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.