Tourists in Quebec: Quartier Petit Champlain

Old, charming, narrow buildings full of fashion and artisan shops and cafés squished into a long, narrow street—welcome to the Petit-Champlain Neighborhood of Vieux-Québec.




The signs of the shops are just as interesting and lovely as the merchandise that they sell and I couldn't help but think of Raf and his Hang Ups blog. This Woodpecker's Shop specializes in wooden sculptures and products. (What else?)




I saw these cats at a window watching people as they walk by and I just had to take their photo for dear, sweet Luna.




Halfway down Rue du Petit-Champlain is a small park where shoppers can rest their weary feet. The neighborhood is built at the foot of the cliff below Château Frontenac and the cliff's stone can easily be seen in the park.




I'd never seen building, shop or house numbers with 1/2 before.




At the southern end of the street is the Petit-Champlain Mural, illustrating the origins and history of the neighborhood.




At the northern end of the street is Breakneck Steps, which is how one walks between Quartier Petit Champlain and the upper town of Old Quebec. There are several shops and cafés just off the stairs to break the climb. However, if your knees really can't handle them, there is always the Funiculaire du Vieux Québec.