For Francization Groups: De la Cité au Piedmont

New activity!

From spring to fall, we’re offering a discovery walk for francization groups in partnership with the Musée des Hospitalières de l'Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal. This activity is designed for learners with an intermediate-level knowledge of French.

The outing includes a visit to the Musée des Hospitalières in the company of one of the museum’s guides, followed by a guided walk through the heart of the forest with a naturalist from Les Amis de la montagne.

The museum visit allows participants to discover the heritage of the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, the city’s first and only hospital until 1822. Founded in 1645 by Jeanne Mance, the hospital is intrinsically linked to the founding of the city itself. During this visit, learners explore the history of Montreal and its health system up to the time when the Hôtel-Dieu was moved from its original location in Old Montreal to its current home at the foot of Mount Royal.

The visit is followed by a discovery walk on the mountain’s eastern slope. Here, learners explore Mount Royal Park’s forest, as well as its flora and fauna. They also learn more about the history of the park and the challenges it has faced from its creation to the present day. In this way, participants deepen their understanding of Mount Royal’s cultural and natural heritage while enjoying a simulating, immersive experience in an exceptional, natural setting. 

Our pedagogical approach includes discovering the history of the Hôtel-Dieu until 1861, learning about medicine through the centuries and the mission of the Hospitalières—the nuns who pioneered health and medical care in Montreal, exploring an urban forest and listening in French, while asking questions and engaging in discussion. 

This activity contributes to the learners’ integration process by increasing their knowledge of the following topics (included in the Québec Government’s 2015 Programme d’études Francisation [francization studies program]):

• Rules of conduct in parks

• The history of Montreal and its health care institutions

• Cultural organizations (Les Amis de la montagne and the Musée des Hospitalières).

 

Starting point: Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, 201, Avenue des Pins Ouest

End point: Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier (Mount Royal Park/Avenue du Parc)

Duration: 3 h

Distance: Approximately 3.5 km

Availability: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Rate: Upon request 

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

View our other guided walk for francization groups: La boucle du sommet

 

Photo : Linda Knicely