The Church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (Our Lady of Victories) is one of the oldest in Canada and a modest nod to Québec’s long history. It was built over the first settlement of Québec 80 years after the city was founded. Samuel de Champlain laid the foundations for the city here in 1608.
The circle of dark stones in the ground at the front of the church is a remnant of Champlain’s settlement. Inspect the stones and then look up to take in the humble façade. The church was almost destroyed in 1759 during the siege of Québec. It was rebuilt and then remodelled again in the mid-19th century, when much of the interior you see today was built.
Many visitors come to admire the décor inside and the artworks that adorn the walls. Look down the sides of the altar to see late 19th-century frescoes that tell the story of the church and the history of the city. Study 19th-century paintings by French priests Jean-Philippe and Louis-Joseph-Louis Desjardin and a reproduction of Van Dyck’s famous artwork, Christ en Croix (Crucifixion).
The fortress-like shape of the altar is meant to symbolise the two victories by the French over British forces, the first in 1690 and then in 1711.
Look up to see the Brézé, a replica of a ship that hangs from the ceiling. The original ship carried French troops to Canada in 1664 to push the British out of the colonies.
Explore the side chapel to see treasures such as a wooden altarpiece that’s coated in gold leaf. This room is dedicated to the patron saint of Paris, St. Genevieve, who is depicted in paintings by artists Théophile Hamel and Carle Van Loo.
Enter the Church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires from Place-Royale in the Lower Town. It’s easy to get the church on foot from anywhere in the old centre or by bus.
The church is open every day. Opening hours and mass times vary depending on the time of year. Check the Notre-Dame de Québec website for up-to-date information before your visit.
