When you are in the Petit Champlain, you are in Lower Town but still in the old Quebec – UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can only walk into this section of the city and pass by old buildings, houses on narrow streets sometimes paved with stones, which reminds us of the European influence.

This area offers boutiques, restaurants, look around for murals and enjoy.  You can have access to the Chateau Frontenac and the upper area via the funicular if you want to explore more than the Petit Champlain.

Very nice area. 

Fresque du Petit-Champlain

While I’ve been to Petit-Champlain a long long time ago, one of the things I remember is the Fresque du Petit-Champlain. 

This mural gives us a glimpse at how it was like living in the area at the beginning of New France. This mural is as tall as the building and it looks like the building is broken to present in a 3D realistic effect many details of life in the working neighborhood.  

You can only get there on foot. If you get down the Breakneck Staircase, just continue on the street and you won’t miss it.

Escalier Casse-cou or funicular

There are a few ways to get from the Upper Town to the Lower Town and vice-versa, the funicular is one way but you can walk down the streets. Both ways have their charm and don’t let you influence by the name Breakneck stairs – the name sounds worse than it is really!

By Funicular or via the stairs, at the lower section, you reach is the Petit-Champlain Area. The pedestrian-only street is full of boutiques, restaurants and souvenir shops. On the Upperside, you are next to the Frontenac Castle.

Picture opportunities and often busy, be ready to wait for the funicular.

From du Petit-Champlain to the Boulevard Champlain

Escalier du Quai-du-roi / Escalier du Cul-de-Sac

Two sets of charming, narrow picturesque small stairs hides between historical houses. Wider than the Escalier du Quai-du-Roi, both allow you to access Boulevard Champlain and rue du Petit-Champlain. Cul-de-Sac stands for dead-end, don’t worry it is not the case here.

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