Place-Royale

Place-Royale, at the center of Lower Town, is the birthplace of Québec City, one of the first successful settlements in New France. Samuel de Champlain first established an abitation, or trading post, here in 1608. Despite a ruinous fire in 1682 and numerous attacks by the British, who finally captured the city in 1759, this town square has been preserved virtually as it was during the 18th century; buildings from the 17th- and 18th-century still remain.

Events and entertainment take place in the summer. Along the St. Lawrence are the docks for the Québec-Lévis ferry on rue des Traversiers and for the sightseeing boat MV Louis Jolliet, Quai Chouinard at 10 rue Dalhousie.

Guided tours are available.