QUEBEC - THE CITY OF FESTIVALS Part 1 of 2

Quebec is one of the few North American cities that feels very European. Since this old, walled city hosts so many churches, museums, shops, galleries and restaurants with a French flair and British traditions you need not go to London or anywhere else to hear French, eat French, enjoy French architecture or find British delights such as the changing of the Guard and the Beating of the Retreat you'll find it at the Citadelle in Quebec.

In Canada, the unique quality of Quebec steals first place from Montreal and Vancouver as a tourist destination. Locals cite the French tradition, but, Europe across the St. Lawrence River better describes Canada's most scenic, and many feel, most friendly French-speaking city even though the Parisians complain about the local accent and the locals sometimes complain about speaking English.

However, in most cases the Quebecois (or Quebeers), the friendly residents mean it when they say, Quebec vous accueille (Quebec welcomes you). These are the people who help you with reading your map on corners, who suggest favorite restaurants and who go out of their way to demolish the image of the tight-lipped French.

On our visit 12 years ago, I was amazed to see so many street entertainers, musicians and artists amuse visitors as you walk along the old section of town. And this was before Circe du Soliel popularized French Canadian street theater and performance. Over 12 years later I still find Quebec the same charming, indeed, romantic, city. To my surprise, the musicians, artist and entertainers are still there even though the town has grown since the last visit. And the list of ongoing festivals seems to keep expanding.

The due Maurier Quebec Summer festivals and the world renowned Quebec Winter Carnival make Quebec a special place to enjoy all year. During the last 33 years Quebec's 10 day July Summer Festival presents over 800 artists from 15 countries, and music from rock, pop, jazz, Cajun and classical. Artists like Celine Dion, Paco de Lucia, k.d Lang, Julie Migenes and others entertain in doors and out, and the spice of street and circus entertainers and the mix of people from all parts over North America, indeed, the world justify the statement that , "it's like the United Nations throwing a large block party with over 500 performances during this special time".

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