What do you do when you want Vin Chaud, Christmas Markets and old world European charm but don’t have time to go to Europe? If you live in Washington, DC, you hop a quick Air Canada flight going north to that lovely French speaking province of Quebec. The UNESCO World Heritage Treasure that is Old Quebec did not disappoint.  The cobblestone streets of the Petit-Champlain District were dusted in snow and decked out in holiday flare. It was exactly what we had hoped for and exceeded our expectations. Have a look at this dreamy location.

Can I just admit that at first sight I thought these sweet pups were fake props.

After taking in tons of small village charm we had to stop for sustenance. Bistro Sous le Fort was a godsend.

Can we just stop for a moment and give full attention to the remarkable person who decided to put warm brie in a sauce of rum and maple syrup top it with nuts. Thank you, thank you so very much.

If you are adventurous there is restaurant in Vieux Quebec that is the epitome of the quaint french bistro – Le Lapin Saute. Go there, have the rabbit and image you are in village in France circa 1900 and whatever. Do it. Do it for me because I chickened out and couldn’t go in and eat the rabbit.

OK, they actually have a family of bunnies on the sign outside. I couldn’t do it.

After a long and cozy lunch we were eager to explore more of Vieux-Quebec and soak up more of the holiday spirit found all around the town and in the Christmas Market.

As it turns out, we were visiting during the Fetes du 350e Notre-Dame de Quebec.  As part of the the Basilica-Cathedral’s 350th Jubilee the first holy door in the Americas was opened and will remain so until December 27th.  The door will be sealed after the jubilee and won’t open for another 25 years. We were able to pass through the holy door and view the beautiful cathedral and gold alter.

Close up detail of the holy door

The night was perfectly wrapped up with sipping cups of traditional vin chaud while the sounds of holiday tunes filled the night air.  Old Quebec sent me home completely filled with the joy of the season. Au Revoir till next time!

                    Rue Sous-le-Fort is looking like a winter wonderland