Private tour in Montreal Françoise B

Pioneering Women of Montreal (1642 - 1771)

-
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 Any Reason 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 Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Françoise B.

5.0

Guide rating

96

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

Strong women played major roles in the founding of Montreal and its survival in the late 17th and early 18th century. Join me on a three-hour journey through time in Old Montreal with its exquisite architecture, cobblestone streets and old-world charm. You'll meet three generations of women from the Godé family, the founder of the oldest hospital north of Mexico, Canada's first historian, and a trailblazing teacher and "matchmaking facilitator". Your guide will share stories you likely won't find in guidebooks, giving you a better understanding of what life was like in the early years of the colony. Durant cette visite privée du Vieux-Montréal, votre guide diplômée vous racontera la contribution inestimable des femmes de tête qui ont façonné la colonie au 17e siècle et en ont assuré la survie, dont Jeanne Mance, Marguerite Bourgeoys, Marie Morin, Agathe de Saint-Père, et Marguerite d'Youville.

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 (2.5 km or 1.5 mi)

What's included
Other: Guidebook and city map
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
History
Tour reference number
807281
Languages
French
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Montréal best suited for?

This private tour in Montréal is perfect for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in the role of women in the founding and survival of the city during the 17th and 18th centuries. It's also ideal for travellers who enjoy storytelling and want to explore Old Montreal's architecture and cobblestone streets. Families with children will find it suitable as well, given its kid-friendly nature.

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?

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 Any Reason 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 Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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