Montreal City Town Guide There's more to Montreal than its position as "the world's number two francophone city" (after Paris, of course). The largest city in the province of Quebec is also a world leader in terms of the welcome it offers visitors and the friendliness of its citizens. The heart of the "La Belle Province" beats to the rhythm of both the New World and Europe. Founded on a spot that marks the merging of two cultures, Montreal's appeal derives in equal measure from its diversity and its unique character. A cosmopolitan city that is as beguiling by night as it is by day, this is a place that passionately embraces the art of fine living. Five ideas for discovering another side to the city -  The Latin quarter, Chinatown, Little Italy: you can draw in all the scents of myriad far-off places in just a few short hours. -  Take in the labyrinth in the world's largest subterranean mall - an ideal environment for a spot of luxury shopping, and all without a moment's thought for the vagaries of the weather outside… -  Banish the blues with a visit to the new - and renowned - Museum of Laughter, a monument dedicated solely to humour. -  Let your heart be your guide as you wander through the heart of Old Montreal. If you don't want to get lost, just be sure to keep the banks of the Saint Lawrence River in view. -  Climb the Côte des Neiges until you reach the chapel of Saint Joseph; from here you can cast your gaze over the whole south side of the island on which the city is situated; you can also pay a visit to the chapel's small museum, thronged by both curious visitors and the faithful flock. Time difference Montreal time is GMT -6. To call Montreal Dial the international code followed by 1 for Canada, then 514 for Montreal and the 7 digits of the person your are calling. Climate Average temperatures by season: - Spring: 5° C - Summer: 21° C - Autumn: 8° C - Winter: -1° C Holidays - 1 and 2 January: New Year's Day and the following day - Easter Monday : in March/April (variable dates) - Third Monday in May: Fête de Dollard des Ormeaux (honouring a Quebecois soldier killed in battle; elsewhere in Canada: Victoria Day) - 24 June: Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec provincial celebration) - 1 July: Canada Day - First Monday in September: Labour Day - Second Monday in October: Thanksgiving day - 11 November: Remembrance Day - 25 and 26 December: Christmas and Boxing day Getting around Make the metro your transportation of choice: it's fast, efficient, and covers the entire metropolitan area. When the weather permits, Montreal is a fine city for getting around entirely on foot - go on, try it! Tourist Office Tourisme Québec Case postale 979 Montreal, H3C 2W3, Canada In town: Centre Infotouriste - 1001, rue du Square Dorchester (at the corner of Metcalfe and Dorchester square). Metro: Peel Tel.: (international n° +1) 340-873-2015. Montreal on the Web www.ville.montreal.qc.ca www.tourisme-montreal.org See our Cultural calendar Back