Private tour in Montreal Françoise B

Discover Old Montreal Through Storytelling

5.0

(4) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Françoise B.

5.0

Guide rating

98

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

Bonjour / Hi / ¡Hola! The two most frequently asked questions on my tours are whether I am a native Montrealer and what my favourite "thing" about our city is. The answer to the first question is "yes", and the answer to the second is "multiculturalism", which in my view, best defines Montreal. My boundless energy and limitless curiosity have taken me to far-flung places around the globe, but like a boomerang, I always return to my hometown, because nothing quite compares. In addition, having grown up in a bilingual household, I embody the duality which exists here between the French and English cultures. Sharing my enthusiasm and bragging about Montreal with visitors are what it's all about. Although I have a penchant for great food (my mother is from France after all!), history, art and architecture, what I enjoy most about guiding is the interaction with participants on my tours through storytelling. My wish is that they come away not so much with a tour or a lecture, but with an experience, which is precisely what I offer. First-timers will enjoy my classic tours while those wanting to venture further afield can opt for a visit of one of several neighbourhoods. And if art is your thing, why not choose from my series of signature tours, "If our sculptures could talk", available in three locations downtown and in Old Montreal. Choose from several private tours offered by a licensed trilingual tourist guide and native Montrealer. We'll go at your pace and talk about the subjects that interest you. As for the younger set, my goal is, through storytelling, to breathe life into the historical figures and events they've heard about in school. To cover even more ground, I also offer bicycle tours. Let me show you around to give you a deeper understanding of Montreal--and maybe even make you feel like a local. À bientôt! Bienvenue à nos amis francophones. Ma langue maternelle est le français, donc toutes les visites de mon répertoire sont offertes dans la langue de Molière. Au plaisir de vous guider. Bienvenidos a nuestros amigos hispanohablantes. Montreal es la ciudad más vibrante que cuenta nuestro país, y me gustaría guiarles para descubrir sus tesoros. Sólo los recorridos clásicos (el Viejo Montreal, el centro), "el Montreal antiguo mediante la narración" y la Red subterránea se ofrecen en español. ¡Hasta luego! * Certified by the ITHQ (Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management) * Licensed by the city of Montreal * Tour leader * Member, APGT (Professional Tourist Guide Association, Montreal Chapter) * Covered by liability insurance by APGT * Canadian Red Cross First Aid Course * Certificate in Tourism, Concordia University * B.A. Modern Languages, Concordia University * Become a volunteer guide at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts course, Concordia University * Travel writing course, Concordia University Cannot guide inside museums or in Quebec City. No airport pick-up. Sólo los recorridos clásicos (Viejo Montreal, centro, islas, y la Red subterránea) se ofrecen en español (20% extra).

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Françoise B.

Overview of your Montreal tour

A private walking tour even a teenager might enjoy! What was life like in the early decades of Montreal? Join me on a three-hour journey through time in the historic centre with its exquisite architecture, cobblestone streets and old-world charm. You'll meet the "First Family of Montreal", a canine hero, a trailblazing teacher and "matchmaking facilitator", plus learn about the origins of Notre Dame Basilica. Enjoy stories you likely won't find in guidebooks and retrace the steps of the men and women who, in the 17th century, shaped New France and Montreal, today the largest French-speaking city on the continent. Avec votre guide, venez (re)découvrir le Vieux-Montréal à travers des histoires qui donneront vie à des personnages historiques tels que Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve, Jeanne Mance, Marguerite Bourgeoys et la "Première Famille" de Montréal. Une visite privée idéale pour les familles.

Recent Reviews

Michael A.United States
January 2024

Doing a walking tour with Francoise is like having a very knowledgeable friend in Montreal who will answer your questions, adjust to your needs and wishes, and accomplish so much in a three hour tour that you'll be amazed. MY wife and I used Francoise as tour guide on our last trip to Montreal (about 4 years ago) and I kept her information all that time knowing that I would employ her services again. She is bright, charming, full of energy. I highly recommend her as a guide.

Anne S.United States
June 2023

Our tour with Françoise Bâby was truly outstanding. Françoise fully personalized this walking tour based on my request to focus on Montreal's "Filles du Roy". Starting at the top of the Pointe à Callière Museum, she helped us envision the ship that carried my 10 x grandmother, Catherine Pillat, to Ville Marie (today's Montreal) in June 1663. From there, we made our way through the city, stopping at fascinating monuments, churches, and statues that helped connect me to the history of my ancestors.

Kris D.United States
December 2022

A great tour for all ages - we had 3 generations joining and we all really enjoyed it. Francoise made the history so interesting and relevant! Plus she pointed out some really interesting places for us to return to on our own. Highly recommend!

Mary P.Canada
May 2022

Great thanks to Francoise... our group absolutely loved this story-telling tour of Old Montreal, Francoise brought the past alive. We learned so much about the culture, history - and great places to eat. If you have a chance, I highly recommend this tour to start your time in Montreal. We went back to several of the places, such as cafes, that we would never have found without such an introduction. So much to see, do, and experience in Old Montreal. We will be back.

Your Montreal tour itinerary

Depending on the time we have and the pace we maintain, you will see some or all of the following: - Pointe-à-Callière Museum of History and Archeology - Place d'Youville and the Monument to our Pioneers - Old Seminary - Place d'Armes and Notre Dame Basilica - Cours le Royer - Place Marguerite-Bourgeoys and Old Courthouse (City Hall) - St. Paul Street - Maison Mère d'Youville (site of a 17th century hospice)

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This is a walking tour (2.3 km or 1.5 mi)

What's included
Other: Guidebook and city map.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

350 Place Royale, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 3Y5, Canada

Pointe à Callière Museum, 350 Place Royale

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
Art And Culture
Family
History
Tour reference number
807202
Languages
French
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Montréal best suited for?

This private tour in Montréal is ideal for families, including those with teenagers, as it offers engaging storytelling that brings historical figures to life. It's also perfect for anyone interested in the early history of Montréal and New France, as well as those who want to explore the city's exquisite architecture and cobblestone streets.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Montréal be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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