Discover the fairytale district of Petit-Champlain in Old Quebec

This small neighbourhood, with its hundred or so metres of pedestrian streets, is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations. As cute as it is friendly, the neighbourhood has undergone many phases of redevelopment since its creation. Today, and since 1985, it has been protected by the Coopérative de solidarité du Quartier Petit-Champlain, a group of artisans united around the same cultural and tourist values, to promote the neighbourhood. Every year at Christmas time, the neighbourhood attracts crowds of tourists for its atmosphere worthy of a period film.

"Little Champlain Street" was a nickname used to distinguish this street from the nearby boulevard de Champlain. In the 19th century, the entire Petit-Champlain area was completely unhealthy and run-down. Houses were falling into ruin and the inhabitants were very poor. After many years of misery, a rehabilitation project was set up between 1970 and 1980. The project was initiated by an entrepreneur and an architect, keen to revive the district's tradition of craftsmanship and commerce. In 1985, local artisans and residents got together to form the Coopérative de solidarité du Quartier Petit-Champlain. Today, the cooperative is meticulous in its choice of exhibitors and products sold in the pedestrianised streets of Petit-Champlain. The cooperative is committed and caring, and has done a brilliant job of maintaining a tradition and a fairytale atmosphere.

The Petit-Champlain district nestles against the St. Lawrence River and Cap Diamant. It is surrounded by old Quebec.

Walking through the Petit-Champlain district, the multi-storey stone facades and prominent dormer windows are reminiscent of French architecture. The big difference? If you walk through Petit-Champlain in winter, the snow on the roofs of the houses will quickly remind you that you're in the Great North!

Whether in Montreal or Quebec City, street art has a special place in Quebec cities. In the Old Town district, you can wander from mural to urban decoration with gusto. Most of the murals in Petit-Champlain are artistic windows on the district's past. Discover the inhabitants and their daily lives as we step back in time to the founding of Quebec over 400 years ago.

Shopping in Petit-Champlain

Quebec artisans

The district is a showcase for Quebec's traditions and artisans. You'll find a dozen craft shops in the pedestrian streets. Indulge yourself with a little shopping, as the Québécois say.

Here are our 3 favourite artisan boutiques:

• Atelier La Pomme: find around thirty Quebec designers in this trendy boutique that promotes Quebec workshops in the fashion and clothing sector. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Boutique Artnika: handmade products, decorative items, accessories, handbags, leather wallets, 3D greeting cards and clothing for gifts for your loved ones. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Charlevoix Pure Laine: this soft boutique specialises in the recovery and transformation, or rather sublimation, of wool. Shawls, plaids, jumpers and other cosy winter items are on offer. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Place royale, symbol of the fairytale district

This square, located just opposite Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, is the symbol of the Petit-Champlain district. The birthplace of Quebec City and the site of Samuel Champlain's first shop, it's a pleasant and friendly place. On sunny days, you can relax on the terraces of the cafés and restaurants, while in winter, the square becomes the pedestal for the district's enormous Christmas tree.

Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church

Since 1688, this church has stood proudly as the oldest stone church in North America. Almost destroyed during the battle of the Plains of Abraham, the monument was completely renovated in 1816. Today, it is the symbol of the neighbourhood, welcoming the curious and the faithful all year round.

The old funicular

To get up to the Dufferin terraces on Cap Diamant, take the funicular for a ride. The funicular climbs gently up the hill, giving you time to admire the magnificent view of the Petit-Champlain district, the St. Lawrence River and Lévis on the other side.

The Breakneck Staircase for a bite to eat or a drink

If you don't like the height of the funicular, the breakneck steps at the end of rue du Petit-Champlain will take you up to Cap Diamant. It's hard to say why the English nicknamed it the "breakneck steps", but it's the oldest staircase in Quebec, built in 1980, and it's lined with restaurants if you're feeling tired on the way up.

Bistrot le Pape George

For wine lovers, this small bistro at "8 ¼" rue du Cul-de-Sac, serves quality wines at competitive prices. The ambience and decor are rustic yet modern. Stone and wood add a warm touch. The house specialities are lobster bisque and planks to share.