The vast expanse of Québec province, which rests within the even vaster expanses of Canada, has made some questionable contributions to global culture. This, after all, is the place that inflicted Céline Dion, Corey Hart and Men Without Hats (remember Safety Dance?) on the world, and only begins to make up for it with Leonard Cohen and the fact that it had nothing to do with the Sound of Music. But near the southern border of this province - appropriately nicknamed La Belle Province - is proof-positive of what this bastion of Francophilia can do when it puts its esprit to it, namely the cultural and architectural jewel of Québec City.

Borrowing some of its grandeur from a lofty cape and some from a broad river, and with a foundation that's older than that of any other city in North America (north of Mexico), the bilingual and utterly European capital of Québec province divides its time between an Old Town bristling with historic ramparts, churches, narrow lanes and former battlefields, and districts revamped with museums, cafes, bars, restaurants and all the other mod-cons of international tourism. So put a fleur-de-lis in your passport and go check out the Québécois heartland.