Françoise is a wonderful tour guide. For a tasting tour in Mile End, she knows everyone in each shop we went to. I heard the history of the neighborhood and felt that I really got the feel for Mile End.
Private tour in Montreal Françoise B
5.0
(8) reviews
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Françoise B.
5.0
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102
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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.
Mile End is often compared to Williamsburg in Brooklyn: same artsy vibe, similar demographics, a strong hipster presence in coffee shops and restaurants, street art, etc. Formerly a poor and rough part of town dominated by the garment industry, it has become Montreal's trendiest neighbourhood with the largest concentration of artists in Canada. A few of its eateries are veritable institutions, and you'll be able to sample some of their "classics" as well as offerings with a modern twist. Between food stops, you'll get a better understanding of what makes this neighbourhood tick, an appreciation for the car-less and outdoor staircase lifestyle, as well as a peek at great public art. Unfortunately, Montreal's culinary heritage is not rich in gluten-free or vegan food. Therefore, if you have any restrictions, please let me know, so that we can find suitable alternatives. Keep in mind that there are NO gluten-free or vegan options at the bagel factory.
Françoise is a wonderful tour guide. For a tasting tour in Mile End, she knows everyone in each shop we went to. I heard the history of the neighborhood and felt that I really got the feel for Mile End.
Françoise was very punctual, knowledgeable, and offered a great mix of insights, and curated attention based on our requests. She provided an excellent tour of the Mile End area. We highly recommend her for any Montreal tours, including with a food focus as she knows all the best places and corresponding anecdotes!
We were a group of four and we retained Francoise B. for two tours on back-to-back days in Montreal. The four of us had such a grand time with Francoise B. Her knowledge of history, architecture, and food is outstanding. She answered all our questions thoroughly. Both tours were very interesting. She is delightful to be with. She exceeded our exceptions. All of us agree that we will use her again if we want a tour in Montreal.
The Mile End tasting tour with Francoise Baby was a lot of fun. Everything was delicious and it was interesting to learn about the neighborhood too. Francoise is an entertaining storyteller.
This was the first trip to Montreal for my wife and I. Françoise guided us on a wonderful tasting tour of the city's unique neighborhoods, specialty shops in the Mile End section of the city. Françoise's knowledge, passion and love for her city made for a truly memorable afternoon for us. I highly recommend her.
We took the tasting tour with François - was a great tour! It was in the "Mile End" area of Montreal. Tasted several foods (great coffee, yummy bagels, simple yet delicious grilled cheese sandwich w/special hot sauce, cannoli w/pistacho filling, and the best part - the Wilensky Special sandwich. Very tasty (I split one with my hubby, but wished I had ordered one too). And the cafe is like going back in time to 1932. To end the day, we stopped at a local brewery - requested by hubby. Great tour!
Walking tour on the commercial and residential streets of Mile End neighbourhood: - St. Viateur Street - Bernard Street - St. Laurent Boulevard - Fairmount Street - Clarke Street - Laurier Avenue
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This is a walking tour.
34 Avenue Fairmount Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2T 2M1, Canada
34 Fairmount Ave. West
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