Et oui…I felt at home in France

This European flavor is why I loved France and why I love Montreal.

In fact, here is what I found to have similar vibes:

1. Canal du Midi is like Montreal’s Lachine Canal:

The French constructed both of these canals to facilitate the transport of goods, trying to “join” 2 bodies of water or avoid dangerous rapids in order to save time and money.

Today, both are used for pleasure boating and the banks of the canals offer bike paths and foot paths. Often when I return home from my travels abroad, my first stop is walking along the Lachine Canal giving my soul some time to transition back to the Montreal lifestyle.

2. Baguettes and French food:

France and Montreal are famous for great food with a strong Mediterranean influence. The biggest difference is price! Eating in the South of France is expensive, however, eating in Montreal, for the same culinary experience, is much cheaper!

And the baguettes…perfection! You’ll find the same French breads that have a crust that is crusty and an inside that is light, airy and floats in your mouth!

3. Aix-en-Provence and Old Montreal:

Both cities have avenues and cobblestone streets making it pleasant to walk through. The main pedestrian zone is lined with dozens of sidewalk cafes and bars. The history and architecture can be seen everywhere. While France is more than 2000 years old, for a north American city, Montreal is 375 years old!

4. French Language:

Hearing a foreign language has a way of making any trip more exotic. I was able to have many conversations with the French locals, which allowed us to discover some hidden gems.

Interestingly, each person I spoke with immediately knew I was Quebecoise!

You see, Montrealers have a distinct way of speaking because it is the most bilingual city in Canada. The bilingualism has made the French borrow English words, the English borrow French words and sometimes words get combined into weird bilingual mutants.

Hearing a foreign language has a way of making any trip more exotic. I was able to have many conversations with the French locals, which allowed us to discover some hidden gems.

Interestingly, each person I spoke with immediately knew I was Quebecoise!

5. Fashion = Shopping:

France is the fashion capital of the world. They have a way of combining effortless chic ensembles. It’s all about comfort without compromising style! So French women rarely wear heels but they look sophisticated, fresh and playful.

Montreal fashion is eclectic and unique. You’ll see lots of variety from local designers with a whimsical feel to their outfits. It’s always about making a statement while remaining playful.

So there you have it! Some of the reasons I felt at home in France!

And the cool thing is, YOU Jimmy can experience all of this without ever crossing an ocean!

Join me at the Embrace Your Essence weekend of learning and playing with the French! Old Montreal is unique and the most European city in North America!