It is at the top of this natural citadel that Samuel de Champlain establishes in 1608 a furs trading post.

   The district had from the very start of the colony a military and administrative character, the strategic heights of the Cap Diamant determined its vocation. The Upper Town is inhabited by the soldiers, the civils servant and the members of the clergy.


   The district counts several commercial streets, of which the streets Saint-Jean, côte de la Fabrique, Sainte-Anne, De Buade et Saint-Louis.

    The public administration and the institutions occupy an important place in the district, thus find we there: the Quebec City Hall, the Price building, the Seminar of Quebec, the Convent of the Ursulines, the monastery of Augustines, the hospital "Hôtel-Dieu" are there and several places of lodging, shops, coffees and restaurants.

   There are many parks in Vieux-Quebec Upper Town, among them, parks of the Esplanade, Artillery, Governors, the Montmorency park and the gardens of the "Hôtel de Ville". Place D' Youville and of the Dufferin terrace, which offers a unspoilable view on the St. Lawrence, are appreciated by the walkers.

photo © Maurice Chamberland