February 22nd, 2010 by admin

France remains the world’s number one tourist destination, averaging nearly 80 million visitors each year. And why not? It is the center of the culinary universe, a mecca for art lovers and fashionistas, and the top spot for camera-totting sight-seers. Of course, the City of

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France remains the world’s number one tourist destination, averaging nearly 80 million visitors each year. And why not? It is the center of the culinary universe, a mecca for art lovers and fashionistas, and the top spot for camera-totting sight-seers. Of course, the City of Lights has its downsides. It is expensive and there is a high probability that you will encounter stereotypically snooty waiters and heavy traffic.

Another check in the negative column comes from Trans-Atlantic flights. They are pricey, especially with all those surcharges that you didn’t notice while shopping around. Even if you plan to dine in a restaurant that has a view of the Eiffel Tower, your flight will probably be the most significant financial setback of the trip.

Paris is the center of the French-speaking world. But it is not the only place where you can display your language skills, take in a fashion show and enjoy some haute cuisine. You don’t need to even cross the Atlantic to get a taste of France. There are plenty of destinations in North America and the Caribbean that offer an attractive and distinct Francophone flavor and stylish ambiance.

Montreal

Montreal is the third largest French-speaking city in the world (after Paris and Kinshasa, Congo). It is a major cultural center in Canada. French influences are everywhere, but Montreal is also a very international city with a large immigrant population. Their influence is seen in the city’s many restaurants (some locals boast that Montreal has the most restaurants per-capita of any city in the world).

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Quebec City – Rue du Petit-Champlain: David Paul Ohmer
Vieux Montreal: Yasper
Entrée du Bourg de Sainte Anne, Guadeloupe: Raissa Bandou

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