Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)

Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) Review

President Charles de Gaulle of France marked Canada's centennial celebrations in 1967 by standing on the central balcony of Montréal's ornate city hall on July 24 and shouting "Vive le Québec libre" ("Long live free Québec"), much to the delight of the separatist movement and to the horror of the federal government that had invited him over in the first place. Perhaps he got carried away because he felt so at home: the Second Empire-style city hall, built in 1878, is modeled after the one in Tours, France. Free guided tours are available daily 8:30-5. Advance reservations are required.