A casual stroll for a Saturday brunch ~Saint-Paul in Old Montreal

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One week passed all too quickly. As I want to start relaxing for the weekend, I wander around the streets of Old
Montreal looking for brunch. There are lots of tourists on Saint-Paul Street since it is in the neighbourhood of Place Jacques Cartier, a tourism centre. As I live in this area I prefer to intentionally avoid the bustle to hang around on the west side of the street.

Saint-Paul Street was named after Paul Chomedey sieur de Maisonneuve (1612-1676), the founder of Montreal. On May 17, 1642, the settling of Montreal started in what is now Pointeà-Callière (current Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History) and soon after this street was created. In those days people went to church, school and the hospital using this street.

For sometime in the 19th century, there were many trading vessels and trading companies on Saint-Paul Street, which was an active business centre. This is due to its location – lying adjacent to the port that welcomed European ships. Nowadays, I can get a peek of the old days through the buildings occupied by gift shops, art
galleries and boutiques. I feel that Saturday morning is the time when the street also slows down a bit.

I feel cool, fresh air in the beginning of summer as I go down to the stone-paved street, looking at flowers shining in the morning dew. Along the street there is Cloque Mousieur in Marché de la Villette (324 Saint-Paul O / 514-807-8084), which looks like a flower garden. The luxurious condiments exhibited in the shop, makes me feel fancy.

On the other side of the street, Olive et Gourmando (351 Saint-Paul O / 514-350-1083) always opens it doors to release the fragrance of freshly baked bread. I call it “Temptation of Croissant.” I allow the temptation to attract me and I involuntarily enter the shop to order a cup of café au lait and a croissant.

Life is not always easy, but as long as I can enjoy this kind of peaceful time I believe that something good is
waiting for me. The Saturday brunch makes me feel this way. (English: JCM, Proofreader: Culips)