You know this is the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, right? You know that the city is pulling out all the stops, with a mind-boggling schedule of special events and entertainment. Hey, there’s even a one-time-only exhibit of works from the Louvre visiting the Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec. If you’re going, here’s a spot to include in your schedule.
The tony shops of Le Petit Champlain get all the attention, but for my money, Marché du Vieux Port (sorry, site’s not in English, but yo’ll get the idea), a European-style marketplace hugging the waterfront on the edge of the Old City, is the real deal. More than 60 farmers and fishermen, along with producers of condiments, meat products, cheeses, wines, baked goods, lotions and other locally made goods sell their wares. It’s a delicious find, a treat for the senses, a tease to the waistline and a wonderful source for taste-full souvenirs.
Fine food and fresh produce are the market’s big lures, but the market hums year round. No matter the season, vendors offer samples and when time allows, most are willing to chat about their products. Although French is the native tongue, many speak enough English to get the key points across.
It’s the perfect spot to plan a picnic or to stock up the car for the long ride home. Happy munching.
