Montréal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. Although, don’t worry about not being able to speak French because at least half of Montrealers are fluent in both French and English. In addition, one in five is fluent in three languages. This very diverse, tolerant and cosmopolitan metropolis of over 3.5 million is only forty-five miles from the United States border.
Unlike many other cities that seem to roll up their sidewalks at five, Montréal becomes more alive. Since Montrealers live, work and play in the center of their international city, they have embraced a ‘5 to 7’ tradition. This tradition allows the ultramobile set to get together after work for some professional networking (climbing the corporate ladder) and personal networking (socializing and flirting).
When visiting Montréal, stay at Château Versailles, a chic boutique hotel located in the downtown area. Its prime location places it close to Montréal’s cultural findings, exciting nightlife and upscale shopping. Château Versailles’ sixty-five stylish rooms and suites are decorated with vibrant colors and modern furnishings. Definitely request a cozy room with a fireplace during the winter months.
Before you start off on your daily journey, meet and mingle with fellow jet-setters at breakfast (a continental buffet breakfast, complete with French pastries, is included in the room rate). Also, feel free to practice your French with the very warm, helpful and patient staff. Visitwww.versailleshotels.com to book your reservations.
Montréal is famous for its unique bagels, which are made with eggs and in a wood-burning stove. For some Italian food, stop by Resto Fiore (705 Sainte-Catherine Ouest; 514-288-7777). Enjoy the Lasagne à la Viande and a glass of Sangria on the terrace.
Sainte-Catherine Street, the city’s main shopping street, is a nine-mile stretch of high-end stores, shops and restaurants. Shop ’til you drop here or at the Easton Center, which has over 175 stores and restaurants. If you visit Montréal during the winter months, you can stay warm while you shop by utilizing the underground. The underground is over nineteen miles of walkways linking: boutiques, hotels, movie theatres, restaurants, shopping malls, subway stations, and touristy hot spots.
Party and make the scene on Sainte-Laurent Boulevard. It is where all the hot action takes place. You can choose from over sixty bars, lounges and dance spots.
If you visit in July, there are two festivals that you must do. The Just for Laughs Festival will keep you in stitches. You can see a variety of comedy theatre plays, movies and stand-up shows. For more information, go to www.hahaha.com. The Festival International de Jazz consists of fun-filled days of hearing music from world-renowned musicians. Go to www.montrealjazzfest.com for more information.
Forget about staying in your hotel room during your weekend getaway because Montréal has a lot to offer. The following is a sampling of places for savionaires to visit:
*Biodôme– learn about the planet’s ecosystem
*Botanical Gardens
*Chinatown
*Little Italy – Italians are the city’s largest ethnic group
*Mont-Royal Park – Montréal’s version of Central Park
*Museum of Fine Arts
*Museum of Contemporary Art (the only one in Canada)
*Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal
*Old Montréal – the city’s oldest neighborhood is hip and historical
*Old Port – take in a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River
*Ponite-À-Callière – the birthplace of Montréal
*Quartier latin – a cultural hub
*St. Patrick’s Basilica
*The Village – Montréal’s gay community