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| | THANK YOU | | This article was made possible thanks to the Québec City and Area Tourism and Convention Bureau and to VIA Rail Canada, which serves Québec City and the Saint-Roch district daily. Bonjour Québec.com and its magazine would like to thank and congratulate those responsible for organizing this press trip and for helping us to rediscover a district steeped in history and rich in entertainment. |
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In the NeighbourhoodSaint-Roch gets a new look
Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, the Saint-Roch district, in Québec City’s lower town, is coming back to life and giving the Vieille Capitale, or old capital, a downtown core worthy of the name. We know that Saint Roch survived the plague thanks to a dog. The district that bears his name owes its revival to popular determination and the best possible defender around, Jean Paul L’Allier, the former Mayor of Québec City. Let’s take a tour of a trendy district that just keeps getting better.
 We’d best point out that one of the mayor’s predecessors, in an effort to revitalize the downtown area and battle the competition posed by superstores and other shopping centres, decided to cover the main artery with a ghastly structure. It was a mistake, for the Saint-Roch mall signalled the downtown core’s slow decline.
 Twenty years later, Jean Paul L’Allier took a good long look at the district, abandoned by the city’s inhabitants, and decided to do something about it. Now Rue Saint-Joseph is once again open under the blue sky. The snow falls on its sidewalks, and people stroll its length.A new lease on life
 For Jean-Paul L’Allier, “There’s no denying that Saint-Roch has reclaimed its true nature, that of a bustling downtown core where you’ll find a wide variety of urban features and see a rich, diverse and unique social mix.” Mr. Mayor, no truer words were spoken! These changes breathed new life into the district and left in their wake businesses in the multimedia and print media industry, not to mention the Université du Québec. All this new urban wildlife has given rise to a host of new shops along Rue Saint Joseph and neighbouring streets. Let there be life!
 Trendy restaurants, bars, boutiques, cafés, artisan bakeries, brew pubs, art galleries and teahouses now line the streets, creating a truly lively neighbourhood. Life has indeed returned to Saint-Roch. Rue de l’Église is a hotspot at night. Rue Saint Joseph is a window-shopper’s delight. Who knows? You might find the deal of the century and leave Québec City with THE one article that was missing from your wardrobe! In Saint-Roch, evenings begin with a friendly 5 à 7, or happy hour, and nights are long with restaurants, bars, taverns and nightclubs all vying to entertain you. There’s no doubt about it: the Vieille Capitale’s makeover was designed with one thing in mind: your pleasure!- Benjo
543, Saint-Joseph
418 640-0001
www.benjo.ca
This is a paradise for children and those looking to please their kids. The patient staff will spend whatever time is needed to help you find that special something to delight your little one. This large store is a marvel, where families are treated like royalty and the child is king. - La Boîte à pain
289, Saint-Joseph Est
418 647-3666
Friendly artisan bakery. The Jardin Saint-Roch is just a few streets away, and the Rivière Saint-Charles is also nearby. You’ll find lovingly prepared soups, carefully baked organic breads and desserts to die for! You can eat on site or get everything to go. - Largo Resto-Club
643, Saint-Joseph
418 529-3111
www.largorestoclub.com
Le Largo takes its inspiration from the places that border one of the world’s most spectacular seas: the Mediterranean. Italy, Provence and Greece happily co-exist on the menu and on the list of wines suggested by the restaurant’s owner, Chef Olivier Robichon. You’ll enjoy the friendly ambiance and soft jazz tones. - Le Café du clocher penché
203, Saint-Joseph
418 640-0591
clocherpenche@qc.aira.com
This café owes its name to the leaning steeple of the Église Notre-Dame-de-Jacques-Cartier located across the street. During the week, two young kitchen wizards—as friendly as they are talented—whip up a unique menu that changes every day. On weekends, you’ll have to make the difficult choice between two equally delicious and imaginative brunches. - Yuzu Sushi Bar
438, de l’Église
418 521-7253
www.yuzu.ca
The yuzu is an Asian citrus fruit. That said, you’ll savour Asian-inspired delicacies prepared by the masterful hand of Chef Olivier Vigneault, a 21-year-old whiz kid. Cutting-edge culinary trends combined with a dynamic, young atmosphere are what make this eatery such a hotspot. The entire dining experience is nothing less than exquisite. Hats off to the chef! - La Barberie
310, Saint-Roch
418 522-4373
www.labarberie.com
Innkeeper, bring us another round and keep them coming! Craft beers brewed on the premises and served with plenty of cheer in the tasting room or on the patio in the summer. With nearly 80 draft beers and nine bottled varieties, this is a truly heady experience. Of course, you don’t have to try them all in one day. The brewmasters are so friendly, you’ll be planning your next visit before you leave.
GUIDED TOURS
There’s nothing quite like a guided tour to help you discover a district, city or region. In the Saint-Roch district, two companies offer entertaining and rewarding visits. Bear in mind it might be best to organize a group outing. Reservations required.
EVENTS
The Église de Saint-Roch is a heritage jewel of sacred architecture. The architects of this Roman-Gothic church were evidently inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris. The church hosts two events:
- The blessing of the dogs in mid-August. No… this event did not come about by chance. The church’s patron, Saint Roch, escaped death thanks to a dog that brought him bread every day when an epidemic of the bubonic plague broke out in France.
- The Québec City Festival of Sacred Music (end of October–early November). Each year, some 15 concerts are performed by renowned artists from the four corners of the world.
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André Quenneville
Photos: Ministère du Tourisme : André Quenneville.
2009-05-18 |
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Experience Québec
