We are thinking of spending a longweekend in Quebec for our 30th anniversary. Is the first part of November really cold in Quebec? We have been to Paris several times is Quebec any thing like Paris? Any suggestions for hotels within walking distance of "downtown" sights? We would like to keep the cost under $150.00 per night. What should we see while there?

November could be cold but hopefully it won't be. But who can predict weather. But for sure,it won't be warm! Where in the province of quebec do you want to go? Quebec City or Montreal;there's also beautiful countryside. Since you have some time I would suggest ordering your FREE & comprehensive booklet for information on quebec. Go to this site: www.bonjourquebec.com
Click on english or call toll free at 1-877-266-5687. You can also go to
www.tourism-montreal.org for a calendar of events re montreal. another one:
www.go-montreal.com
You can get recoup part of your hotel tax & certain purchases: go to this site:www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca or call 1-800-668-4748
For a list of restaurants just let me know

Thank you. We were thinking of Quebec City. I will order the booklet on Quebec. Any restaurants suggestions would be welcome. We usually enjoy the quiet Bistro kind of restaurant in Paris. Nothing really expensive or fancy but nice food.

Hi AJ-I haven't been to quebec city in some time but I brought this post up so that people who have been recently can give you a list of bistro type restaurants.

AJ,

We too went to Quebec City last year in the hopes of finding a little bit of France closer to home. Since we went in September I'm unable to comment on November weather, however, I do have some suggestions for hotels, restaurants, etc.

The first thing you're going to have to decide is whether you wish to stay in Upper or Lower Town. If you do a little research on the Fodors site you'll find people who swear by one or the other so it really boils down a matter of personal preference. Since we had no previous personal experience with either, we flipped a coin and ended up staying in Lower Town; when we return (and believe me, we will) I would opt for Lower town again. The reason? Because there is probably a little more to do in Upper Town areas, had we stayed in Upper Town, we probably wouldn't have made it to Lower Town quite as often. By staying in Lower Town, however, we ended up exploring the area in much more detail and discovered some wonderful museums, architecture, art and other neat things we might have otherwise overlooked. I also found the quality of lunch restaurants to be better overall in Lower Town. Another plus to staying in Lower Town is that at the end of the day you get to walk downhill to your hotel. This was a BIG plus.

OUR HOTEL: We stayed at a hotel in Lower Town called Hotel des Coutellier (hoteldescoutellier.com). This is a small (24 rooms) and moderately priced (about $129 Canadian at the time, but you'll be going at low season so it will be even less) hotel located on Rue St.-Paul right across from the marina. The staff was friendly, the room was spacious and well equipped, and the location was excellent. We were right near the heart of the art and antique district and there were many great restaurants and boutiques nearby. We would definitely stay here again.

RESTAURANTS: I realize you said you were looking for "nothing too expensive or fancy" but with the value of the $ up there, we tended to splurge a bit.

Le Saint-Amour: Our first night out and one of our most memorable experiences. Le Saint-Amour is a beautiful little restaurant on Rue St.-Ursule in upper town. The chef is award-winning, the food is superb and the ambience is very romantic. We began our meal with a piece of melt-in-your-mouth goose foie gras and an escargot "stew" made with garlic cream, spinach and pinon nuts...unbelievably delicious! Our main courses consisted of broiled veal sweetbreads and an incredible rack of Charlevoix lamb. If I were to attempt to describe the desserts, I would only bring tears to your eyes! By the way, if you dine there be sure to make reservations a few days in advance and request the winter garden (it?s an indoor atrium in the back of the restaurant that is simply beautiful). Also, don't forget to order something from their extensive (and reasonable) wine list.

Le Continental: I realize there has been some mixed press on Fodors concerning this restaurant; however, we thought it was excellent. If you like classic continental food (Duck l'Orange, Sole Meuniere, Chateaubriand, etc.) you will not be disappointed. Sure, there's nothing new or innovative here, but the preparations are right on, the servers experienced and the ambience appropriately classy. Their foie gras de terrine and lobster bisque rivaled the best I've had and the tableside flambes are pulled off with flair and panache. Where else can you get crepes with fresh peaches made tableside?

Le Ardoise: This is a small locals place located in lower town around the corner from Mesclun. Quite casual and featuring a nightly prix-fixe menu with everything from confit of duck to foie de veau. Nice ambience, casual service, good food.

Le Echaude': Very attractive French/Mediterranean Restaurant in lower town right down the street from Mesclun. The menu features everything from a wonderful steak tartare to bouillabaisse and the service is friendly and efficient. One of the few places we went to that had an actual "bar" where you could sit and just enjoy a cocktail if you liked.

Other Quebec City highlights include:

Strolling on the boardwalk in front of the Chateau Frontenac and watching the street performers; hors d' oeuvres and wine on the terasse overlooking the St. Lawrence river at the Frontenac; walking around the Plains of Abraham (unbelievably beautiful!); exploring every street, nook and cranny of Vieux Quebec; experiencing the battle reenactment at Museo du Fort; jazz at the Hotel Clarendon; a river cruise up to Montmorency Falls; Montmorency Falls themselves (spectacular!)?

We also rented a convertible and drove to Charlevoix. We were only there overnight and will have to explore this beautiful region more fully on our next trip. Baie St.-Paul is wonderful (great artisan community and THE place to buy nice gifts for people) and Le Malbaie is home to the Hotel Manoir Richelieu?where we stayed overnight. Both these towns (and others) deserved more of our time but, sadly, we just didn't have it to give them. We will definitely rectify that next time.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Strive