Our Montreal favourites

Christiane, Marie Pier and Clarah all live in the Montreal area and have done so for many years. They live, eat ... and breathe the city. They each share their top destinations to discover in Montreal.

A BAR?

Christiane: I recently had a chance to experience Agrikol - and I fell in love with this restaurant bar and its Caribbean feel. The terrace is beautiful!

Marie Pier: The Ritz Carlton Bar. I really love hotel bars and the people you meet there (by the way, I know it's not on the Island, but I invite everyone to discover Bar Les Cousins, in the Escad Hotel Quartier DIX30).

Clarah: I have so many favourites, but I have to show love to Knox, a neighbourhood bar in Pointe St-Charles. I love their cocktails and their staff. I also really like Loïc, in St-Henri.

A RESTAURANT?

Christiane: I adore Vin Papillon. The food is centred around vegetables, the wine list is impressive, and the service very attentive.

Marie Pier: Without a doubt, Le Mousso was my favourite of the year.

Clarah: I fell for the latest spot from the team behind Olive and Gourmando and Foxy, Un Po di Più. Another design success from Zebulon Perron.

A BOUTIQUE ?

Christiane: I am a big fan of the concept behind the MUST Maison store in Griffintown. You'll find everything there: luxury furnishings and a wonderful, accessible selection of items, my favourite florist (Prune-les-fleurs) as well as La Bête à pain bakery.

Marie Pier: I shop a lot at Espace Pepin and Maison Pepin. Their selection of items and objects is always original and unique in the city.

Clarah: I have a big, big weakness for small jars and condiments. I can spend hours comparing jars of mustard. So I have a lot of fun at Les Douceurs du marché in Atwater Market.

A CULTURAL PLACE?

Christiane: Galerie Simon Blais is a treasure trove of Canadian contemporary art. The best kept secret in town! I’d also like to mention the Berthe Morisot exhibition at the Musée National des beaux-arts de Québec.

Marie Pier: Les Studios at Les Grands ballets canadiens, where I take ballet lessons!

Clarah: Le Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences there in the past few years.

URBAN PLANNING?

Christiane: Quai Alexandra, in Montreal’s Old Port. A tremendous success.

Marie Pier: The gateway to the city via Robert Bourassa Boulevard and the monumental work of Jaume Plensa. What a beautiful way to approach our beautiful city.

Clarah: The Quartier des spectacles (entertainment district). I think they did an amazing job. I especially like the interactive installations that are updated each year.