Report and photos Florian Guillemin.
If you have an hour...
Between two meetings, business travellers can take a cultural break in the monumental Museum of Fine Artswhich moved into a new building at the end of 2016, or the Museum of Contemporary Art in the entertainment district. Heading towards the St. Lawrence River, the Phi centre offers an original alternative, "at the crossroads of art, film, music, design and technology"according to its managers.
... or half a day
There are a number of themed options for discovering the city. There's something for everyone, from street art - to which the Mural" festival is dedicated every summer - and gastronomy with the Jean-Talon market or history with the Cité Mémoire concept which, coupled with an application, allows visitors to discover some twenty projections that transform the walls of Old Montreal into living tableaux. In season, winter sports fans can also opt for an afternoon of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing right in the heart of the city, on Mount Royal. Then treat yourself to a wellness break at the Bota Botathis "spa on the water moored in the Old Port. To finish on a high note, we strongly recommend attending the Aura showorganised in the Notre-Dame basilica.
Shopping
The boss of shopping in Montreal is none other than Sainte Catherinenamed after the famous shopping street in the city centre where all the major ready-to-wear brands are represented, and which has been given a makeover in the wake of the 375e anniversary. Two "blocks" up, Sherbrooke Street is mainly for luxury brands. For more local shopping, it's best to opt for original brands such as the Maison Pépin (decoration), YUL Designs (souvenirs) or Frank & Oak (ready-to-wear).
