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We cannot mention the Place du Marché in Québec City’s Upper Town without also mentioning the Place Royale Market in Lower Town. Place Royale was the very first market in New France, starting as early as 1640. Locals could visit the butchers’ stalls. After the opening of Finlay Market in 1785, the Place Royale Market was nicknamed “the market down below.”
1801 - 1832

Québec City’s marketplace in the early 19th century

The first market in Québec City opened in Place Royale in 1649. As the city’s population grew and the economy expanded, at least a dozen markets sprung up in the 19th century. These included the Place du Marché in Québec City’s Upper Town. This market became a strategic meeting place for town and country folk alike, to conduct business, stock up on goods and exchange the latest news. At first held out of doors, it eventually moved into an indoor market building. Ready to go shopping?

The Place Royale Market

Picturesque Canada book We cannot mention the Place du Marché in Québec City’s Upper Town without also mentioning the Place Royale Market in Lower Town. Place Royale was the very first market in New France, starting as early as 1640. Locals could visit the butchers’ stalls. After the opening of Finlay Market in 1785, the Place Royale Market was nicknamed “the market down below.”
Chronoscope Do you recognize the church in this picture? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1882