FAIRMONT LE CHÂTEAU FRONTENAC

Named after the governor of New France (Louis de Buade, comte de Frontenac - governor from 1672 to 1682 and from 1689 to 1698), it has stood on the flank of Cap Diamant since 1893, on the site of the governor's former residence. Its architect was Bruce Price, an American who designed the Canadian Pacific Railway's cake hotels across Canada, including the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta (1888). The Château Frontenac has five wings and a central tower. Its asymmetrical plan features an interior courtyard and irregular massing. Many of its features are typical of the "château" style, such as the steeply pitched roof, massive towers and circular and polygonal turrets, ornate gables and dormers, tall chimneys and more. In 1981, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

In August 1943 and September 1944, the Allies met at the Château to discuss the general conduct of the war and future strategy. The first meeting determined the logistics and location of the Normandy landings. At the second meeting, post-war issues took center stage. Today, the Château Frontenac, a luxury hotel owned by the Fairmont Group, boasts over 600 rooms, several restaurants, boutiques and more. It's probably the most photographed hotel in the world, and a visit is a must, if only for a drink at the bistro Le Sam or 1608 - Wine & Cheese Bar, for the ambiance and the incredible view of the city, the St. Lawrence and the South Shore. In fact, in 2012, Fodor's Travel, a world leader in travel guides, placed Fairmont Le Château Frontenac on its prestigious annual list of the 100 best hotels in the world, as well as including it among the 10 hotels classified as "world icons". And that's not counting the many other accolades accumulated over the years.

Guided tours. For those who'd like to discover this iconic hotel, Cicérone offers guided tours lasting around an hour every day of the year. Your guide will introduce you to the illustrious figures and historical events that have shaped the hotel's identity over the years, not forgetting its architectural evolution, including the rejuvenation that has taken place in recent years. For info and reservations: www.cicerone.ca