Place Jacques-Cartier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Place Jacques-Cartier |
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View from rue de la Commune, 2012
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| Type | Town square |
| Location | Old Montreal, Ville-Marie Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Created | 1847 |
| Operated by | City of Montreal |
| Public transit access | Champ-de-Mars |
Place Jacques-Cartier (which means Jacques Cartier Square in English) is a famous public square in Old Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It's like a grand entrance to the Old Port of Montreal, a popular waterfront area.
Contents
History of Place Jacques-Cartier
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This area wasn't always a public square. In 1723, a grand house called the Château Vaudreuil was built here. It belonged to a important person named Philippe de Rigaud, Marquis de Vaudreuil. The beautiful gardens of the château covered the space where the square is now.
From Château to Public Square
Sadly, the Château Vaudreuil burned down in 1803. After the fire, two important people, Jean-Baptiste Durocher and Joseph Périnault, suggested that the empty space should become a public square. They called it "New Market Place."
Nelson's Column and New Name
In 1809, Montreal's oldest public monument was put up here. It's called Nelson's Column. In 1847, the square got its current name, Place Jacques-Cartier. It was named after Jacques Cartier, a famous explorer. He was the one who claimed Canada for France in 1535.
What You'll Find at the Square
Place Jacques-Cartier is a wide street that slopes downhill. It goes from the Montreal City Hall and rue Notre-Dame all the way to the waterfront. This is where you'll find the rue de la Commune.
Fun Activities and Food
During the busy tourist season, especially in summer, the square is full of life! You'll see many talented street artists performing. There are also small shops called kiosks selling different items.
If you visit during the Christmas season, the street is lined with beautiful lighted trees. No matter the time of year, you can find many restaurants on both sides of the street. There are even more restaurants on the nearby streets of Old Port, especially on Rue Saint-Paul.
Summer Fun and Outdoor Dining
In the summer, Place Jacques-Cartier becomes a car-free zone. This means no cars are allowed, making it safe and fun for walking around. During this time, a restaurant called Jardin Nelson offers a lovely garden dining area right on the square.
Many other restaurants also have "terraces." These are outdoor seating areas, just like you might see in Paris. You can enjoy a drink or a meal outside in the fresh air. On the other side of the square, there's a very old restaurant called Saint-Amable. It's known for its jazz music and welcoming local people and even celebrities.
Historical Sights Nearby
Close to Place Jacques-Cartier, on rue de la Commune, you can still see a piece of the old city wall. This wall used to protect the fortified city of Montreal. You can find it in the basement restaurant of the Auberge du Vieux-Port.
At the top end of the square, you'll see Nelson's Column. This monument remembers Admiral Horatio Nelson, a famous naval leader. The original statue was moved in 1997 to protect it from bad weather. A copy of the statue was put in its place.
See also
In Spanish: Plaza Jacques-Cartier para niños
