Les Fantômes à Québec...

Did you know that Québec is haunted by its past? Maybe not in the way you might think!

Québec City has one of the most colourful histories of Canadian cities. As the site of the "official" loss of Canada to the English, Québec has its share of stories. In addition, as a new and struggling colony, the city suffered hardships from the cold, lack of food and long distance between the mother country.

Tonight we took la Promenade des Fantômes (the Ghost Walk), and we were treated Stories of murder, treason, unlawful condemnation and general mayhem as we walked along winding cobblestone streets, up and down stairs and hills between the Upper and Lower towns. Our guide was a costumed interpreter with a dramatic flare for storytelling and carrying a period lantern to light our way as the sun set in the city and darkness swifly fell.

The visit finished with a visit inside a haunted cathedral. As we waited to enter, the previous group, high school students, came running out screaming in terror. Wimpy sorts like me got spooked and it made for a very interesting ambiance inside the dark sanctuary. I was grateful for my students' protection! Brittany was very brave to stay at the end of the pack to take some pictures inside the dark church. Check out her posting to the right for her photos!

This was a very enjoyable way to spend a summer evening in a beautiful, historic city and to practice listening comprehension in French. Although many words were unfamiliar, the dramatic manner and visual clues helped students with their comprehension.

Les fantômes à Québec? On n'en a pas vu mais la lanterne du guide s'est éteinte mystérieusement au beau milieu d'un conte...

http://www.ghosttoursofquebec.com/ghosttoursofquebec/aboutghosttours.htm