The Timeless Charm of Old Montreal

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehks-kew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-moh sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen/eh twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh mayd-sanh]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell er ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon er]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demi
  [dees er ay dem-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-ten]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [seece]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shang (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Old Montreal's history begins in the early 17th century, when the French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded a trading post in 1611. This site, known as 'Ville-Marie,' laid the groundwork for what would become Montreal. The strategic location along the St. Lawrence River made it a crucial center for trade and commerce, attracting settlers and indigenous peoples alike.

By the 18th century, Old Montreal had transformed into a bustling colonial city. The construction of significant structures, including the Notre-Dame Basilica in 1829, showcased the architectural ambitions of the period. The city's role as the administrative and economic hub of New France solidified its importance in the region.

In 1760, during the Seven Years' War, British forces captured Montreal, leading to significant changes in governance and culture. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 ceded New France to Britain. This shift introduced a mix of British and French cultures, with Old Montreal serving as a focal point for both communities.

The 19th century brought industrialization, with Old Montreal becoming a center for shipping and manufacturing. The construction of the Lachine Canal in 1825 facilitated trade, enabling larger vessels to reach the city. This period saw an influx of immigrants and the establishment of diverse communities, enriching the cultural tapestry of the area.

By the mid-20th century, Old Montreal faced decline as industries moved elsewhere. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, concerted efforts to preserve its historical buildings and promote tourism began. This revitalization transformed Old Montreal into a vibrant district known for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and cultural attractions, reflecting the city's rich heritage.

Old Montreal is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Montreal. The most convenient way to reach Old Montreal is via the Metro system. Take the Green Line (Line 1) to Place-d'Armes or Square-Victoria-OACI stations. Buses also serve the area, with several routes running close to the neighborhood. For those arriving by car, parking is available, but it can be limited and expensive. Ride-sharing services and taxis are widely available throughout the city.

Old Montreal is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Many attractions are within walking distance of one another. Bicycles can be rented from local shops or through the BIXI bike-sharing system, with docking stations throughout the area. If you prefer public transportation, the Metro and buses can take you to nearby neighborhoods quickly. However, be mindful that some streets in Old Montreal are cobblestone, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Old Montreal is considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions are advised. Avoid walking alone late at night in less crowded areas. While the neighborhood generally has a low crime rate, petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded tourist spots. Areas to be cautious of include the edges of the neighborhood, where it meets Downtown, especially after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Montreal's hospitals are well-equipped, with the nearest major hospital being the McGill University Health Centre. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your country's embassy, in case you need assistance.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Don't wear overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly in churches. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite, give up your seat to those in need, and keep noise levels down. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Salut.' Don't forget to be polite and use formal titles when addressing someone you don't know. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like poutine and bagels. Don't eat while walking or in places where it's considered disrespectful.

To experience Old Montreal like a local, explore the hidden alleys and lesser-known shops away from the main tourist routes. Visit local cafés for a taste of Montreal's coffee culture and enjoy a leisurely brunch on a terrace. Attend local festivals if your visit coincides with one, such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Engage with local artisans and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations on where to eat or visit. Try to learn a few basic French phrases; locals appreciate the effort.