Monday, August 28, 2017

La Belle Quebec - Maison Historique James Thompson

Rick and I have somewhat different feelings about where we stay on vacation. He'd be just as happy with a hostel and has had many wonderful experiences there. But I wasn't about to spend a romantic holiday -- especially with someone I hadn't seen for two weeks -- in a room of six! So I took care of the hotel and I did well! We landed at Maison Historique James Thompson.


You really appreciate a good B&B after a day of walking about, when nothing is better than a good night's sleep on a wonderfully comfy bed. If you happen to have your own bath attached and enough room for your bags, you're happy.


Well, not necessarily happy. Happy also requires a fabulous location. And when you can walk within a short time to just about anything, the location was a real plus! Getting happier!


Not to mention there were lovely restaurants on the street too, and it was awfully pretty!


And a great breakfast! James Thompson did not disappoint. (Unfortunately, I never brought my camera to breakfast. I'm sure everyone else was glad of this fact!) Yes, we're really happy now!


When you walk in, you see the drawing room straight ahead of you.


And the curved stairway, with its beautiful wooden bannister, was magnificent.


The public area was wonderfully cozy with a piano, fireplaces and comfortable furniture.


It was a perfect spot for Rick and I to enjoy the wine, cheese and baguette we brought home with us the first night!


James Thompson was not the name of our host (who did not want to be pictured, so the cute photo will remain in our memories!). But Guitta was a delightful host who was gracious, welcoming and a mighty fine cook!

The B&B is named after and first lived in by James Thompson, who built the structure in 1793. Walk through the front door and you will note some heavy stone walls. (How they got all the stones for this, the walls, the churches and everything else up the hill before moving vehicles must be a story in itself!) He lived in the home with his wife Mary and their nine children. (There are five guest rooms, along with the living quarters.)

Thompson was a fortifications expert with the British Army and the last surviving member of the battalion that fought at the famous Battle of the Plains of Abraham between Generals Wolfe and Montcalm.

Photo Credit: A Bard of Wolfe's Army: James Thompson Gentleman Volunteer, Cover.
When the city was attacked by Benedict Arnold and Richard Montgomery fifteen years later in 1775, he was said to be instrumental in helping defend the city. (And no, I didn't know this little part of American-Canadian history before my visit. I didn't know a lot about this area! An education!)

Thompson was said to be a good man, intelligent and a master builder and archivist/journal writer. He supervised the fortification of the city of Quebec for sixty-eight years and the home remained in his family until 1957.  Guitta purchased it in 1995 and restored it (but the bathrooms are converted -- and I wish I'd taken a photo of that!) The house is classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. You can find an interesting article about him here.


Guitta is an artist and some of her work is displayed in the house. I particularly loved this montage of images of her to daughters.


Our room was very comfortable, the only guest room located on the main floor. That made it easy to get to the delicious breakfast. Trays of muffins, croissants and an apple tart to die for, fruit salad and a selection of cereals started things off. Then we enjoyed a delicious breakfast to order. I had crepes the first day, then an omelette and then French toast with bacon each day, while Rick had crepes, omelette and blueberry pancakes with sausage. It was beautifully served by Guitta's daughter, Briget.


We were within minutes of walking anyplace in Vieux Quebec (Haute Ville or upper town) and getting below only took a little longer because these are hills you do not run down!


The exchange rate is wonderful right now and if you have considered a trip to Quebec City, now is a great time to go. But if you aren't a snow bunny, go soon or wait till spring -- they have 12 feet of snow on average!


Photos of the rooms and more info is available here.

35 comments:

Joanne Huffman said...

It all sounds perfect!

Sandra Cox said...

Sounds and looks absolutely perfect! You did good:)

Sketchbook Wandering said...

I adore Quebec City! Your B & B sounds like it was just perfect for you all! You appreciate so much...

Thank you for your nice comments on my blog...They make me feel so good.

Now I will read backward, more about your trip. We used to go twice a year, but we missed our spring trip. We'll try to go in October or even November.

My name is Erika. said...

What a beautiful B&B. I like the story it has attached to it too. I'd forgotten reading about the battle but I do remember the Plains of Abraham and fortifications. Have you ever read Louise Penny? I just love her books and one of them was set in Quebec City. Can't think of the title off the top of my head but it was one of my favorites by her. Thanks for sharing. Hugs-Erika

Marilyn Miller said...

I do love a good B&B and this one sounds extra special. So happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing it with us. The breakfast sounds just wonderful.

Red Rose Alley said...

Love that curved stairway. The breakfast area is cozy and welcoming. You always stay in the most charming places that are interesting and rich in history. Lovely, Jeanie.

~Sheri

Joyful said...

I absolutely love the B & B you chose, the decor, the location, the access to everything. Just superb. Only thing is I don't think those stairs would be kind to my knees so I'd need to select the option on the main floor too. That probably made it more like "home" to you too given the access to the seating areas. Sounds like you are having a great time. xx

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

You found a beautiful B & B. All of those breakfast choices sound so good. -Jenn

Valerie-Jael said...

What a wonderful place you stayed out, looks like something out of a film set. Your stay sounds really fantastic. I have never been to Quebec, so thanks for the lovely views. Have a great day, and thanks for all the catching up you did on my blog, much appreciated. Hugs, Valerie

Bella Rum said...

Do you know I've never stayed in a B&B? I know. I can't believe it myself. It looks comforting and comfortable. So glad you enjoyed it.

Little Wandering Wren said...

I so want to go to Canada one day, La Belle Quebec place looks delightful. Well done you for taking on the bookings! My Hubby would be like Rick happy in a hostel too!!!
Wren x

The Artful Diva said...

It's been years since we visited Quebec City. We had a grand time there too!

Pom Pom said...

Hi Jeanie! How nice! I have never been to that part of Canada. Thank you for the tour!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, the B&B looks fabulous. he breakfast sounds yummy. The decoration and artwork is beautiful. I love the views of the city, looks like a wonderful place to visit and tour. Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!

Barbara said...

Hello Jeanie, I’ve had fun catching up with your posts (there were three new ones since my last visit – so I was very spoilt). I’ve enjoyed them all and loved all the photographs. Quebec City and the b&b look beautiful. I would love to visit one day.

Kitty said...

Wonderful post to wake up to. I have never been to Quebec. It looks and sounds lovely. I have enjoyed all your posts about it.

Lynne said...

It looks and sounds just perfect!
(I would like the 12 feet of snow too!)

La Table De Nana said...

I am loving your account Jeanie:) A hostel? LOL not pour moi:)
Sweet place..great location..you are so appreciative instead of negative.
I love that.
I know SW (Rita) loves QC:)

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Wow, what a beautiful and charming place to stay! I haven't ever stayed in a B&B but if we make it to Quebec City, I'll be sure to check this place out! We definitely prefer staying in airbnbs or renting an apartment as we like having a kitchen. But staying in a B&B like this would be even better because you don't have to grocery shop and cook (we usually cook breakfast when we stay in an apartment and eat other meals out).

I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

The French Hutch said...

Good for you, no hostels now, glad you chose the lodging. Jeanie, this is such a charming B&B. We haven't visited there yet, but someday! I would love to be there when it snows, I'm sure it's magical....

Victoria Zigler said...

Sounds wonderful!

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, the B&B looks delightful! Breakfast sounds fabulous ant the locations seems perfect!

Doodle T said...

I'm with you...I love staying in fun places that are in the middle of all the action...interesting places with charm and breakfast included...Quebec is a wonderful city...have to keep it on the radar as a fun...closer place to travel to...for us. :)

Pam said...

WHat a cool looking place. Hoping that you are enjoying the stay.

Summer said...

Sounds all wonderful :) Hope you are having a great week, sweet friend :)

Sandra Cox said...

12 feet of snow? Now that is just sick and wrong.

:)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ok, I've GOT to go to Quebec!

Carola Bartz said...

What a lovely place to stay! I love B&Bs that are like this one, personal and very unique. A good breakfast certainly is an extra bonus, and yours just sound very delicious. I would take that over a hostel anytime!

Tracy said...

Oh, that place... home away from home at it's best!! I could live there! ;) So glad you had the chance to stay and enjoy such a sweet and charming place, Jeanie! TJ & I have decided we're too old make-shift, wonky accommodation while traveling...a real hotel or even B & B (treats!)... LOL! ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

Oh, how marvelous! Wish I could have been there with you! Thanks for popping in to see me and hope you're having a great week.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Tammie Lee said...

cozy beautiful and delicious! sounds wonderful Jeanie.

Barbara said...

I must have missed this post, but, I am glad I found it. It looks like a very nice B&B and the hospitality sounds as though it was great too. I have been to Quebec City in the winter. There is a lot of snow and it is still very beautiful, especially if you like winter.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I'm trying to play catch up here and I really enjoyed reading about your choice of the B & B experience. I was in awe of the photos you shared of the B & B, as well as the photos of the town. I was in awe of the breakfasts you got along with the room. They sounded absolutely fabulous.

Sally Wessely said...

The B & B was a real find for all the right reasons. I like going to B & B's. Good job!

Unknown said...

Sounds and looks absolutely perfect! You did good:)


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