Private tour in Montreal Françoise B

Montreal Jewish Heritage Tour

4.9

(18) 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

102

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

It took centuries of anti-semitism and exclusion before Montreal Jews became aware that they truly belonged to a society like no other. Not only did they form the "third solitude", but they were sandwiched in between the other two along St. Laurent Blvd, the metropolis's main street. It is there that they took up residence, worked relentlessly in the "schmata" industry and founded their own institutions, shops and places of worship. Judaism in Quebec is distinct from that found in other parts of North America. As a non-Jew, I have great admiration for our Jewish friends' contribution to our city. Come discover with me, in the historic Jewish neighbourhood along St-Laurent Blvd. (the "Main"), all of their tenacity, warmth and originality. In addition, you'll get acquainted with some real characters who played essential roles in the community. Shalom!

Recent Reviews

Julia N.United States
June 2026

We had a lovely time with Francoise. She was charming and knowledgeable and we saw so many things that we would have missed if we had tried to do this on our own. Highly recommend.

Adrienne C.United States
October 2025

Francoise gave us a beautiful walk around the historical Jewish area in Montreal. We learned about the close relationship of the Jewish community to the Portuguese immigrants, and about how the Jewish community lived. We learned about important Jewish immigrants who contributed to Montreal civic life and economy. Francoise is a fabulous tour guide and I highly recommend her!

Saul S.United States
June 2025

Françoise was extremely knowledgeable and personable. She tailored the tour for us and we had a wonderful time.

Steven S.United States
February 2025

Very enjoyable.

Robin R.United States
December 2024

The tour was fantastic. Fran was excellent - friendly, informative and very knowledgeable. We did lots of walking in the snow which made it extra special. Highly recommend the tour and Francoise Baby. Thank you so much for a great morning.

Barry S.United States
October 2024

Very informative

Your Montreal tour itinerary

The tour focuses on the 1880-1950 period, therefore, takes you along St. Laurent Blvd. and adjacent streets. Depending on the duration and pace you have chosen, you will see some or all of the following: - Former site of the Hebrew Maternity Hospital - Louis Reitman Park - Former site of the Warshaw Supermarket - Schwartz's Deli - Leonard Cohen mural - Bagg Street Shul, oldest living synagogue in the city - Former sites of other synagogues We'll wander into the Mile End neighbourhood and have a bagel tasting experience you won't soon forget.

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

On foot and possibly by bus.

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

124 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2T 2L1, Canada

Café Olimpico 124 St. Viateur Street West

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Religious Sites
History
Tour reference number
862329
Languages
French
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Montréal best suited for?

This private tour in Montréal is perfect for travellers interested in Jewish history and culture, as well as those who enjoy exploring historic neighbourhoods. It's ideal for anyone wanting to connect with a local guide like Françoise B. for deeper insights into the city's Jewish heritage.

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?

Is transportation included?

What languages is this tour offered in?

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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