Robert Surcouf and Québec

Take a moment to enjoy lovely Quebec Square, with its white and blue flags fluttering in the French sky, and the sweeping view across the bay. In the center stands Robert Surcouf in bronze, dramatically pointing toward the English enemy. He became a sailor at thirteen and a privateer captain at twenty-two, earning the simple but formidable nickname: the King of the Corsairs. A Royal Navy officer once taunted him by saying that the French fought only for money, while the English fought for honor. Surcouf’s reply was instant: “Quite right, sir. Each fights for what he lacks.” A fine comeback, to say the least. As you leave the square, you’ll see the Maison du Québec. Strong ties of friendship connect Quebec and Saint-Malo, the birthplace of Jacques Cartier. It was this celebrated navigator who first explored the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and named the newly discovered land Canada. The Maison du Québec was made available by the government of Quebec to help people in France discover and appreciate Quebec. Not everyone expects a visit to Saint-Malo to come with a transatlantic connection. At the exit of the garden, head down Rue des Champs Vauverts and then back up onto the ramparts. The access point is beside the gate of the same name.