Fall Foliage Cruise — Touring Lower Town Québec

Upper Town just above the funicular

Old Quebec is pretty much two towns in one. Last week we looked mostly at Upper Town. This week we’ll head into Lower Town. And to get there we’re going to take a funicular, which is a railed, counterbalanced transport system used on very steep inclines. Here is the funicular that ties together Upper Town to Lower Town:

Funicular connecting Upper Town and Lower Town

The wait for the funicular can be lengthy, especially with multiple cruise ships in town, but it beats walking. And then there’s the view on the way down:

Looking down at Lower Town from the funicular

As with the Upper Town, Halloween had found its way to Lower Town as well:

Lower Town decorated for Halloween

Lower Town decorated for Halloween

The charm with Lower Town derives mostly from the narrow pedestrian streets and picturesque buildings of the Quartier du Petit Champlain:

Lower Town Quebec

You’ll also find in Lower Town Quebec a couple of beautiful frescoes. The fresco pictured below is the Rue du Petit-Champlain mural located at 102 rue du Petit-Champlain in the Quartier du Petit Champlain. This mural depicts some of the history of the area, including the bombardment of Quebec (1759) during the Seven Years’ War, as well as other disasters that have befallen the city:

Fresque du Petit-Champlain

The decorative touches of the buildings in Quartier du Petit Champlain are fun:

Lower Town Quebec

Lower Town Quebec

Lower Town Quebec

On Wednesday we’ll continue through the streets of Lower Town, and even take a break for a poutine lunch.