Saint-Roch: The Creative Heart of Quebec City

• 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 ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwa/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ey 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 muh-nyuh, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray peh-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd!]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn!]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees!]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-duh-sahn!]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-dew(eh)]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shuh-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhew-st]
• 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-veh voo beh-say luh pree?]

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

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh lah-drehss?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (buhs)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ....)]

Saint-Roch, located just south of Old Quebec, began its transformation in the early 19th century as a working-class neighborhood. Initially populated by artisans and laborers, it became a vibrant hub for commerce and trade, thanks to its proximity to the city center and the emerging industrial landscape of Quebec City.

During the late 19th century, Saint-Roch experienced rapid industrialization. The establishment of warehouses, factories, and railroads shifted the neighborhood's demographic and economic landscape. This period saw an influx of immigrants, particularly from Ireland and Italy, who contributed to the cultural diversity of the area.

By the early 20th century, Saint-Roch became known for its vibrant arts scene and was home to several theaters, galleries, and music venues. The neighborhood's cultural institutions played a significant role in promoting local artists and fostering a sense of community among residents.

Following World War II, Saint-Roch faced economic decline and urban decay, leading to significant disinvestment in the area. Many buildings fell into disrepair, and the neighborhood's population dwindled as residents moved to the suburbs. However, in the late 20th century, efforts for urban renewal began, focusing on restoring historical buildings and revitalizing the local economy.

In recent years, Saint-Roch has undergone a renaissance, transforming into a trendy district known for its innovative startups, restaurants, and cultural events. The neighborhood now blends its rich history with modernity, featuring art installations, tech hubs, and a thriving nightlife, making it a focal point of Quebec City's contemporary cultural landscape.

Saint-Roch is centrally located in Quebec City and is easily accessible from other neighborhoods. From Old Quebec, you can walk to Saint-Roch in about 20 minutes or take bus number 1, which runs frequently. If you're coming from the train station (Gare du Palais), it's a short 10 to 15-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute bus ride using line 800. The Jean Lesage International Airport is approximately 15 kilometers away, and you can take a taxi or an airport shuttle that connects to various parts of the city, including Saint-Roch.

Saint-Roch is a walkable neighborhood, with many attractions located close to each other. Public transportation is efficient, with several bus lines servicing the area. The RTC (Réseau de transport de la Capitale) offers a comprehensive bus network, and you can purchase tickets at kiosks or on the bus. For a more leisurely exploration, consider renting a bicycle; there are bike-sharing programs available. Taxis are also readily available for quicker travel within the neighborhood.

Saint-Roch is generally safe for tourists, but as in any urban area, it's wise to be cautious. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep your belongings secure. While the neighborhood has seen a revitalization, some areas may still have higher crime rates, particularly during late hours. It's best to stay vigilant, especially around public transportation hubs. Always trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are several hospitals and clinics in Quebec City, with the nearest being the CHU de Québec - Hôtel-Dieu. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-urgent medical needs, local pharmacies are available throughout Saint-Roch. Always have a plan for how to get help if necessary.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely be walking a lot. Dress in layers as the weather can change. Don't wear overly casual attire if you plan to dine in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and be quiet when visiting places of worship. Don't take photos in religious sites without permission. Public Transport: Do keep your ticket handy and be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't speak loudly or disturb others. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a smile. Avoid using first names unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like poutine and tourtière. Don't waste food or be overly critical of local cuisine.

To experience Saint-Roch like a local, visit the Marché du Vieux-Port for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Explore the street art that adorns many buildings in the neighborhood, showcasing local talent. Engage with local café owners and ask for recommendations; they often have hidden gems to share. Take advantage of the local festivals, as Saint-Roch hosts a variety of events throughout the year that reflect its vibrant culture. Don’t hesitate to try a local microbrewery; the area is known for its craft beer scene.