Hello, we will be spending a few days in Montreal in August with our daughter (6), who is in a French immersion program. We would like to take her to some places or areas in the city that will be child friendly and also allow her to use/practice her French a little (where people will be accepting of her efforts to speak the language!) Any suggestions?

thanks, Beth

Head for rue Laurier west of ave du Parc (in the Outrement neighborhood).

The street is lined with shops, including a fantastic grocery store, along with a flower market, kitchenware shop, clothing shops, etc. There's a lovely children's clothing shop (probably more than one), though you may want to hide your credit card.

Also chock full of restaurants and cafes (highly recommend Chez Leveque - reserve for a window, streetside, table).

This is a lovely neighborhood, just outside downtown but otherwise a world away.

Take her to the Chapters book store on St. Catherine's Street, where there's a wide selection of great French kids' books.

Old Montreal, down near the harbour, has interesting things for kids to look at, and people who know how to be nice to tourists.

Although there's no real language lessons to be learned, the Insectarium (bug museum) is a place kids love.

BAK

Your daughter will be able to practice her french everywhere, reading signs, menus, etc.. The Old Port area in Old Montreal has a lot of nice attractions and also the Botanical Gardens is great.....

Thanks for the tips! She has had a year of French but is still shy about speaking it. I'm hoping that a trip to a French speaking city might help her to speak up a little more, especially if people are kind and encouraging to her.

(To BAK, yes, I think the Insectarium is on our "must" list!)