Québec City

Travel

Québec City By Solange Hando

In 1534 French explorer Jacques Cartier planted a cross on the shores of Gaspé Bay, claiming the land for his king. But for seventy years or so the ‘New France’ was a distant dream, until Samuel de Champlain set up a trading post along the ‘Kebec’, the ‘narrowing waters’ of the St Lawrence River. Rival settlers soon brought ongoing conflict and, on the strategic Diamond Cape high above the river, the so-called ‘Gibraltar of Canada’ fell to English rule in 1759. Today sprinkled with English traditions yet fiercely loyal to its French roots, language included, the provincial capital is hailed as one of the most attractive cities on the continent. On the Plains of Abraham where the final battle took place, history is recalled among quiet groves and picnic spots. Just a stroll away the Grande Allée is an elegant tree-lined boulevard, nicknamed Champs-Elysées, while on Parliament Hill the National Assembly sits in an opulent building, in French Renaissance style, topped by a lofty tower. The nearby St Louis’ gate leads into the Vieux Québec, the only remaining walled city in North America. First there’s the Upper Town gathered around the Chateau Frontenac, bristling with tower, turrets and copper roof. Now a nostalgic century-old hotel, it welcomes royalty, leaders and stars close to the site where French governors resided. Meanwhile, visitors stroll along the Dufferin Terrace, a magical place with glorious river views and the joyful ambience of musicians and artists. You find historic buildings and

statues, among them Champlain who founded the city in 1608, a 350-year-old cathedral, a Holy Trinity modelled on St-Martin-in-the-Fields and a UNESCO monument celebrating the title granted in 1985 to the first North American city. Ride a horse-drawn carriage or explore on foot and you discover neat stone houses with pastel frames, fleur-de-lys on the blue Québec flag and myriad treasures hidden in the lanes. Next, wander around the citadel that took over thirty years to complete. The 22nd Royal Regiment still parades on the grounds, very Englishlike in red tunics and bearskin hats. The Lower Town beckons down steep slopes and ‘Breakneck Stairs’ or a short scenic ride in the old funicular, gazing at dormer windows and rooftops, a cruise ship or two below the cape and ferries sailing across the river. The rail track ends in the former house of Mississippi explorer, Louis Jolliet, in the delightful district of Petit-Champlain. Once the humble home of artisans and traders, it’s a bustling little place with winding lanes and pretty squares glistening with cobbles, peppered with French bakeries, outdoor cafés, restaurants and boutiques full of arts and craft. Just down the road, a lovely promenade invites walkers and cyclists to enjoy the old port and the quiet marina behind the lock. But most breathtaking is the harbour cruise with costumed guide, revealing the bucolic Orleans Island, the sparkling Montmorency Falls and the city’s historic skyline mirrored like a fairy tale in the great St Lawrence on its way to the ocean.

Potton View Care Home can accommodate up to 31 residents, all on the ground floor. The Home has been completely refurbished in 2018 when it was purchased by Black Swan. It has high quality lounges, dining room and bathroom facilities as well as a salon.

Outside there is are extensive enclosed gardens as well as internal courtyards. The property is a detached, purpose built care home with a car park at the front. The Home is situated between the villages of Potton and Gamlingay in easy access of local amenities. Rooms from Key Features £750 per week • Landscaped gardens • Close to the local amenities • Fully refurbished in 2018 • Home cooked food • En-suite bedrooms with large wetrooms

We are very proud of what we do and are always keen to show visitors around. No appointment is necessary so please feel free to drop in for a guided tour, coffee and cake! We look forward to meeting you...