Gk[X[Y 9_jo | | By Gregory B. Gallagher W hen talking about European atmosphere in North America, you can t skip over Quebec City. And why would you want to? The Frenchspeaking city is a traveler s dream, offering a dizzying mix of intriguing cultural, historic, gastronomic and natural attractions. A walkable metropolis balancing atop Cap Diamant escarpment, Quebec City has been the hub of controversies between the British and French ever since Europeans settled here in 1608. Following 1995 s referendum vote, separation from Canada became a distant memory, and Quebec s economy is now thriving. Visitors will enjoy the city for its convivial dining, historic architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, lively arts and fun-loving residents. 418-647-4747) and Le Caf du Monde (84 rue Dalhousie, 418-692-4455), a jovial bistro overlooking the St. Lawrence River. And don t miss Laurie Rapha l (117 rue Dalhousie, 418-692-4555), a creative restaurant that gives regional ingredients the gourmet treatment. M^[d je ]e0 Summer is the busy tourist season here, but September and October are also lovely with their brilliant fall palettes. One of the biggest events of the year is the Quebec Winter Carnival, the world s largest cold-weather f te. M^Wj je Ze0 Stroll the oldest pedestrian shopping lane in North America, the Quartier Petit Champlain (418-692-2613, quartierpetitchamplain.com), for unique artisan souvenirs, then unwind with nightclub fun at Chez Maurice Complex (575 Grande All e, 418-647-2000). First-timers can acquaint themselves with the city through the multimedia theater presentation of Qu bec Experience (8 rue du Tresor, 418-694-4000), where the city s drama, history and topography unfold in 3-D. Gregory B. Gallagher is the author of Eyewitness Top 10 Montreal & Quebec City. (Continued on page 70) M^[h[ je ijWo0 Fairmont Le Ch teau Frontenac (1 rue des Carri res, 418-692-3861) is a dreamy castle overlooking the St. Lawrence River, and for 115 years it s been the rst choice for weary travelers. Other winning options include the waterside Auberge Saint-Antoine (8 rue Saint-Antoine, 418-692-2211) in the city s Old Port and quaint guesthouses like Auberge Louis-H bert (668 Grande All e Est, 418-525-7812) and Ch teau des Tourelles (212 rue St-Jean, 418-647-9136). M^[h[ je [Wj0 The French know good food, and there s plenty to be found throughout the city. Favored kitchens include the classic French restaurant Le Bonaparte (680 Grande All e Est, nwa WorldTraveler 53 y pg 48-53-70.indd 6 1/16/09 9:18:33 AM