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Place Royale: Montreal's Historic Heart

Discover Place Royale in Old Montreal: a historic square where Montreal's French roots come to life through stunning architecture and rich history.

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Place Royale, nestled in Old Montreal, marks the site of the first fort, Ville-Marie. Once a bustling marketplace in the 17th and 18th centuries, it's now a beautifully preserved square surrounded by historic architecture, including the Old Customs House. This area serves as a reminder of Montreal's French origins and its evolution over the centuries.

A brief summary to Place Royale

  • Montreal, Old Montreal, Quebec, CA

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Bring your camera to capture the beautiful architecture and ambiance of the square.
  • Take a guided walking tour to learn more about the historical significance of Place Royale and its landmarks.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in Old Montreal, Place Royale is easily accessible by foot. Head towards the waterfront and walk east on Rue Notre-Dame. As you approach the intersection with Rue de la Commune, you'll find Place Royale on your left.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Place Royale via public transport, take the Metro to Place-d'Armes station on the Orange Line. From there, walk northeast on Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest until you reach Rue McGill. Turn left onto Rue McGill and walk until you reach Rue Notre-Dame. Turn right onto Rue Notre-Dame, and Place Royale will be on your left. A one-trip fare is $3.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Montreal. A short trip from downtown Montreal to Place Royale will typically cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and distance.

Unlock the Best of Place Royale

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Discover more about Place Royale

Place Royale, located in the heart of Old Montreal, is a historic square with a rich past. It marks the spot where Samuel de Champlain established a fur trading post in 1611, initially named La Place Royale. Later, in 1642, French settlers founded Ville-Marie, which would become Montreal. The square served as a marketplace known as “place du marché” until 1686. Over time, Place Royale has undergone significant transformations. A devastating fire in 1682 led to the construction of stone dwellings with firebreaks. In 1836, the Old Customs House was built, and in 1892, the square was officially named Place Royale to celebrate Montreal's 250th anniversary. The latter half of the 20th century saw the neighborhood fall into disrepair, but the Quebec government initiated restoration efforts in the 1960s and 1970s to highlight the site's historical importance. Today, Place Royale is surrounded by well-preserved architecture, including the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, one of Montreal's oldest stone churches. The square is linked to the Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex by an underground passage. Visitors can explore the area, admire the architecture, and learn about the square's history through information plaques.

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