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Old Quebec : Mesdames & Mesdemoiselles

    Discover the often unknown history of the women from Quebec City and Lévis: their reality, their struggles and their legacy. A local look at the evolution of women’s rights and above all an original and unique way to visit Old Quebec.

    5 of 5 stars

    (Based on 53 reviews)

    • Walking tour
    • 2 hours
    • Moderate
    • Group size: 15 people max.
    • Starting at 30$/person (Canadian $, taxes included)

    Sorry, this tour is scheduled, but online bookings are temporarily not available on our website.

    The tour is likely available to book on some platforms, contact us and we’ll let you know how to book.

    For many reasons, men prevail in history. We know their names better, we see their statues everywhere. Quebec City is no exception.

    Yet women also play a role and some have made a decisive contribution to history. Here again, Quebec City is no exception.

    During this two-hour guided tour, we will stroll through the streets of Old Quebec and discover known, less known and unknown women.

    Some have worked in politics, architecture or medicine. Others joined religious orders, built successful businesses, or shone during conflicts. One of them has even become a legend!

    We will take this opportunity to discuss the evolution of the condition of women from New France to our time, without forgetting the First Nations.

    With this unique guided tour, we invite you to answer a complex question: why are women so little present in history?

    This purely historical tour is neither activist nor politicized. We will approach the subject in a rigorous and objective way, we will try to popularize, without caricature, the complexity of the events and historical figures of the past.


    We are grateful to Mrs. L. Desrochers, historian, for her invaluable help to build this unique tour.

    Monument dedicated to women in politics, Parliament of Quebec Province, Grande-Allée Est

    How to get there ?

    On Grand Allée Est in Quebec City, between the famous driveway and the South side of the Parliament of Quebec Province (Hôtel du Parlement), there’s a statue with 4 women. This statue is dedicated to the women in politics and it’s the meeting location.

    • The unsung history of women in Quebec City

      5 of 5 stars

      Xavier is a very well informed guide, giving an intelligent and interesting history of the women who helped create this beautiful city. Many fascinating stories as we strolled through Old Quebec. I highly recommend this tour to all visitors ( women and men)

      By Susan M on Tripadvisor (2019)
    • A tour that feels like a friend sharing his passion

      5 of 5 stars

      My husband booked this tour as part of a surprise anniversary adventure. The theme provided a wonderful change of pace. It is easy to forget that most history is told of and about men and that women are relegated to heroine, victim or seductress. This tour provided a nuanced and human portrait of both the women and men who founded Quebec and by extension the rest of Canada. Xavier is clearly following his passion and that should be rewarded. Best of fortunes as you build your business. We will be sure to book another tour on a return visit.

      By Cantjh on Tripadvisor (2019)
    • Great Info – Great Walk

      5 of 5 stars

      Xavier is an extremely well informed guide who personalizes the tour for those involved. Appreciated hearing about the missing half of Quebec's history. Great tour for men and women.

      By Sandra C (Georgetown) on Tripadvisor (2019)
    • 4 of 5 stars

      Xavier is extremely well-versed in all aspects of Quebec history and culture, and very knowledgeable about the unique contributions of women . He communicates exceptionally well and is so pleasant and patient, taking time to answer all of our group's questions, whether important or trivial. He kindly gave us a good deal of extra time. He is clearly passionate and so knowledgeable about his subject! Bravo!

      By Laurel (New Jersey) on Airbnb (2018)
    • 5 of 5 stars

      Our walking tour of Quebec with Xavier exceeded our expectations. He is very knowledgable about the history of Quebec in general, and the contributions of women in particular. He brings to focus the part women have played in the political & economic life of the city through time. This tour will take you to sites that are not always noted on the typical QC tour - places you may pass multiple times without knowing history behind them. Xavier is obviously passionate about his subject, and welcomes questions along the way. We highly recommend his tour for those interested in a more complete look at the city’s history. The walking, by the way, is quite manageable.

      By Louise (Northampton, Massachusetts) on Airbnb (2018)
    • 5 of 5 stars

      He was professional, considerate and thoughtful. He was also knowledgeable and had obviously studied his subject.

      By Laura (New Hampshire) on Airbnb (2018)
    • 5 of 5 stars

      Xavier is funny and friendly and has an exceptional knowledge of the history of Quebec City. My daughter was very excited about a women's history tour and the only disappointment for her was that the tour wasn't longer (Xavier even extended the tour 30 minutes for us because everyone was enjoying it so much). Highly recommended!

      By Jeff (Seattle) on Airbnb (2018)
    • Jai fait aujourdhui le tour sur lapport des femmes ds lhistoire de quebec. Une visite differente, divertissante et qui menracine encore plus ds ma belle ville! Merci Xavier!

      By Meli Las (Québec) on Facebook (2018)
    • J'ai eu la chance de prendre le Tour Mesdames & Mesdemoiselles. Un tour pour homme et femme et particulièrement intéressant. Bravo à notre guide Xavier qui fait un travail extraordinaire. Chapeau!

      By Catherine Tremblay (Lévis) on Facebook (2018)
    • One of its kind tour

      5 of 5 stars

      The tour begins in front of the Parliament, at the foot of the four women monument, a place I had walked by so many times and never further inquired why they were there.
      The guide, Xavier, is knowledgeable, kind, funny, very attentive to the customers' needs and also dynamic.
      I absolutely love the theme of this tour, given that the role of women in history is usually unaccounted for.
      It is a tour hour tour walking around Vieux Quebec while discovering and learning about the history of such lovely city.
      I highly recommend it!!!! And I would definitely love to take another tour from their diverse offer.

      By Mili C (Panjim, India) on Tripadvisor (2018)

    If you need help or if you didn’t find an availability that suits you, please contact us. We might add an availability for you if we can. It is also possible to provide a private tour.


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    Please check our terms for refund and cancellation policies here.