GPS French students in Montreal
Six GPS French students and their chaperones headed off to Montreal over the GPS fall break weekend, enjoying “gorgeous” weather, a bit of snow, and new friendships.
Every day was a busy one, starting early one morning at 7 a.m. for those who chose a hike up Mont Royale, the city’s namesake. Others visited McGill University and both the Redpath and Beaux Art Museums. That evening, the group cheered on the Montreal Canadiens hockey team.
After a buffet breakfast at St. Hubert’s on another day, the group walked to the Old City and Old Port sections, walking down Grand Allée, passing through the city wall at the St. Louis Gate, and stopping to admire the Frontenac historical marker. A side street took them past colorful doors and quaint passageways to the Governors Park and the Chateaux Frontenac, the world’s most photographed hotel. Other than remarking on the delicious gelato, poutine, and crème brulee, the girls enjoyed street musicians, Place Royale, the first settlement; and Notre Dame des Victoires, the first stone church.
The girls compared notes and programs at a morning visit to Miss Edgars and Miss Cramps School, a k-12 girls’ school in Montreal. A bus ride took them to Montmorency Falls outside of Quebec City, a natural wonder taller than Niagara Falls. The girls navigated through metro stations, paying for souvenirs and meals with Canadian money, and using their knowledge of the French language. They will long remember the 100 steps to see the Basse Ville (lower city), the trompe d’oeil fresco in the Petit Champlain shopping area, and especially the delicious treats at a shop, Juliette et Chocolat, specializing in gourmandises chocolatées.