Rich in the mix of waves of immigration that have made it one of the most popular multicultural cities in the world, Montreal continues to surprise and reinvent itself. Between its parks and steeples, its skyscrapers and its historic district, it is a city praised for its quality of life, its openness and its bilingualism. And for fans of stand up and other comedy shows, Montreal is a must in the second half of July for the Just for Laughs festival. An event with an international reputation that every year welcomes the biggest names of the moment.
An incomparable welcome and a European style
All over the world, and particularly among their French cousins, Quebecers are considered to be one of the most welcoming peoples on the planet. This reputation is far from being usurped, and throughout the province, you will feel welcome. Montreal, although a large, vibrant and turbulent metropolis, is no exception. In restaurants, hotels and shops, or even simply on the street, you will feel the kindness of these warm people. And, not to spoil things, the services offered to visitors are extensive and the hotels are comfortable and often very affordable
No mystery, Quebeckers are North Americans. Their culture is imbued with the characteristics of this continent, and you will notice from the first contact this kindness and ease of engaging in the conversation that we sometimes lack in Europe. But this culture is also marked by an emotional proximity with France, which shares part of their origins. This mix gives Montrealers their own identity, easy to approach while being, in many ways, exotic.
An air of Europe envelops Old Montreal, the birthplace of Ville-Marie in 1642 by Paul de Chomedey. Despite the many fires that have caused the oldest buildings to disappear, several restoration and development works have given a new lease of life to the old town and the Old Port, which now welcome thousands of tourists who are charmed by this European and historical style. Shops, restaurants, museums and art galleries, squares and walks, in short, plenty to fill a day.
Nature at your fingertips
But a great city if ever there was one, Montreal is still at the heart of a country with vast and incomparable natural spaces. In the city already, you will feel Quebecers' attachment to nature thanks to the width of the tree-lined streets, and the many parks and green spaces. Mount Royal Park, in summer and winter, is an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Not far from Westmount, one of the three neighbouring peaks that form Mount Royal, can also be the subject of a bucolic walk. At the top, a wood has been preserved in its wild state to recall the appearance of the original site. To visit Westmount, you must be a good walker, as many streets are steep.
Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame (Parc Jean-Drapeau), both located opposite the Old Port, are now an important vacation destination for Montrealers. La Ronde and its amusement parks, the large parks, the Biosphère, the beach of Île Notre-Dame, the casino and the Formula 1 circuit are very popular. The 1967 Universal Exposition and the 1976 Olympic Games had a major impact on the islands. Many existing structures such as the Biosphère (Environment Museum) and the casino were built during the Expo
Finally, get out of the city, in an hour you will be in the middle of nature, alone in the world, in a world of lakes, forests and wild animals. In short, nature to the city and the city to the nature.
The "funniest city in the world"
Montreal is the city of festivals. Especially in the summer, there are many opportunities to experience the dynamism of Montrealers in terms of organizing cultural events. Music festivals of all kinds follow one another, and the city centre is without interruption an open stage. There are many exhibitions, and the Just for Laughs festival is one of the most important comedy events in the world. Because Quebeckers are good people and particularly appreciate humour. So much so that a national school of humour was founded in Montreal in 1988. Since then, the school has graduated more than 400 authors and comedians, including several great contemporary names in Quebec humour such as Jean-Marc Parent, Lise Dion, Laurent Paquin, Martin Matte and Philippe Laprise. Some of them have even performed in various venues in France and elsewhere in the world. Each year, the Les Olivier gala (named in honour of comedian Olivier Guimond) showcases the work of artists in the comedy sector by rewarding them for their work. It is also intended to promote the comedy industry, in addition to introducing the public to emerging comedians, but also to writers and directors.
Montreal was therefore the natural birthplace of the world's largest festival dedicated to humour, the famous Just for Laughs festival, which is held annually in July and transforms the Canadian city into the "funniest city in the world", according to the formula on the festival's website. The latter has made small with editions all over the world (London, Sydney, Toronto...). The Zoofest in Montreal, an event dedicated to new comedians, is held in parallel with the Zoofest in Montreal, in an unconventional and festive format.
Smart info
When? When? The high season runs from mid-May to mid-October and from mid-December to February. To attend the Just for Laughs festival, visit the Quebec city between July 15 and 30, 2017.
Getting there. Several airlines operate daily flights to Montreal. Count between 7 a.m. and 7.30 a.m. flight time.
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Useful. To organize your trip as well as possible.
MONTREAL TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website
JUST FESTIVAL FOR LAUGHTER - More information on the website
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