Vieux-Montreal  is one of the most beautiful,  well preserved  and living "old town"  this side of Europe. It is a major componet in making Montreal, "the truly different North American city".  A  very diverse and  tolerant-to-all world city  (Montreal has one of the highest gay population of any city in the world, with full rights).  It is safe, cultural, cosmopolitan and proud of its French legacy and French language.

Read on, this is a fact and  surprise to many  visitors: To those who only feel comfortable around hearing or speaking English (and if their body language shows their discomfort otherwise; a sort of "maladie" for some), then visit Anglophone (English speaking) Canada instead. This is Quebec, and it is Francophone (French speaking). They don't speak French in say, Toronto or Vancouver, -eh?).  Here all road signs, signals,  public information, transportation, government and public advetising are in French. -But  don't worry,  most of Montreal stores, taxis, hotels, restaurants and bars  have English speaking  staff (menus are often translated in tourist areas)  and  very often Spanish, Italian or Portuguese are spoken as well. Montrealers are  welcoming and friendly  people. Enjoy their diversity, that's what traveling to foreing cultures is about,.  There is one major Montreal English language daily and TV and radio stations in English as well.  -And keep an open mind, Montreal is a very secular and liberal place. This is not a puritan culture. Drinking age in Montreal is 18. And with its many universities, it is a funky and progressive  town. Vous n'etes a Kansas plus!.

Enjoy a Caleche (horse-drawn) carriage ride in Vieux-Montreal.  Visit the art galleries, museums, shops and do not be intimidated by the "othernes" of the French language or food.  There are many nice French  restaurants in the area.  Also In Vieux-Montreal there is an Anglophone  cultutral icon; The Centaur Theater,  Enjoy attending their English language plays during their theater season when you visit!.