Written by:
Pam Huwig
» Order
this Issue of Curve:
10.4
Can’t afford Paris this year? Here’s a tip: Head north to Old Montreal, in the French-speaking province of Quebec, for a little bit of French-Canadian charm. Old Montreal is an ideal place for a honeymoon, a sexy romp or a serene singles’ getaway.
Get Settled In
Tucked away in the cobblestone streets amidst historic brownstone buildings lies perhaps the most charming hotel in all of Old Montreal — the Pierre du Calvet. This lovely bed and breakfast has been around for more than 250 years, and for good reason.
If you have a choice, ask for Room No. 1, which is slightly larger than the rest. No matter which room you’re assigned, you’ll wake up surrounded by hand-carved antique furniture. Fireplaces and fieldstone walls accent each of the rooms, as well as the main dining area. And if an evening spent basking in the glow of a flickering fire doesn’t put her in the mood, nothing will.
If modern is more to your liking, try Hotel le Germain, just minutes away from Old Montreal. Rooms at Le Germain are beautifully appointed, with modern art, fresh orchids, real down comforters, and a bath designed to tempt the voyeur in all of us — you can lie in bed as you watch your beloved get sudsy inside a clear, glass-walled shower. Le Germain is conveniently located downtown near great shopping, dining and lesbian nightlife.
Explore the City
Montreal, with its gracious French-Canadian heritage, has historically welcomed lovers of all persuasions. And last June, Quebec extended the rights of common-law spouses to same-sex couples.
While you may be tempted to stay in your room for the entire trip, remember that the city awaits you. Just down the street from Pierre du Calvet is a warm, accommodating (as with so many establishments in Montreal) bicycle and in-line skating rental shop. The bike path that runs along the gorgeous Lachine Canal, which is lined with ducks, geese, a great view of the cityscape, and plenty of shaded areas, is beautiful, but challenging.
Another must-see is the Biodome, which houses four ecosystems and excellent guided tours. On your way back to the hotel, be sure to stop by the water for a stunning glimpse of the stunning sunset behind the city.
Catch a Bite
In cosmopolitan Montreal, your choices for dinner are endless. The streets are literally packed with top-notch restaurants and cafés serving everything from classic French cuisine to regional favorites, like smoked salmon that melts in your mouth. Our recommendation: Even if you decide against staying at the Pierre du Calvet, make reservations to have dinner at the hotel’s famous restaurant, Auberge, for fine French cuisine and a handsome list of vintage wines.
See the Night Life
After dinner, take a romantic stroll. Just remember, while you can comfortably get by without knowing any words in French, you’ll be much more able to take in the full charm of Montreal if you can ask, at the minimum, “Où se trouve ...” [“How do you get to ...”] I assure you, those Québécoises girls will oblige you with directions — in exchange for a few minutes of friendly flirting.
Who knows, you might end up dancing the night away at a local hotspot. One of the most popular women’s bars, Sisters, resembles a dreamlike, blue, papier mâché cave — with a dance floor, of course. Owner Lucie Duguay claims her bartenders are blessed by what she calls true “rum thumbs.” She’s right — those ladies definitely know how to make a drink.
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