Discover the Plains of Abraham, Quebec City's green lung

The Battlefields Park comprises the Joan of Arc Garden, the Plains of Abraham and the Des Braves Park. This rural complex was created in 1908 by the National Battlefields Commission. The huge park was landscaped by a Canadian architect and landscape designer, and covers an area of 108 hectares, with over 6,000 trees and more than 80 species.

The Plains of Abraham are named after the pilot and fisherman Abraham Martin, nicknamed "the Scotsman". He received the plots of land that are now Battlefields Park in 1635 from the Compagnie de la Nouvelle-France. On his death, the Ursulines, the oldest educational institution for women in North America, inherited the land.

You can visit the Ursuline Convent in Quebec City, a UNESCO building that also houses the Ursuline Museum.

In September 1759, the battle of the Plains of Abraham turned the place into a bloodbath that became famous. The British attacked the French in darkness and surprise. Although the British emerged victorious from this battle, the two enemy commanders died that night.

It was as a result of this battle that the British took control of, at the time, New France. The colonial territories included Montreal. Under the British regime, the Plains of Abraham was a hanging place before a prison was built there. The prison remained in operation until 1980, when it was converted into the pavilion of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Québec.

Discoverthe best museums in Quebec City.

A place for festivities and sharing

Throughout the year, various performances take place on the Plains of Abraham. They bring together Quebecers and tourists alike on this immense open-air stage.

These include

• The Quebec City Summer Festival: concerts and entertainment in the heart of summer.
• Quebec's bank holidays: a celebration in honour of Quebec City.
• The Québec carnival: a colourful parade.

• Québec City's 400th

  anniversary: a historic celebration that marks the nation's history.

• The Great Celebration of Nature: an opportunity to celebrate the biodiversity of the Quebec landscape.
• And much more besides.

Over the last few years, the wild grasses of the plains have danced to the rhythms of Madonna, Paul McCartney, Charles Aznavour, Black Eye Peas and Rammstein!

Every summer, Quebec City organises life-size games, exhibitions and numerous events.

Find out more about the Plains programme on the Plains of Abraham government website.

Joan of Arc's flower garden

Joan of Arc's garden is located on the Plains of Abraham. It is a garden full of flowers and features a statue of Joan of Arc brandishing a sword. On the way, a beautiful avenue of elms some thirty metres long leads you to the garden.

A guided tour on board Abraham's bus

From July 2 each year, you can board Abraham's bus to discover the memorable sites on the Plains - a fun and lively tour for young and old alike!

Aboard the bus, you'll visit the major attractions of Quebec City.

• Joan of Arc Garden ;
• The Citadel of Quebec ;
• the military barracks ;
• the sites of major events ;
• the Martello Towers ;
• the old prison;
• the water reservoir;
• the passageway used by the British and the site of the confrontation with the French.

Cycling in the plains, a breath of fresh air in the capital

The relief and landscapes of the plains invite you to take a leisurely stroll. You can take a bike along the winding roads of the St. Lawrence River.

Need a bike?

àVélo: electrically assisted shared bikes. Similar to the Vélib' in Paris, you can pick up your bike for a ride or a trip around town. Pick up your bike at one station and drop it off at another!

Vélo Roy'O: a small vintage shop that sells, repairs and hires bikes!

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Québec

The Musée des Beaux-Arts houses collections by Quebec artists. It is made up of several pavilions. It's a serene and pleasant place to visit with the whole family.

Where to eat near the Plains of Abraham?

JAJA Concorde

A taste of Italy on the lawns of the Plains. We recommend the arancini, which we fell in love with.