The silvery dome of Bonsecours Market can be seen for blocks. It’s a landmark in Old Montreal, and you’ll enjoy shopping, touring, and dining.
We were lured into Bonsecours Market on a rainy Good Friday by a window display of bright yellow umbrellas proclaiming "Merde Il Pleut". I had to have one, and it was mine in short order. The owner of the shop kindly agreed to keep it for me while we finished our exploration of this interesting old marketplace.
The market, built in 1856, is undergoing some extensive renovations. It has been a commercial hall for most of its long life, and at the present time it features a number of indoor shops. It was the perfect destination for our rainy-day tour of the area. The shops have a decidedly Canadian flavor, featuring works of art, jewelry, furniture, and other treasures created by artisans from Montreal and across Canada.
Downstairs are two restaurants, including our favorite, Forget. The upstairs features meeting rooms and will incorporate historic exhibits when the renovations have been completed.
The block of Rue de Saint Paul where the market is located is lively and attractive. The cobblestone street is packed with small shops and restaurants. One of our favorites, directly across the street from the market, was "Senteurs de Provence" featuring natural herbal fragrances, soaps, candles, gift items, and lovely yellow earthenware pottery. "Tant q’il y aura des fleurs" was a florist shop with a difference. Besides the many fresh-cut flowers and plants, you can shop for whimsical pottery and china created by local artisans.
We completed our visit to Bonsecours Market with a visit to the Chapel of Notre Dame de Bonsecours, a short block away. The church is known as the "Sailor’s Church" because of the numerous ship’s models donated by sailors as thank offerings for being saved from shipwrecks. The church was in a state of quiet repose on Good Friday afternoon as it awaited the return of its decorations and flowers for Easter Sunday.