Vacations Blog

The City of Montreal is the second largest in Canada.

During these tough economic times for many families it’s just not financially feasible to take a vacation across the pond in France. But luckily there is a way to experience the essence of Paris right here in North America. Often overlooked by Americans as a vacation destination, the city of Montréal is an excellent place for a family vacation.

Crowds of Canadians celebrate Canada Day in Vieux-Montreal.

While winters can be downright frigid in the Québec province, summer days and nights can be exquisite. And the beginning of July is the perfect time to visit and take advantage of great sights and sounds. For example, last year we visited the city during the first week of July with the purpose of attending The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, but we also enjoyed the city-wide festivities celebrating Canada Day and Quebec Day, all in one week. These made for an exciting, fun-filled adventure.

Montréal, originally called Ville-Marie, is Canada’s second largest city and is truly cosmopolitan. Its mix of centuries old architecture in Vieux-Montréal (Old Montréal) in contrast with the modern landscape of Centre-Ville (downtown) and Parc Olympique, offer an unforgettable experience.

The Basilica Notre Dame in Montreal.

Some of the great “must-see” attractions in Montréal include the truly grand Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, located adjacent to the Place D’Armes, a square located in Vieux-Montréal that is the second oldest public site in Montréal. A fan of Gothic Revival architecture, I found the basilica to be one of the most magnificent structures I’ve come across while traveling through North America. The colors that illuminate the interior can be summed up as “breathtaking.”

The illuminated interior of the Basilica Notre Dame is breathtaking.

Surrounding the basilica are the narrow streets of Vieux-Montréal. There you’ll find art galleries, shops, and one-of-a-kind cafes, many of which feature outdoor seating during the warm summer months. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets to see all of the historic sites.

The epicenter of Vieux-Montréal is Place Jacques-Cartier, which fronts the Vieux-Port (Old Port) and is surrounded by such sites as the Montréal City Hall, Bonsecours Market, as well as preserved colonial mansions such as the Château Ramezay and the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site of Canada. Across from the historic structures that line the port is the ultra-modern Centre des Sciences de Montréal.

Cafes front the Vieux-Port

It was at Place Jacques-Cartier where we encountered the Canada Day and Quebec Day celebrations, which included live music, food, fireworks and much, much more.

The Parc Maisoneuve is located just northeast of Centre-Ville and Vieux-Montréal and is home to the Jardin Botanique de Montréal, Montréal Insectarium, Biodôme de Montréal and Stade Olympique, which together make for a great day trip. The 185-acre botanical garden is great for a scenic stroll. The Japanese and Chinese gardens in particular and worth visiting. The insectarium offers a wide variety of creepy, crawly creatures that both children and bug enthusiasts are sure to enjoy. The biodome was one of the best we’ve ever visited. It contained four different climatic regions and was filled with a variety of live animals, from penguins to fish to birds. The only problem we faced there was the large crowds of summer camp groups.

The bontanic gardens' Chinese Garden is lush and green.

Another great park to visit is the Mont Royal, located north of Centre-Ville and offering Spectacular views. The nighttime panorama is especially worth experiencing to see the lights of the city.

If you plan your trip for summer, you absolutely can’t pass on the world-famous Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. This year the festival celebrates its 30th year and is sure to wow visitors. Taking place from June 30 to July 12, the festival offers free and ticket-entry performances by artists from all over the world at locations through the city. However, the main festival area is located at the Place des Arts. More than two million people experience the festival each year, attracted to its electric atmosphere and diversity of shows. Children can enjoy the festival too, with areas set up just for kids. It’s a can’t miss.

Crowds gather at the Montreal Jazz Festival

Now, where to stay? Hotels throughout the city range from low-budget to luxury. During our vist last year we stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn on Rue Peel in Centre-Ville. It was affordable and conveniently located near the Peel Metro Station. Montréal’s Metro System is top-notch and has stations located at or near all of the top tourist attractions, so I definitely recommend choosing a hotel near a station.

As you can see there is much to see and do in Montréal. Actually, there’s more than I can ever write about in one post. I encourage you to plan your summer family vacation to Montréal and make your own great discoveries. You won’t regret it.

The Montreal Metro is a clean, safe and cost-effective way to get around.

And, finally, don’t be scared by the French language. Most people we encountered in Montréal also spoke English, although all of the signs were in French. However, it’s amazing how quick and easy you pick up common phrases. The only challenge was the fact that the Metro announcements we’re only in French and could be hard to hear and understand. Just remember to pay close attention or you may miss your stop.

All photos by Jason Roth.

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.

Looking for a certain je ne sais quoi for your next Las Vegas vacation? Luckily the era of themed resorts added a little French to the center of the Las Vegas Strip. Whether planning a risqué weekend with a partner or a rendezvous with family and friends, the centerpiece of a French inspired vacation is Paris Las Vegas. The resort, along with a variety of French restaurants and stage productions on The Strip, offer vacationers who can’t afford a trip to Paris a taste of the famed City of Light with the added excitement of Sin City, of course.

Upon arrival at the 2,915 room Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino the essence of Paris is overwhelming apparent as the front facade of the elaborate and luxurious structure is designed to emulate elements of the Paris Opera House and the Louvre. Its architecture also incorporates many of the famous sights of Paris, including a 540-foot tall replica of the Eiffel Tower, now a signature of the LasVegas Skyline, a neon sign in the shape of the Montgolfier balloon, a two-thirds size Arc de Triomphe and a La Fontaine des Mers. This picturesque resort is sure to make any vacationer utter “c’est magnifique!”

The Eiffel Tower
Start your vacation on a high note with a trip up the Eiffel Tower. Don’t forget your camera because the observation deck provides extraordinary views up and down the Las Vegas Strip and a 360° panorama of the entire Las Vegas Valley.

Tickets may be purchased at the Eiffel Tower Box Office located inside the casino. The cost is $10 for adults; $7 for seniors 65 and older and children 6-12; free for children younger than 5. From 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., when the Las Vegas Strip lights up, admission is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. Family packages (two adults and two children) are available for $30 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Las Vegas Strip north from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

A Culinary Adventure
If you’re like me, you’re really into food. Paris Las Vegas’ restaurants turn vacationers into the bon vivant with an offering of everything from the classical French cuisine to the Pan Asian Parisian.

Popular for its al fresco dining, with an up close view of the impressive Fountains of Bellagio, Mon Ami Gabi French Bistro offers a simplistic French menu with everything from traditional Hors D’Oeuvres to Steak Frites. The restaurant’s desserts, including profiteroles and crème brûlée, are awe inspiring. A children’s menu offers a number of kid-friendly meals, including macaroni and cheese and burgers.

Reservations at Mon Ami Gabi are highly recommended for indoor seating. Unfortunately, seats on the patio are first-come, first-serve. Since they are highly sought by guests, a request may result in a long wait as guest tend to stay a while. Of course, who can blame them for enjoying a café au lait and the stunning view after their meal?

Another great restaurant with al fresco dining is Ah Sin, offering an Asian Fusion menu with a diverse collection of flavors and cooking techniques from the Pacific Rim. Reservations are recommended for both patio and indoor dining.

You’ll say “bon appetite” as you make a toast to the dazzling lights 100 feet below your table at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Located on the 11th floor of the iconic structure, the restaurant is fine dining with view. The restaurant serves the most acclaimed French cuisine available in the city, including a flawlessly seasoned lamb and foie gras that’s unrivaled. To ensure a seat with the best view, reservations are required.

It’s all about great food and ambiance at the two-story, art deco inspired Les Artistes Steakhouse. The restaurant’s à la carte menu offers a variety of specialties, including grilled rack of lamb, a 50-ounce porterhouse steak, and roasted whole Maine lobster and tasty poultry dishes. Reservations at Les Artiste Steakhouse are recommended.

In all, Paris Las Vegas offers 11 dining options, from the low-cost, no-frills to the epicurean experience. There are also a variety of French restaurants in the Las Vegas resort corridor, including Daniel Boulud Brasserie at Wynn, Alizé at the Palms, Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay, Joël Robuchon at the Mansion at MGM Grand, Le Cirque at Bellagio, and finally the famous Pamplemousse, located at 400 E. Sahara Avenue.

No matter your appetite, you’re sure to find the right French meal for the occasion.

Bring on the Night
After the sun sets behind the Spring Mountains to the west and the neon glows, Paris Las Vegas’ nighttime establishments come to life. From the ultra-chic Risqué Nightclub, to the charming Le Cabaret lounge to the lively Napoleon’s Bar, guests are sure to find the right setting for an all night vacation celebration.

Paris Las Vegas’ location at the center of the LasVegas Strip also provides for easy travel to city’s most popular nightclubs, including Pure at Caesar’s Palace, LAX at Luxor, Tao at the Venetian and Tryst at Wynn. Take a taxi, limo, the Las Vegas Monorail or a walk along the Strip to find your ultimate party spot.

And who can forget the shows of Cirque du Soleil. Okay, the shows are not a product of France, but Canada’s Quebec province, so they are still essentially French. There are now six Cirque du Soleil shows at various hotels in Las Vegas: O at Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island, Ka at MGM Grand, Zumanity at New York-New York, Love at the Mirage and the newest show, Criss Angel’s Believe. Tickets for these shows are expensive, but well worth the money.

From the street, the 540-foot Eiffel Tower extends into the clouds.

The Spa Treatment
After a night out, a spa treatment at Paris Las Vegas’ Spa by Mandara provides the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Massages and facials, as well as other beautification packages are available. For folks not willing to skip their fitness routine, the spa also features a fully equipped fitness center, personal training and steam and saunas rooms.