The image of a bed and breakfast is universal. Guests envision a cozy room, a chance to converse with interesting people and, hopefully, relax in a destination which has a setting that rekindles romance.
Quebec is three for three.
Few cities in North America share Quebec City’s international, cosmopolitan, and historic veneer. In fact, perhaps none of them do, which only heightens Quebec’s appeal. In a province where residents speak French with a petite dash of English, you feel as if you are strolling through the streets of Paris. A friendly Paris. All of which makes this fascinatingly… lovely.
As you stroll through Quebec it seems as if you are falling back in time; a time when historic buildings were never threatened in favor of a parking lot. A city where you get the sensation of slipping through a movie screen and onto the set of a romantic film.
Because Quebec City is perfectly different, more than three dozen inns are found here; many of which are located within the historic 400-year old walls encircling Vieux-Québec. (Old Quebec) where stylish boutiques, charming shops, sidewalk cafes, and narrow lanes make this vibrant walking town a favorite for bed and breakfast guests. While the peak season for inns falls between July and October (“When the leaves fall, the season falls,” notes one innkeeper), the four seasons create a different setting throughout the year.
No matter when you go, highlights of Quebec’s favorite sites can be seen in my feature Destination: Quebec.
Until then, here are five to consider.
1. Auberge J.A. Moisan
On the oldest commercial street in Vieux-Québec, hidden among the shoppers strolling past on rue Saint-Jean is a small door tucked beside the J.A.Moisan gourmet food store. Through the door and up the steps, above the market which was opened by Jean-Alfred Moisan and his family in 1871 (making this the oldest grocery store in North America), Nathalie and Clément have created an inn which preserves the feel of the Gilded Age.
This delightful bed and breakfast has a Victorian and, yes, Parisian, feel. Meticulously decorated, cozy salons are accented with dazzling antiques such as a gramophone with a blue metallic bell. Turn of the 20th century prints and artwork adorn the main salon and dining room, and each of the four guest rooms come with a queen bed, high quality linens, private baths and climate controls. The inn also offers reserved parking, high-speed Internet, and a tea service between 4 and 8 p.m. Rates range from $120 to $145, with a $10 discount if you opt out of breakfast.
Trés magnifique.
2. Résidence à l'augustine
Operated by an innkeeper with an artistic eye, this casual inn on rue Richelieu has the feeling of a traditional B&B. Nothing too fancy, but everything perfectly comfortable – especially the spacious garden suite, complete with fireplace. Some rooms share a bath (although these are usually shared by groups traveling together), and upstairs rooms have gabled windows which enhance the size of the room.
Cool pastel colors brighten the interior, exposed brick and hardwood floors speak to the home’s 220-year-old heritage, and décor ranging from French Country to Mediterranean gives Résidence à l'augustine an international flavor -- fitting, considering that they’ve welcomed guests from all around the world and that the innkeepers also operate a private school in Morocco. Rates, which include a breakfast with fruit, pastries, crepes, omelets, soufflés, and etc. begin at a reasonable $110.
3. Chez Hubert
Providing two choices for an evening in the heart of Vieux-Québec are Marjorie and Pascal who, since 2009, have owned and operated the three-bedroom Chez Hubert at 66 rue Sainte-Ursule as well as the adjacent Marie Claire. Although rooms are at Chez Hubert are large and lightly decorated, common areas offer even more room to spread out, especially the spacious second floor salon that features a balcony which is a perfect vantage point for watching people strolling along the avenue below.
Born in Quebec, Marjorie can share with you the history of the city and, naturally, sites to see. At Chez Hubert, two rooms (with views of the courtyard or Château Frontenac) feature queen beds; one, which has a private balcony, includes two double beds. Advertised rates here range from a nominal $65 to $100 for a single room, $80 to $125 for a double and includes parking, Internet access, and a buffet breakfast which can include crepes, waffles, fruit, cheese, eggs, and bacon. The adjacent and elegant Marie Claire with its stained glass, crystal chandeliers, and salon with pianos, has published rates from $65 to $132 and, like its sister, offers a full breakfast, free Internet, and free parking.
4. Gîte de Paris
Vieux Quebec is, by itself, an incredible location. But tucked inside the walls of the city less than a one-minute walk to the historic Chateau Frontenac, the St. Lawrence River, the Citadel, and the Plains of Abraham where summer concerts take place, Gîte de Paris may enjoy the best location of all.
In addition to being a gifted hostess, Victoria is also an excellent cook and breakfasts are varied and expansive. Artistically decorated, the rooms feature exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, private baths, mini fridge, television, and Wi-Fi -- although you’ll likely be more tempted to check in before quickly checking out the surrounding historic district which, literally, is right outside your door. Rates begin at $115, and parking is an extra $14.
5. La Marquise de Bassano
Across the street from the Gîte de Paris on rue De Grissons, a sturdy stone home built in 1888 is now a five-room inn. The history of the Victorian home is evident in detailed accents such as ornate woodwork, stained glass, and high ceilings which bearing silent testament to the elegance of the inn and its previous owners, including Lord Mount Stephens who gained fame for his work with the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Francis and Véronyc have created a stylish inn with common areas and guests rooms that are clean, comfortable, and colorful, although upper floor rooms have a shared bath (the Dovecot room makes amends, however, with a private balcony). Published rates ranging from $99 to $165 (parking, add $14) and includes free Internet as well as a breakfast of croissants, chocolate breads, cold meats, cheese platters, eggs, fruit, and cereal.
...And with more than two dozen additional inns in and around Quebec City, there's only one more thing to add.
Bon voyage!
