Any other Quebecers tired of the lame comparisons to Paris and Europe?!
Dec 3rd, 2008, 07:05 AM
#1
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Any other Quebecers tired of the lame comparisons to Paris and Europe?!
I chafe every time I read a travel report that likens Montreal or Quebec City to Europe. Do you?
I even hate when writers, writing in English, professional or otherwise, write Montreal with the "é". There are no "é" in English! Do you visit Germany or Deutschland? Rome or Roma? If you said Germany or Rome, then come on over to Montreal, and feel free to leave the é behind!
"It's like being in Paris, without the jet lag!" Really? Have you been to both or is it just because because some of us speak French here?
For one thing, the local French accent is nothing, NOTHING, like what you'd hear on streets in Paris. In fact, when Quebecers travel to France, the French love to hate the accents of their poor, North American cousins.
Another thing--if you're a local, be honest: When is the last time you walked home from work with a baguette under your arm? When is the last time you ate rillettes, escargots, magret de canard or cassoulet? Do you prefer cereal for breakfast or are really croissants are staple of your diet?
It's true that Montreal has plenty of French restaurants, but French food is not our local cuisine, travellers!
Like you, traveller, we eat plenty of Chinese food, pizza, pasta, Greek, sushi, deli, and even bagels (bagels, people, bagels! A Montreal delicacy--nothing to do with France though they do have their roots in Europe, way, way east of the Arc de Triomphe!) And we have some of the best restaurants that serve these kinds of foods! There's more to the local restaurant scene than French bistros!
Third: the architecture. Okay, Quebec City has its old quarter that hasn't changed much since the Europeans built it. But even Old Montreal (and yes, it's perfectly appropriate to call it Old Montreal and not Old Town or Vieux-Montréal) doesn't much resemble the streets of Paris. It's cute here, but it's also distinct and unique.
Furthermore, leave Old Montreal and head into downtown or the Plateau or Mile End or NDG or Westmount and there's simply no mistaking that you're NOT in France. Each neighbourhood has its own flavor, colour, even smell and sound--all influenced by the sometime heterogeneous blend of long-time Quebecers, old-time immigrants and newly arrived ones, too.
And those two and three-storey stone buildings with the winding staircases outside that tourists love to photograph: Not European! Very Montreal!
So basically what I'm trying to say is, I wish travellers would love us for who we are, not because they think we're the cheap, nearby, and neatly packaged version of the "real thing" in Europe.
Otherwise, it's like one us going to some low-income suburb in Arizona to avoid making a trip to Mexico. (Oh, how cute--they speak Spanish there and eat a lot of frijoles!)
Thank you for allowing this rant.
(Next rant: tackling the correct spelling of Niagara Falls. Put away the Viagra, and put the A back in Niagara!)
I even hate when writers, writing in English, professional or otherwise, write Montreal with the "é". There are no "é" in English! Do you visit Germany or Deutschland? Rome or Roma? If you said Germany or Rome, then come on over to Montreal, and feel free to leave the é behind!
"It's like being in Paris, without the jet lag!" Really? Have you been to both or is it just because because some of us speak French here?
For one thing, the local French accent is nothing, NOTHING, like what you'd hear on streets in Paris. In fact, when Quebecers travel to France, the French love to hate the accents of their poor, North American cousins.
Another thing--if you're a local, be honest: When is the last time you walked home from work with a baguette under your arm? When is the last time you ate rillettes, escargots, magret de canard or cassoulet? Do you prefer cereal for breakfast or are really croissants are staple of your diet?
It's true that Montreal has plenty of French restaurants, but French food is not our local cuisine, travellers!
Like you, traveller, we eat plenty of Chinese food, pizza, pasta, Greek, sushi, deli, and even bagels (bagels, people, bagels! A Montreal delicacy--nothing to do with France though they do have their roots in Europe, way, way east of the Arc de Triomphe!) And we have some of the best restaurants that serve these kinds of foods! There's more to the local restaurant scene than French bistros!
Third: the architecture. Okay, Quebec City has its old quarter that hasn't changed much since the Europeans built it. But even Old Montreal (and yes, it's perfectly appropriate to call it Old Montreal and not Old Town or Vieux-Montréal) doesn't much resemble the streets of Paris. It's cute here, but it's also distinct and unique.
Furthermore, leave Old Montreal and head into downtown or the Plateau or Mile End or NDG or Westmount and there's simply no mistaking that you're NOT in France. Each neighbourhood has its own flavor, colour, even smell and sound--all influenced by the sometime heterogeneous blend of long-time Quebecers, old-time immigrants and newly arrived ones, too.
And those two and three-storey stone buildings with the winding staircases outside that tourists love to photograph: Not European! Very Montreal!
So basically what I'm trying to say is, I wish travellers would love us for who we are, not because they think we're the cheap, nearby, and neatly packaged version of the "real thing" in Europe.
Otherwise, it's like one us going to some low-income suburb in Arizona to avoid making a trip to Mexico. (Oh, how cute--they speak Spanish there and eat a lot of frijoles!)
Thank you for allowing this rant.
(Next rant: tackling the correct spelling of Niagara Falls. Put away the Viagra, and put the A back in Niagara!)
Dec 3rd, 2008, 10:27 AM
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Of course Montréal/Montreal and Québec/Quebec City are not European, but why get fussed about it?
Let's face it. Both cities are in the business of attracting tourists, and the "little bit of europe" is a distinction which makes them much more attractive than otherwise. The competition for tourists is fierce and every bit helps. Be happy that you have these advantages, especially now that you have lost the Grand Prix and all the tourist dollars it brought.
As delicious as Montreal bagels, smoked meat and steamies may be, (to say nothing of poutine), croissants, baguettes and foie gras are a much more powerful draw. I don't think that anyone is going to visit Montreal or Quebec City for their pizza or Chinese food either.
Old Montreal and Vieux Québec are distinct assets that other North American cities do not have, and are a far better draw than, for example, Mile End and Ste Foy.
So suck it up and be thankful that so many tourists are visiting your cities. If they think that it's more European than home, they're probably right. And so what if the accent is quite distinct, it's still French.
Let's face it. Both cities are in the business of attracting tourists, and the "little bit of europe" is a distinction which makes them much more attractive than otherwise. The competition for tourists is fierce and every bit helps. Be happy that you have these advantages, especially now that you have lost the Grand Prix and all the tourist dollars it brought.
As delicious as Montreal bagels, smoked meat and steamies may be, (to say nothing of poutine), croissants, baguettes and foie gras are a much more powerful draw. I don't think that anyone is going to visit Montreal or Quebec City for their pizza or Chinese food either.
Old Montreal and Vieux Québec are distinct assets that other North American cities do not have, and are a far better draw than, for example, Mile End and Ste Foy.
So suck it up and be thankful that so many tourists are visiting your cities. If they think that it's more European than home, they're probably right. And so what if the accent is quite distinct, it's still French.
Dec 3rd, 2008, 12:13 PM
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The comparisons are not "lame". That's how some people see it. Not you obviously. And, like the people who make the "lame comparisons", you are certainly entitled to your opinion.
Dec 3rd, 2008, 01:13 PM
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To Laverendrye,
You made my point. It's not "so what if the accent is distinct. It's still French.", it's precisely that: the accent is distinct, our cities are distinct. So, vive la différence.
I think that to love us because of misconceptions over our similarity to France is to miss out on all the real reasons to love, appreciate or enjoy time in our cities.
Plus, if travellers think that after visiting Montreal or Quebec they can cross Paris off their lists of places to see, too, then they're sorely missing out on that experience!
It simply bugs me that no matter what, there is this impression that we all walk around smoking Gauloises, eating baguettes and foie gras and having sophisticated conversations in French in our fashionable French clothes and berets. It's just not so!
You made my point. It's not "so what if the accent is distinct. It's still French.", it's precisely that: the accent is distinct, our cities are distinct. So, vive la différence.
I think that to love us because of misconceptions over our similarity to France is to miss out on all the real reasons to love, appreciate or enjoy time in our cities.
Plus, if travellers think that after visiting Montreal or Quebec they can cross Paris off their lists of places to see, too, then they're sorely missing out on that experience!
It simply bugs me that no matter what, there is this impression that we all walk around smoking Gauloises, eating baguettes and foie gras and having sophisticated conversations in French in our fashionable French clothes and berets. It's just not so!
Dec 3rd, 2008, 01:47 PM
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in saying that visitors compare paris to montreal you sit there sterotyping your french counterparts who, in your mind
"all walk around smoking Gauloises, eating baguettes and foie gras and having sophisticated conversations in French in our fashionable French clothes and berets."
how do you think that makes parisians feel?
"all walk around smoking Gauloises, eating baguettes and foie gras and having sophisticated conversations in French in our fashionable French clothes and berets."
how do you think that makes parisians feel?
Dec 4th, 2008, 03:51 AM
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rillettes, escargots, magret de canard or cassoulet?
I don't even eat all of the above when I go to Paris !!!
I totally understand when people liken Montreal to Paris,
old montreal certainly has the charm and quaintness of certain areas of Paris, but it's cheaper and easier to explore Montréal and all it has to offer.
I carry my baguette tucked behind my elbow but I refuse to wear a beret, no one wears them in Paris, thank god.
I actually find it very flattering that Montréal is compared to Paris and I totally agree with those who do.
Yes we have a distinct flavor of our own, like poutine
for instance but our best restaurants serve french food, classic cuisine , some with a more modern flair, same as in Paris where cuisine has evolved, it's not all
Chateaubriand and Sole de Douvres.
Paris is very multi ethnic also, asian and italian restaurants are everywhere.
I don't think the comparisons are lame, they are dead on target and I fully understand how people come to that conclusion; stand at the corner of St. Sulpice and St. Paul and take a long look both ways, it will strike you. Walk on the plateau and you will find a resemblance to the Marais district in Paris.
I don't know what the rules are for writing MontrÉal,
but I find it respectful that people make an effort to write it in the french way, as it should be.
You are entitled to your opinion but I would not want a tourist to read your rant and think we are all of that opinion.
I'm pretty sure most people do not cross off Paris on their list because they came to Montreal, they know much better than that; but they enjoy the european flavor we have , combined with our unique montreal diversity, it's a winning combination, imo......
I don't even eat all of the above when I go to Paris !!!
I totally understand when people liken Montreal to Paris,
old montreal certainly has the charm and quaintness of certain areas of Paris, but it's cheaper and easier to explore Montréal and all it has to offer.
I carry my baguette tucked behind my elbow but I refuse to wear a beret, no one wears them in Paris, thank god.
I actually find it very flattering that Montréal is compared to Paris and I totally agree with those who do.
Yes we have a distinct flavor of our own, like poutine
for instance but our best restaurants serve french food, classic cuisine , some with a more modern flair, same as in Paris where cuisine has evolved, it's not all
Chateaubriand and Sole de Douvres.
Paris is very multi ethnic also, asian and italian restaurants are everywhere.
I don't think the comparisons are lame, they are dead on target and I fully understand how people come to that conclusion; stand at the corner of St. Sulpice and St. Paul and take a long look both ways, it will strike you. Walk on the plateau and you will find a resemblance to the Marais district in Paris.
I don't know what the rules are for writing MontrÉal,
but I find it respectful that people make an effort to write it in the french way, as it should be.
You are entitled to your opinion but I would not want a tourist to read your rant and think we are all of that opinion.
I'm pretty sure most people do not cross off Paris on their list because they came to Montreal, they know much better than that; but they enjoy the european flavor we have , combined with our unique montreal diversity, it's a winning combination, imo......
Dec 4th, 2008, 06:49 AM
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I guess it is better than being compared to Newark, NJ.
They have excellent falafel in Paris, but that is not the reason I go there.
Believe it or not I think the comparisons was complimentary. And while many cities exude their own personalities none exist on their own. Paris now has an epidemic of McDonald's and Madrid has Dunkin Donuts.
As far as accents are concerned, i can barely find the escape button.
And as far wanting be lto oved just for who are, we all have our unrealistic needs. That would be limited to your parents, spouse, children, and dog.
You have placed unrealistic visions on others. I am sure you love Montreal but still find faults and as someone who lives there, you know them better than anyone.
They have excellent falafel in Paris, but that is not the reason I go there.
Believe it or not I think the comparisons was complimentary. And while many cities exude their own personalities none exist on their own. Paris now has an epidemic of McDonald's and Madrid has Dunkin Donuts.
As far as accents are concerned, i can barely find the escape button.
And as far wanting be lto oved just for who are, we all have our unrealistic needs. That would be limited to your parents, spouse, children, and dog.
You have placed unrealistic visions on others. I am sure you love Montreal but still find faults and as someone who lives there, you know them better than anyone.
Dec 4th, 2008, 02:57 PM
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I'd say Old Montreal is about as close as you can get to Europe in America. But Montreal is way more than that. Whenever I have American friends over, I bring them everywhere, from downtown to Le Plateau. I make them taste poutine and Montreal smoked meat, and shop at Simons. They have fun reading the French newspaper and comment on how ugly/pretty some metro stations are. But they never compare Montreal to Paris. That's definitely a stereotype, but most tourists don't really think about it that way.
What I'd like to rant about is how people think Parisians and French people dislike Quebecers? I personally have experienced the nicest people in France and quite a few thought of my Quebec accent as charming.
How about we just stop stereotyping and comparing? It's almost like saying every Quebecer is like Stephane Dion.
At least I know how to focus a camera probably. Just joking...
What I'd like to rant about is how people think Parisians and French people dislike Quebecers? I personally have experienced the nicest people in France and quite a few thought of my Quebec accent as charming.
How about we just stop stereotyping and comparing? It's almost like saying every Quebecer is like Stephane Dion.
At least I know how to focus a camera probably. Just joking...
Dec 5th, 2008, 09:48 AM
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Ouch R.B. okay I'll consider myself corrected.
2 wks ago I returned from 4 amazing/adventurous wks in France.
I began to look for our next sojourn and realized that our family knows so little about Canada's history.
After reading for several days about this amazingly vast country, I settled on Montreal, Quebec City and Nova Scotia. My husband is leaning toward the West coast but I lured him with guess what?...Quebec's fortified city, opportunity to practice our french, European architecture, and less jet lag (I always seem to have a terrible time with it).
Of course I find the history so interesting, as well as its distinct identity from the rest of Canada.
I can't say that I expect it to be Paris or Europe, but I readily admit that the similarities I've read about are what lured me...and I believe discovering the differences will be gravy.
2 wks ago I returned from 4 amazing/adventurous wks in France.
I began to look for our next sojourn and realized that our family knows so little about Canada's history.
After reading for several days about this amazingly vast country, I settled on Montreal, Quebec City and Nova Scotia. My husband is leaning toward the West coast but I lured him with guess what?...Quebec's fortified city, opportunity to practice our french, European architecture, and less jet lag (I always seem to have a terrible time with it).
Of course I find the history so interesting, as well as its distinct identity from the rest of Canada.
I can't say that I expect it to be Paris or Europe, but I readily admit that the similarities I've read about are what lured me...and I believe discovering the differences will be gravy.
Dec 6th, 2008, 01:23 AM
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Well I have a colleague/friend that is from France who adores both Québec and Montréal for several reasons. One of which is that Québec does remind him of home although he certainly points out the differences. He also raves about the food and especially the French and French Canadian specialties. He also points out that there is a joie de vivre in both cities that he definitely misses living in New England.
I love both cities because there is a foreigness and an intrigue that I experience while I travel in France. I am sorry but Toronto or Vancouver just don't have that "je ne sais quoi" that Québec or Montréal have.
I love both cities because there is a foreigness and an intrigue that I experience while I travel in France. I am sorry but Toronto or Vancouver just don't have that "je ne sais quoi" that Québec or Montréal have.
Dec 8th, 2008, 07:28 AM
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Of course Montreal is not Paris and, actually, Quebec City reminds me more of Edimburgh than any place in France. That being said, I can understand why some people make the comparaison. For instance, there is no other street in North America that has a genuine Boulevard Saint-Michel feel like Rue Saint-Denis near Rachel... Rue Saint-Paul really has a Marais kind of vibe, etc...
So what's the fuss about??? Why are you so frustrated that some corners of our city have a distinctively French atmosphere or that some anglos have found out how to make an accented "e" on their computer?
So what's the fuss about??? Why are you so frustrated that some corners of our city have a distinctively French atmosphere or that some anglos have found out how to make an accented "e" on their computer?
Dec 10th, 2008, 12:24 AM
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Michel Tremblay has some interesting stuff in his plays about the interplay and tension between Quebec and France. Some topics are "joual", the usage of the Petit Robert, the snobbery of Quebecois who leave Quebec and move to France, etc.
Just mentioning this for people interested in the topic.
Just mentioning this for people interested in the topic.
Dec 17th, 2008, 08:17 AM
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OK Rachelle, take this up with the tourist board!
Every year that I've lived in Massachusetts (7)we've received tons of flyers/ brochures/ pamphlets from Quebec describing Montreal (with an accent) and Quebec City as having a European feel. As a European I've spent more time in France than Canada but I do see some similarities when I visit Montreal or Quebec City and I appreciate the differences too.
BUT basically it's more like Europe than the US and draws in tourists as a result.
LouisP yes, Quebec has some similarities to Edinburgh too (All that grey stone!).
Every year that I've lived in Massachusetts (7)we've received tons of flyers/ brochures/ pamphlets from Quebec describing Montreal (with an accent) and Quebec City as having a European feel. As a European I've spent more time in France than Canada but I do see some similarities when I visit Montreal or Quebec City and I appreciate the differences too.
BUT basically it's more like Europe than the US and draws in tourists as a result.
LouisP yes, Quebec has some similarities to Edinburgh too (All that grey stone!).
