Monsieur Jean • Hôtel Particulier
Style in the Heart of History
Imagine walking into a hotel where a short story machine produces sweet tales with the push of a button, your room hides treasures that unlock tasty surprises, and check-in includes a camera and monochrome blue film.
While it sounds like I’m on the set of a Wes Anderson film, I’m at the brick-and-mortar, 78-room wonder called Monsieur Jean • Hôtel Particulier in Old Québec City.
By Mary Luz Mejia
Monsieur Jean is the creative invention of Jean Campeau and his wife Geneviève Marcon of GM Développement. Their travels inspired them to fill the former bank with the spirit of global design, influenced by the likes of Philippe Starck. Together, they envisioned the character of Monsieur Jean who, according to the staff, personifies genuine hospitality.
Distinctive Design & Artistic Touches
In collaboration with architect Étienne Bernier (of Hatem+D) and the creative studio Snabb, custom-designed furniture, artwork and luxurious textiles decorate every corner of this modernist gem with a touch of timeless elegance and whimsy. The lobby features a starry night sky overhead, while playful references to René Magritte’s iconic bowler-hatted figures appear throughout.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city’s 17th-century architecture.
The rooms boast near floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the city’s famous 17th-century architecture. Ours overlooks the old city hall, whose façade glows blue after sunset. M. Jean’s love of blue is unmistakable: cobalt accents appear on glossy doors, striped wing-back chairs are embroidered with quirky lions and every detail creates a peaceful retreat. After exploring the hilly UNESCO-listed city, sinking into a plush bed in a blue-themed suite is pure comfort.
Magritte’s bowler-hatted figure, a hotel-wide motif.
Once settled in, we mix our Vie En Bleu cocktail, thanks to the ingredients and recipe card left in our room. Featuring gin, pear liqueur, egg whites, lemon juice and simple syrup tinted various shades of blue, the result is a fresh, fruity sensation that welcomes us into M. Jean’s cool-hued world. A room search, encouraged upon arrival, reveals a hidden treasure chest bearing a purple gem, our ticket to a delightful surprise at Le Bijou.
Dining at Le Bijou
Le Bijou, the hotel’s restaurant, is a heartfelt homage from Jean to Geneviève. Velvet magentas, royal blues and mustard yellow loveseats create a cozy, speakeasy-inspired atmosphere. Presenting our jewel earns us an array of gourmet bites.
A delicate creation at Le Bijou, where elegance meets flavour.
Must-tries include the spicy tuna tartare on crispy rice, savory beef carpaccio with Parmesan and a Québécois charcuterie platter featuring pork rillettes, perfect atop crostini. The drinks menu offers creative cocktails and an extensive wine list, complemented by attentive service.
Exploring Québec Through a Blue Lens
The next day, we meet Pauline, a photographer from Gosselin Photo, for a tour of Québec City through turquoise-tinted film. Equipped with a retro-looking Kodak camera and comfortable shoes, we set out to discover the city’s blend of historic and modern architecture. Pauline tailors the excursion to our preference for “old meets new,” telling us that this is very much the theme in the old town. She leads us to spots where contemporary glass additions juxtapose centuries-old buildings, such as the “diamond” glass prism of Le Diamant Theatre beside a historic-looking restaurant near Place D’Youville.
We hand off our finished roll of film to Sandrine Camus, Monsieur Jean’s Chief Concierge, who arranges to have the photos developed and sent our way (a lovely surprise to look forward to after returning home). Beyond her impeccable service, Sandrine’s finger is firmly on the pulse of the city. When we asked for a truly Québécois dining experience, one that celebrates the region’s terroir, she suggests Le Clan.
La Vie en Bleu: a cocktail, blueberry cheesecake, and a blue film camera.
Québécois Terroir
That night, we embark on a six-course culinary journey through Québec’s landscape, expertly crafted by Chef Stéphane Modat and his team. Each dish tells a story of place and people, from the ruby-red venison sourced in Pierreville, to the unforgettable seawater bread from Borderon et Fils, so revelatory that my husband makes a detour the next morning to buy two of their other loaves to bring home. Recognized by the Michelin Guide for its commitment to regional cuisine, Le Clan is more than a restaurant; it’s an experience worth savouring.
For a Québécois dining experience celebrating the region’s terroir, Le Clan comes highly recommended.
Spahhhing by the St. Lawrence
If you get a chance, walk through the verdant Plains of Abraham and down the long staircase to the riverfront, where you’ll find the black-clad buildings of Strøm Spa Nordique. Hugging the shores of the St. Lawrence River, there’s no better way to unwind after exploring the city than in one of its many thermal pools or saunas. The full circuit takes two hours and will melt away any stress or sore muscles. We left as if floating on clouds after a locally-sourced lunch that included a salad of local baby shrimps with a green goddess dressing that hit the spot.
A canopy of colourful umbrellas on Rue du Cul-de-Sac in Québec City’s Petit Champlain district.
Wandering the winding, cobblestone streets of Old Québec City, you’ll stumble upon a cellist performing in a sunlit square or an acoustic guitar player/singer; moments that feel like scenes from a European city. Cafés spill onto sidewalks, art galleries and murals adorn hidden corners and centuries-old buildings stand side by side with modern hotels. It’s the charm of Europe, no transatlantic flight required.
Your jet is ready when you are.
Photos courtesy of Mary Luz Mejia & Monsieur Jean • Hôtel Particulier.