1. A direct flight in under 8 hours to reach Quebec
This is undoubtedly a game-changer! From Marseille-Provence Airport, you can now take a direct flight to the beautiful city of Quebec without any layovers, taking about 8 hours to get there and even less than 7 hours to come back. This seasonal service runs weekly, operated by Air Transat until October 9, 2026. Every Friday, you'll depart from Marseille and arrive in Quebec in the afternoon. The return flight takes place on Thursday evening from Canada. The result? Quebec becomes a much simpler and more accessible destination for travelers from Marseille looking for a delightful getaway!
2. A natural paradise just a stone's throw from the city
Just a fifteen-minute drive from Quebec City, Montmorency Falls offers an impressive spectacle with its 83 meters of height, which is even taller than the famous Niagara Falls located in Ontario. You can admire the falls from various viewpoints: by taking a cable car, climbing some thrilling (and athletic!) stairs, or via a suspension bridge that directly overlooks the waterfall for a spectacular experience.
As you leave the Montmorency Falls park, a grand bridge takes you in just a few minutes to the Île d’Orléans, which is definitely one of our favorite spots from the trip. Here, you enter a calm and picturesque rural Quebec. You’ll find yourself surrounded by orchards, charming little roads lined with farms, and sweeping views of the river. It’s such a breath of fresh air, just a few kilometers away from the city.
© Seigneurie de l'île d'Orléans & Hildegard
3. Total Disconnection and Meet the Whales
As we drive up the stunning St. Lawrence route to the northeast, we arrive in the Charlevoix region. Here, the landscapes become broader, wilder, with a constant feeling of open space and raw nature. In Baie-Saint-Paul, we settled into Domaine Belle Plage, in charming bungalows right by the river, with beach access just steps away. This place is perfect for slowing down, walking on the sand, watching the river, or heading out for a kayak adventure when conditions allow.
Further along, on the side of La Malbaie, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu stands out as a wonderfully relaxing stop. Even if you're not staying overnight, it's worth the visit, especially for its day-access Nordic spa (only €20!) and stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. A true oasis of tranquility in the heart of Charlevoix's breathtaking landscape.
Finally, the Charlevoix region is also one of the best spots to get up close with the wildlife of the Saint Lawrence. From Baie-Sainte-Catherine, Croisières AML offers the chance to watch whales and other marine species. During our outing, several humpback whales appeared near the boat, leaving the passengers in awe. It was a truly magical moment.
© quebec-cite.com
3. Québec City, a lively and accessible historic city
Unlike the big Canadian metropolises like Montreal or Toronto, Quebec is one of those cities you can explore on foot. It's the perfect setting to discover the Old Quebec, a historic district recognized by UNESCO, where we proudly visited the majestic Château de Frontenac, a true symbol of the city.
While many tourists stop by Old Quebec, we had the wonderful opportunity, thanks to Tours Accolade and our guide Djany, to explore some lesser-known neighborhoods like Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Montcalm, where you can enjoy a delightful mix of nightlife, museums, gardens, shops, and gourmet markets. It was truly a heartwarming visit!
Just know that 2-3 nights minimum in Quebec City are necessary to fully enjoy it. As for accommodations, we stayed at the Hôtel Manoir Victoria, perfectly located to explore everything on foot and offering a lovely bonus with its Nordic spa to relax in at the end of the afternoon.
4. Wendake, an essential encounter with the First Nations
This is one of the most memorable moments of our trip. Just about twenty minutes from Quebec lies Wendake, an indigenous reserve that allows you to discover the culture, history, and contemporary reality of the Wendat, a community that is part of Canada's First Nations. Here, you can visit a museum, a stunning reconstruction of a traditional house, as well as vibrant spaces that convey a culture still very much alive today.
© quebec-cite.com
But the highlight of the show is undeniably Onhwa’ Lumina: as soon as night falls, a 1.2 km immersive night trail in the forest awaits you, filled with lights, sounds, and stories. It's an experience that is poetic, moving, and deeply rooted in local legends. A must-do!
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5. A Northern Cuisine Blending Tradition and Creativity
This journey to Quebec pleasantly surprised us with its lively and inventive culinary scene, far from the stereotypes of North American cuisine.
In Quebec City
We particularly enjoyed Courtbouillon, a trendy new spot that offers a reimagined Cajun cuisine with sharing plates. For a top-notch dining experience, head to Le Clan, a Michelin-starred restaurant that elevates local products with a modern and relaxed approach. On a more budget-friendly note, La Bûche is THE typical Quebec restaurant where you can try the famous poutine. And for a quick coffee break, don't miss stopping by ...
Tim Hortons where we recommend the very indulgent French vanilla cappuccino.
In Charlevoix
In La Malbaie, we absolutely loved these two places that offer both accommodation and dining:
- Auberge Café Bistro La Marmite, featuring local and inventive cuisine, a cozy decor, and a lovely view of the river.
- Auberge Chez Truchon: well-crafted dishes, an intimate atmosphere, and breakfasts that will blow you away!
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6. Culture and Festivals for a Lively Summer
Visiting Quebec in the summer guarantees a vibrant experience! In Quebec City, the Quebec Summer Festival will take place from July 9 to 19, 2026. It's one of the largest music festivals in North America, transforming the entire city into an open-air stage, featuring an eclectic international lineup with artists like Muse, Martin Garrix, Gwen Stefani, Kesha, Shaggy, Melody Gardot, Michael Bublé, The Lumineers, and Luis Fonsi.
If you prefer a more authentic vibe, head to Baie-Saint-Paul for Le Festif!, taking place from July 23 to 26, 2026. This festival attracts thousands of visitors each year to the iconic Saint-Jean-Baptiste street, offering a lineup that blends music, street arts, and performances in a lively and creative atmosphere.
7. An Unmissable Destination
With the ease of direct flights from Marseille, the diverse landscapes between Quebec and Charlevoix, the rich culture, and the vibrant culinary scene, Quebec is becoming an ideal summer destination for those from Marseille. It's a journey that weaves together city, nature, and encounters, never making you feel like you have to choose between the three.
To learn more about Quebec and the Charlevoix region, visit Quebec City and Charlevoix Tourism
