Montreal/Quartier Latin-Le Village - district in Ville-Marie borough of Montreal

Quartier Latin-Le Village is in Montreal. It contains the Quartier Latin, Le Village, and Sainte-Marie.

Understand

Quartier Latin

Le Village

Le Village gai (Gay Village, often shortened to Le Village) is the largest gay village in North America, mostly along rue Sainte-Catherine est from rue Saint-Hubert (near metro Berri-UQAM) to avenue Papineau (near metro Papineau). The metro station in the middle of the area, Beaudry, is marked with rainbow pillars. Come to enjoy Montreal's pride celebration, Divers/Cité (last week of July, first week of August), which is the second largest in North America after Toronto's. Then the Montreal Pride Parade event follows in mid-August with more fabulous fun to be had by all attendees.

Canada's contributions to gay rights are widely known, but Quebec was the first province in Canada to pass a non-discrimination law for sexual orientation and to provide same-sex civil unions. Same-sex marriage is legal in Quebec and across Canada; neither residency nor citizenship are required for a marriage licence, but there is a three-week waiting period after you receive the licence. Canadian and Quebec immigration law allow residents to sponsor their same-sex partners or spouses.

Sainte-Marie

Sainte-Marie is a working-class neighbourhood to the east of Le Village. It is notably the home of the Maison Radio-Canada, the radio and television broadcasting headquarters for Radio-Canada, the French language arm of the CBC.

Get in

By metro

The Orange, Green, and Yellow lines all intersect at the Berri-UQAM station, on the south edge of the Quartier. Sherbrooke station, at the north end of the Quartier and the edge of the Plateau (literally--it's a steep walk!) is on the Orange line. Other Green line stations of note are Beaudry (in the middle of the Village), Papineau (at the east end of the Village near Sainte-Marie), and Frontenac (in the middle of Sainte-Marie).

By bus

• Station Centrale d'autobus de Montréal (505 boulevard de Maisonneuve est) is the entry point to Montreal for those arriving by bus from out of the city.

Buses run east to west along Sherbrooke, Ontario, and Sainte-Catherine and north to south on Saint-Denis.

See

• Grande Bibliothèque du Québec, 475 boul de Maisonneuve est (at rue Berri; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.515245°, -73.561932°, +1 514-873-1100. Tu-F 10:00-22:00, Sa Su 10:00-17:00. The inviting, super-modern home to the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, a massive library housing four million works. The building itself is a contemporary style building integrating art and architecture including a glass mural, a kinetic luminous mural, a sculpture garden, and varying museum-style displays in the lower-level gallery. The tiles that cover the outside of the building are made to resemble a closed book. Architectural tours are offered. Free
• Centre de Design UQAM (UQAM design center), 1440 rue Sanguinet (at rue de Boisbriand; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.512914°, -73.561981°, +1 514-987-3395. W-Su 12:00-18:00. Free
• Galerie de l'UQAM (UQAM Gallery), 1400 rue Berri (at rue Sainte-Catherine, Pavillon Judith-Jasmin, Room J-R120; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.51458°, -73.560039°. Tu-Sa 12:00-18:00. Contemporary art exhibits, workshops, lectures, and tours. Free 2015-07-24
• Écomusée du fier monde, 2050 rue Amherst (between rue Ontario and rue Sherbrooke; metro Sherbrooke or Beaudry), 45.520331°, -73.563646°. A museum focused on the industrial and working-class history of Montreal (the name literally translates to Ecomuseum of the Proud People), particularly of the surrounding Centre-Sud district (basically the modern-day Le Village and Sainte-Marie neighborhoods). The museum is housed in the Bain Genereux, a 1920s art deco former indoor public pool. Note that unlike most Montreal museums, the exhibits here are only described in French.

Do

• Cinémathèque québecoise, 335 boul de Maisonneuve est (between rue Sanguinet and rue Saint-Denis; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.51383°, -73.562662°, +1 514-842-9763. Tu-Su regular showing 17:00, exhibition hall Tu-F 11:00-20:00 and Sa Su 16:00-20:00. Modern theater complex with 17-screens (most shows in French only), cafe, restaurant and bar. Exhibitions free; film screenings $8 adults, $7 seniors (65+)/students, $5 children (6-15), free for children 5 and under
• Cinéma Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin, 350 rue Émery (between rue Sanguinet and rue Saint-Denis; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.514489°, -73.563547°, +1 514-849-2244. Showcases mostly mainstream Hollywood films, all dubbed in French. $11.75 general admission, $8.25 children and seniors
• Théâtre Saint-Denis, 1594 rue Saint-Denis (between rue Émery and boul de Maisonneuve; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.514629°, -73.562879°, +1 514-849-4211. Performing arts centre with two halls.
• Maison de la culture Frontenac, 2550 rue Ontario est (between rue Frontenac and rue du Havre; metro Frontenac, bus 85, 94, 125, or 185), 45.532906°, -73.551665°, +1 514-872-7882. Tu-Th 13:00-19:00, F-Su 13:00-17:00. Cultural centre in Sainte-Marie. Many free shows. Music, dance, cinema, theatre, etc.

Buy

• Chlorophylle Montréal, 1567 rue Saint-Denis (at boul de Maisonneuve; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.51467°, -73.562198°, +1 514-845-1712. M Tu 10:00-18:00, W-F 10:00-21:00, Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 11:00-17:00. One of two flagship 'concept stores' for Quebec-based outdoor clothing company with shirts, coats, and pants for men, women and children. Their environmentalism even extends to their dressing room-- made out of recycled barn sheds from Northern Quebec.
• Boutique Woodstock, 2080B rue Saint-Denis (between rue Sherbrooke and rue Ontario; metro Sherbrooke), 45.516373°, -73.566511°, +1 514-842-9562. One of the many head-shops along Saint-Denis with all your 'smoking accessories' as well as hemp products including shirts, jeans, bags, and cosmetics.

Eat

The Latin Quartier is packed two and three stories deep with budget and mid-ranged restaurants catering to students and tourists. The quality can be all over the place, but the portions usually generous. Beer is more common than wine and be sure to check if the mid and high-end place you're dining at is BYOB (Apportez Votre Vins).

Budget

• Chez Gatsé, 317 rue Ontario est (at rue Sanguinet; metro Sherbrooke or Berri-UQAM), 45.515121°, -73.56572°, +1 514-985-2494. M-Th 11:30-14:30 and 17:30-22:00, F 11:30-14:30 and 17:30-22:30, Sa 17:30-22:30, Su 17:00-22:00. Set just below eye level, one of Montreal's only Tibetan restaurants offers momos (Tibetan dumplings), butter-tea, as well as exotic vegetarian and meat dishes spiced with ginger, garlic, and peppers. In the summer there's a shady terrace in the back. Mains $5-9, set meal $6.50 lunch/$7.50 dinner
• Comptoir 21, 1117 Saint Catherine East, 45.517859°, -73.556984°, +1 514-507-3474. M-F 11:30-23:00, Sa Su 12:00-23:00. The fish and chips restaurant offers delicious fresh fishes. One can sit outisde on the street in the middle of the Gay Village.
• Juliette Et Chocolat, 1615 rue Saint-Denis (between boul de Maisonneuve and rue Ontario; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.514963°, -73.56278°, +1 514-287-3555. Su-Th 11:00-23:00, F Sa 11:00-00:00. While the wafting scent of chocolate may be the main draw to this chocolateria-cum-bistro, they also offer a selection of savory buckwheat crepes, soups, and salads. Quiet during the day, things pick up in the evening when everyone stops by for coffee, fresh ice cream and coffee and, of course, gourmet chocolate to eat on the spot or take away.
• Villa Frontenac, 2563 rue Ontario est (at rue Frontenac; metro Frontenac, bus 85, 94, 125, or 185), 45.533248°, -73.552679°, +1 514-521-4233. Sainte-Marie diner with a large variety of plates (local, Italian, Greek, American, fast food, etc.). Breakfast $3, dinner $6
• Restaurant Bercy, 2600 rue Ontario est (between rue du Havre and rue Bercy; metro Frontenac, bus 85, 94, 125, or 185), 45.533668°, -73.551115°, +1 514-525-9341. Cheap diner food in a strip mall in Sainte-Marie. Breakfast $3, dinner $7

Mid-range

• Au Petit Extra, 1690 rue Ontario est (at ave Papineau; metro Papineau, bus 45 or 125), 45.525555°, -73.559422°, +1 514-527-5552. Lunch: M-F 11:30-14:30; dinner: M-W 17:30-22:00, Th-Sa 17:30-22:30, Su 17:30-21:30. Exquisite French bistro cuisine at reasonable price, relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is very popular with locals. Excellent selection of wines.
• Brioche Lyonnaise, 1593 rue Saint-Denis (between boul de Maisonneuve and rue Ontario; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.514837°, -73.562533°, +1 514-842-7017. A popular, reasonably-priced eatery, it can get crowded at times. Sandwiches, crepes.
• Les 3 Brasseurs (The 3 Brewers), 1660 rue Saint-Denis (at rue Émery; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.514978°, -73.563566°, +1 514-845-1660. Su-W 11:30-00:00; Th 11:30-01:00, F Sa 11:30-02:00. Two terraces and four beers micro-brewed on site have made this upscale pub a popular place for dinner and lunch. Usual pub-fare with a European angle.
• Mikado, 1731 rue Saint-Denis (between rue Ontario and boul de Maisonneuve; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.515704°, -73.564427°, +1 514-844-5705. Sushi, tempura, and other Japanese favorites.

Splurge

Drink

Quartier Latin

• Pub Sainte-Élisabeth, 1412 rue Sainte-Élisabeth (between rue Sainte-Catherine and rue de Boisbriand; metro Saint-Laurent), 45.512309°, -73.562217°, +1 514-286-4302. M-F 16:00-03:00, Sa-Su 18:00-03:00. Best terrasse for a drink. Feels like a greenhouse.
• Foufounes Électriques, 87 rue Sainte-Catherine est (between rue Saint-Dominique and rue de Bullion; metro Saint-Laurent), 45.510954°, -73.563053°, +1 514-844-5539. Daily 15:00-03:00. The name is a never-ending source of comedy for Montrealers and visitors alike, chiefly because of the stark difference in meaning between the French and French-Canadian interpretations of the term "foufounes." To locals, i.e. French-Canadians, the term is simply an endearing reference to one's posterior. However, to the French, the term is a rather explicit reference to female genitalia, which is always worth a few laughs, especially with the "electric" adjective attached. But "les Foufs," as it's called by locals, is more than just a funny name: it's ground zero for Montreal's rock-and-roll scene. The cavernous bar hosts shows from local bands as well as lots of touring shows from around the globe. Reasonable prices and a down-to-earth attitude make Foufounes popular with residents and visitors alike. $3 draft beer, $4 well drinks
• {{drink | name=Bar Le Saint-Sulpice | alt= | url=http://lesaintsulpice.ca (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=1680 rue Saint-Denis | lat=45.5150 | long=-73.563866 | directions=between rue Émery and rue Ontario; metro Berri-UQAM | phone=+1 514-844-9458 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 14:00-03:00, Sa Su 15:00-03:00 | price= | content=A large bar with three floors, each with a separate vibe. If the weather is nice, you should sit in the sprawling patio in the back. }}
• L'Amère à Boire, 2049 rue Saint-Denis (between rue Ontario and rue Sherbrooke; metro Sherbrooke), 45.516448°, -73.566071°, +1 514-282-7448. Sa-W 14:00-03:00, Th F 12:00-03:00. Fine brew pub in the Quartier Latin, the beer is consistently good. On the menu: lagers and ales inspired from Czech, German, and English styles. Nice decor with wooden tables.
• Le Cheval Blanc, 809 rue Ontario est (between rue Saint-Hubert and rue Saint-Christophe; metro Sherbrooke), 45.518188°, -73.564274°, +1 514-522-0211. 15:00-03:00 daily. Good brewpub located a few blocks East of busy rue Saint-Denis.
• Cafe Hookah, 1699 rue Saint-Denis (between rue Ontario and boul de Maisonneuve; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.515478°, -73.563947°, +1 514-287-7266. Summer: 13:00-03:00 daily; rest of year: Su-Tu 13:00-01:00, W 13:00-02:00, Th-Sa 13:00-03:00. Smoking fruit-flavoured tobacco in an Arabic water pipe, while sipping a Grand Marnier is a fine way to spend the evening. A pipe is $6.50, you can smoke it alone or share it with a few people. They won't replace the coal though, so a pipe doesn't last very long, but they justify this by saying it makes it (comparatively) cheap to sample lots of flavours from their extensive menu.
• {{drink | name=Le Saint Bock | alt= | url=http://www.lesaintbock.com (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=1749 rue Saint-Denis | lat=45.515809 | long=-73.564604 | directions=at rue Ontario; metro Berri-UQAM | phone=+1 514-680-8052 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$6.75 a pint | content=A brewpub having 20 beers on tap at all times: the pub's beers (usually 7 of them), plus beers from all around Quebec (usually 13 of them). Nice selection of privatelly imported beers from all around the world. Food is good with some nice touches of originality (have "the Graal") for reasonable prices. It may get loud during the night, and it is fully crowded on game nights — don't even think about watching a play-off game there. }}

Le Village

• Unity, 1171 rue Sainte-Catherine est (at rue Montcalm; metro Beaudry, bus 14 or 15), 45.518346°, -73.55649°, +1 514-523-2777. F 21:30-03:00, Sa 22:00-03:00. The dance club in the village with a male erotic dancers downstairs. Free admission on F before 22:30 and Sa before 23:00
• Sky, 1474 rue Sainte-Catherine est (between rue Dalcourt and rue Alexandre-de-Sève; metro Beaudry or Papineau, bus 15 or 45), 45.520949°, -73.553754°, +1 514-529-6969. Daily 12:00-03:00. Great roof bar with several floors to enjoy.
• Le Stud Bar, 1812 rue Sainte-Catherine est (at ave Papineau; metro Papineau, bus 10, 15, 34, 45, or 150), 45.522595°, -73.552091°, +1 514 598-8243. Daily 15:00-03:00. Caters to leather and manly bear clientèle, though not exclusively leather.
• Aigle Noir (Black Eagle), 1315 rue Sainte-Catherine est (between rue de la Visitation and rue Panet; metro Beaudry, bus 15), 45.519602°, -73.555302°, +1 514-529-0040. Caters mostly to a male leather clientèle.
• Cabaret Mado, 1115 rue Sainte-Catherine est (between rue Wolfe and rue Amherst; metro Beaudry, bus 14 or 15), 45.51779°, -73.557008°, +1 514-525-7566. Daily 15:00-03:00. A drag show with outrageous spectacles every night, run by the city's chief drag queen, Mado Lamotte.

Sleep

The Latin Quarter has the highest density of budget and mid-ranged accommodations in the city.

Budget

• Auberge de Paris Youth Hostel, 847 rue Sherbrooke est (at rue Saint-André; metro Sherbrooke), 45.519752°, -73.566455°, +1 514-522-6124. Mixed, male, and female dorms available. Private rooms also available. Female dorm rooms have private bathrooms for exclusive use. Note that the reception desk is at 901 rue Sherbrooke est, inside the Hotel de Paris (see below). Dorms $23+, private rooms $84+
• Armor Manoir Sherbrooke, 157 rue Sherbrooke est (at rue de Bullion; metro Sherbrooke), 45.514164°, -73.569005°, +1 514-845-0915. $100-150
• Auberge Montréal Espace Confort, 2050 rue Saint-Denis (between rue Ontario and rue Sherbrooke; metro Sherbrooke), 45.516145°, -73.5661°, +1 514-849-0505, info@montrealespaceconfort.com. Private room with bathroom and small kitchen. $80-150
• {{sleep | name=Hotel du Manoir St-Denis | alt= | url=http://www.manoirstdenis.com (dead link: December 2020) | email=hotel@manoirstdenis.com | address= | lat=45.51585 | long=-73.565529 | directions=at rue Ontario; metro Sherbrooke or Berri-UQAM | phone=+1 514-843-3670 | tollfree=+1-888-867-7654 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$49-68 | content=A clean, modern, comfortable room with color cable TV, telephone, air conditioning, hair dryer, fridge, private bathroom, continental breakfast, and high speed wireless internet. }}
• Hotel Viger Bed & Breakfast, 1001 rue Saint-Hubert (at ave Viger; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.513516°, -73.554358°, +1 514-845-6058, reserve@hotel-viger.com. A clean modern, comfortable room with color cable-TV, telephone, air conditioning, hair dryer, fridge, private bathroom, continental breakfast and high speed wireless internet. $47-68
• Le Jazz St Denis Hotel, 329 rue Ontario est (at ave Joly; metro Sherbrooke), 45.51526°, -73.565669°, +1 514-448-4848. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Backpackers hostel in Montreal's Latin Quarter. Free wifi, free bagels, and free coffee all day. Has budget and deluxe private rooms as well as standard dormitories. $17-125
• Le Simone, 1571 rue Saint-André, 45.51730°, -73.55984°, +1 514-524-2002, info@lesimone.com. Friendly Bed and Breakfast with great breakfast, especially on weekends. $80
• Addresse du Centre-Ville, 1673 Saint-Christophe street, 45.51746°, -73.56164°, +1 514-528-9516, info@aladresseducentreville.com. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 23:00. 2017-06-26

Mid-range

• Atmosphère, 1933 rue Panet (at rue Ontario; metro Beaudry, bus 125), 45.522851°, -73.560798°, +1 514-510-7976, info@atmospherebb.com. Bed and breakfast offers private rooms with shared bathroom. Gourmet three-course breakfast included. $85-225
• Hotel de Paris, 901 rue Sherbrooke est (at rue Saint-André; metro Sherbrooke), 45.520075°, -73.566345°, +1 514-522-6861. Private bathrooms, cable TV, telephone, air-conditioning. $75 (single room, seasonal; suites $175)
• Hotel Lord Berri, 1199 rue Berri (between boul René-Lévesque and rue Sainte-Catherine; metro Berri-UQAM), 45.51411°, -73.557926°, +1 514-845-9236, info@lordberri.com. All rooms come with air conditioning, cable TV, and free wireless internet. Choice of rooms with shared bath in the hall or suites with private path. $119+

Connect

Go next

Related Wikipedia article: Gay Village, Montreal

Related Wikipedia article: Sainte-Marie, Montreal