 20 - The Mercy French language students along with their chaperones (Madame Wilson, Monsieur Raabe, and Monsieur Sully) together with French students from Keene High School arrived by bus in Montreal! They explored Old Montreal and went to the Archaeological Museum of Pointe-à-Callière in the afternoon.
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In the evening, they tested their ice skating skills at Montreal's beautiful Old Port, and afterwards, enjoyed dinner at the French bistro, Le Cartet.
Wednesday, February 21 - Day 2 started with breakfast at La Petite Marche, a quaint French restaurant
in the Plateau Mont Royal, then took the students to top of Montreal's iconic Mont-Royal and the Chalet de la Montagne for stunning views of the city!
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Then they were off to some exploring and shopping in the Underground City.
The students got to visit the home of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team -- the state-of-the-art Bell Centre.
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At mid-day, everyone was off to Quebec City by bus! They visited ​the Lower Town to get an introduction to the beginnings of French civilization in North America, visiting Place Royale and le Quartier du Petit Champlain.
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They ended the busy day at la Cabane à sucre Relais des Pins, partaking in a 17th century meal, dancing, and singing!
Thursday, February 22 - Day 3 began by enjoying breakfast at Café Paillard - chocolate chaud, croissants, and chocolate croissants!
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Then the group traversed scenic Quebec's Upper Town.
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They were then off to the very pretty Plains of Abraham Museum (with assorted silliness in the interactive parts of the museum!).
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Below Jack is dressed up very sharp in the lot of a French infantry man. He is wearing around his neck a sign that reads in French "falling asleep on the job." While this photo was taking, the museum guide was asking us what we thought the punishment for doing would have been back then. Turns out it would have been being hit repeatedly by the ramrods (metal polls used to load muskets) of your fellow soldiers.
Though you might not be able to see it that clearly, Morgan is wearing a sign around his neck that reads in French "Thief" and Lily is wearing one that reads "drunkard." The punishments for these two would be 20 floggings for drunkenness and (depending on the severity of the offense) floggings (of various amounts) or hanging for stealing.
The students then got amazing views not far from the Château Frontenac of the majestic, icy St. Lawrence River.
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In the afternoon, they visited the Ste-Anne de Beaupré Shrine, followed by the Montmorency Falls, a true Quebec icon.
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They ended the day at Village Vacances Valcartier for inner tube riding!
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Friday, February 23 - Day 4, the final day, began with dogsledding through the maple groves at Chenil La Poursuite! Dogsledding is an important part of French Canadian culture and history. In the depths of
winter, it can be a principal way of transportation in the more remote parts of the Province.
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Then it was off to Musée de la Civilisation. And finally, the trip ended by taking the funiculaire en route to la Haute-Ville, where the students had some final free time to explore and have lunch before heading back to Keene!
