Once, artisans shaped the very fabric of Montreal. Parc des Meubliers stands as a tribute to them. This park is located in the Sud-Ouest borough. More precisely it lies in the Petite-Bourgogne neighborhood on Notre-Dame Street.
Parc des Meubliers got its name in 1993. This was in honor of the 19th-century artisans. They were concentrated in this area of the city. In 1871 Quebec had 209 furniture manufacturing companies. 8% of them were in Montreal. These companies accounted for 34% of the furniture production.
Montreal has a rich history beyond furniture making. Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada. It is the largest in Quebec. Montreal is known as very European. It has many cafes restaurants festivals and events. Montreal is the fourth-largest French-speaking city in the world. Most Montrealers are bilingual. Many even speak a third language.
The Port of Montreal is the largest inland port in the world. It replaces the historic Old Port of Montreal. Montreal is the second-largest media center in Canada. It is the most important center of French-language media. Roughly 67% of Montrealers speak French as their mother tongue.
Montreal has 21 major parks. Mount Royal Park is the largest. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. He also designed Central Park in New York City. In French Montreal is pronounced with a silent t.
Montreal is only 45 km from the US border. Some common nicknames for Montreal are The 514. This refers to the telephone code. Others are The City of Saints and Paris of North America. The official motto of Montreal is Concordia Salus. It means well-being through harmony.
The Montreal flag shows a red heraldic cross. It represents Christianity. A white pine at its center represents First Nations. In the corners are a Fleur-de-lys rose shamrock and thistle. These represent the French English Irish and Scottish.
Montreal hosts more than 18000 foreign students each year. They come from over 150 countries. John Lennon’s song Give Peace a Chance was written in Montreal.
Parc des Meubliers offers a space for relaxation. It lets you take in the natural scenery. You can also enjoy outdoor activities. It has a picnic area. The park once hosted Salvador Dali’s Space Elephant for two years in 2017.
So as you relax here consider the hands that shaped this city. Parc des Meubliers stands as a reminder. It honors the legacy of Montreal’s furniture artisans.