Fuite de week-end à Montréal

This weekend kicks off the Montréal High Lights Festival, a two-week celebration of the arts and a great getaway.

Montréal has surprisingly emerged as the party city of North America. We’re not just talking about the nightlife and club scene here—no, we're talking close down blocks, erect public stages and party morning, noon and night kind of event. The Summer Jazz and Comedy Festivals draw our attention when the weather is nice, the snow a distant memory and the celebration of the nuit blanche works that summer solstice clock. But winters in Montreal have just as much festival activity to keep the party going, and nothing more than "Montréal En Lumière", or Montréal High Lights, which runs for 10 days in February. Yes February, Montréal—and outdoors no less.

The city is less than a six-hour drive up I-91, or a little over an hour flight from your pick of the local airports. Once there, the need for car is quickly dispelled. Montreal’s Metro, or the entire transit system run by STM (Société de transport de Montréal), can put you to into every corner of the city, often without ever having to step foot outdoors. The hot spot of Montréal is its central downtown, where shopping, bars and restaurants abound. Adjacent is Vielle Montréal, the oldest part of Montréal and the old port. This area is complemented by the arts and entertainment district, where much of the Montréal nightlife and festivals take place.

Montréal is probably the most European of North American cities, with its Old World style, narrow streets and joie de vivre ambience. As much as Montréal is known for its cobbled streets, parks, street life and eclectic architecture, the underground city that grew out of the Metro system has taken Montréal into a new direction. It is the word’s largest underground complex, and connects the central downtown area with over 20 miles of tunnels, often featuring shops, restaurants and art works. And since 2004, it now has a name, RÉSO, a play on the French word réseau meaning network.

It’s the RÉSO that connects the Centre-Ville with the vieux Montréal, or Downtown with Old Montréal, and this connection is what drives the Montréal En Lumière festival to encompass hundreds of performances, in venues stretching from the Quays of Old Port to the Plateau atop the ancient volcanic mountain, Mont Royale, (which gave Montréal its name). St. Catherine Street between Rue Guy and  Rue Saint-Urbaine is the main shopping district and the festival hits its high point with the winter-themed, Nuit Blanche. On Saturday, February 26^th, the 8^th edition of the over 100 underground art installations, music, outdoor activities and dance parties that take place above ground in the Quartier des Spectacles, or entertainment district near Place Des Arts and in the RÉSO. And let’s not forget the foodies.

Montréal has long been known for its foodie culture. Whether it’s the open-air markets of  Little Italy’s Jean-Talon Market, or the Art Deco inspired Atwater Market, the fresh food, charcuterie and cheeses of the region have inspired chefs for years.  Montréal’s rich base of world class restaurants cater not only to the heritage of French cooking, but a true international breadth of cuisine that represent the finest dining in North America. The festival showcases that culinary heritage with the Festival of Quebec Cheeses in Complexe Desjardins. Along the Quays of Old Port be sure to stop and sample some vin chaud. 

Outside of festival tastings and celebrations, a Montréal visit is not complete without hitting Fairmont Bagel, open 24 hours, and still making the hand-rolled Montréal-style bagel which is sweeter and chewier than its New York City counterparts (74 Fairmount Avenue West (514) 272-0667). Another must-taste is the sublime Schwartz’s Deli, famous for its Montréal-style smoked meats (3895 St Laurent (514) 842-4813). The trendy food spots are tucked into the narrow streets of Vielle Montréal between the boutique hotels and historic churches and buildings. La Queue De Cheval Steakhouse & Bar is a top ranked restaurant that is a spectacle all of its own (1221 Rene Levesque Boulevard West (514) 390-0090).

Outdoor fun whether it’s the Giant Labyrinth, or the BMO Skating Rink, there’s stuff to do with the kids in tow.  Check out the Ambiosphère L’Oréal, set in a forest of inflatables and lights that draw you into the heart of the Place des Festivals. Concerts at night on the Quays keep everyone dancing and grooving to the sounds of Quebec but also the raves, electronica and DJ house music to answer all styles of music programming. Nighttime fireworks, and plenty of light are the traditional hallmarks of the festival. Don’t miss the Sphère AXA where you can dance amongst thousands of Montrealers to the sounds of hot international acclaimed by hot DJs and VJs.

This year’s festival draws on celebrating the brilliance of female artists, creators, starred chefs and vintners in collaboration with L’Oréal. For the third year, Place des Festivals will host the Olivier Dufour High Light Event, a multi-media performance of video montage and performers who scale buildings and perform acrobatics in the chilled air. This year’s event is scheduled for February 26.

The 12^th edition of the festival opens on Thursday, Feb. 17 and closes on Sunday, Feb. 27. More information about the daily programming is available at the festival’s website: www.montrealenlumiere.com, in English and en Français bien sûr.