How French is Quebec??
 

This is a serious question ... how "French" is Quebec?

I'd be very disappointed to visit and find it was just a French language version of Ontario.

One of the things I miss about the UK is the proximity to different European cultures ... I used to enjoy my trips to France ... good food, fine wine, weird TV, cheap shopping, deplorable public toilets.

Let me guess, I'm going to be disappointed aren't I???

Just as disappointed as any Brit coming to Canada and expecting it to be just like the UK.

C'est la vie ....

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

No, Its not really like Ontario in French, but its not totaly like France either...much nicer toilets:) Its.... Quebec...Vive la difference!

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

What about le cuisine quebeccois??

Thinking about France has made me hungry ... I'm off to make tourtiere :)

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

Don't be confused... Quebec is not France.

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

You won't be disappointed as long as you don't expect France. It is nothing like it. The French baffles me - not what I grew up with that's for sure. There is at least some beautiful architecture in Montreal...Jewish district has nice food and I love the arabic restaurants. Lebanese food is everywhere. Falafel to die for. People are what I would carefully term a little more "with it" and I actually enjoyed my few days there when I went. Shocking revelation I know. ;)

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

I don't think that Quebec is anything like Ontario at all. I was born in Quebec and lived there for 25 years, then lived in Ontario for 4 before moving to the UK. If you want a taste of a different culture, I would suggest you visit Quebec city as there is a lot of history there, as well as fine restaurants. Personally, I can't stand Montreal, although there is lots to see and do, especially around the Old Port area.

Then of course, don't miss the Eastern Townships. Areas like Knowlton are great tourist attractions with lots of little shops to visit, nice restaurants and pubs.

I would have to say that Quebec is VERY French, although Montreal not so much. The more rural the area, the more Quebecoise you'll find it. Also, there are many towns who do not have many tourists who do not welcome English people, or more commonly called Anglophones. However, you should not experience any problems in the cities like Montreal, Qc City or towns where it is mostly English, such as Knowlton.

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

Is that just English speakers who don't even attempt to speak French or anyone they suspect of being an English speaker?

I've heard the same about France ... when I was there I tried my hardest to speak French and willingly accepted pronunciation corrections from the locals ... they were a lot more welcoming than I expected.

Then again, I'm Eccosse not Anglais :D

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

I'm not saying that all Quebecoise are like this because a few of my siblings are married to wonderful people who are French.

The French people who show you prejudice because you speak English (including if you speak French with an English accent) are the hard line Quebec separtists. You will mostly find these people in towns where separtists rule. Growing up in Quebec, I've been told on more than one occasion to "go back where I came from." This is no joke. However, Quebec will always be my home and I do love it there, but as will all places, it does have negative aspects to it. As tourists though, I'm sure you will not have any problem as you'll most likely be visiting places that welcome lots of non-Quebec people. I've found in these places that even if a person cannot speak English to you, they will try very hard to.

Just in case you don’t know, there are no English signs in Quebec to give directions, etc.

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

Also it's always "Open Season" on pedestrians especially in Montreal.

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

You can find good French food in Quebec as well as good French Cheese...

However culturally it is in reality much closer to the rest of Canada than it will ever be to France..

I would go so far as to say as culturally different as Alberta is to Ontario in nearly all areas other than language.. There are some chains that don’t exist in the rest of Canada but they do have direct equivalents..

However ‘my’ exposure has been limited to Montreal and the people I work with there.. I believe Quebec City may be more ‘French’...but I don't believe its significantly more

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

Hmmm ... got to admit that BC and California are much more attractive for me as holiday destinations now ... thanks for your honesty :)

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

They all eat snails and frogs for dinner. :scared:

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

Beautiful British Columbia!!! :)

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

Works both ways.

My wife is French (from France French) and we have witnessed blatant racism towards her here in Calgary. We have Polish, French and Quebecois friends who have experienced the same.

e.g. My wife's comprehension and use of English is probably better than mine (I'm not kidding). We had this silly ignorant cow at the registry office who asked her to go away because she couldn't understand her.

I jumped in and ripped the silly bitch to pieces. The only time I have been really angry here in Calgary.

Glaswegian, maybe this woman should meet your (?ex) boss?

As for Quebec, the closest I have been to it is Ottawa, and compared to Alberta the most striking (and pleasing) factor was the hugh variety of food compared to here and the bilingualism.

Regarding Ottawa, Was it just me or were we in the wrong part of town? The street leading to parliment across the river, seemed to consist of every second shop seemed to be a tatoo parlour or piercing shop.

Re: How French is Quebec??
 

as opposed to kangaroos, termites and dingos. :scared: