Montréal is the largest French-speaking city in North America. Since its founding, three and half centuries ago, Montréal has become a world class city. However, it has retained its historic character. Each street and building represents a page of history. Here is the place to find the largest concentration of XVIIth to XIXth buildings on the continent.

At the crossroad of 2 continents, America and Europe, the influence of the French & Anglo-Saxon cultures can be felt and helps give Montréal its charm. Montréal is a city where life is pleasant. Visitors take dazzling memories away with them.

In the middle of the city, a burgeoning neighbourhood called Le Plateau is characterized by brightly-coloured houses, cafés, book shops, and a laissez-faire attitude. The combination of different immigrant societies--notably many Portuguese and Spanish-speakers--adds to the feeling of tolerance and creates a unique atmosphere.

In the 1980s, the area's bohemian aura and proximity to McGill University attracted gentrification.. It now is home to many upscale restaurants and nightclubs. In 1997, Utne Reader judged it one of the 15 "hippest" neighbourhoods in North America.