You know that feeling when all is right with the world? Yes, that one we don’t often get but when we do, we appreciate it in our very soul … Well, I had one of those moments sipping a vodka cocktail in the divinely decadent surroundings of the Chateau Frontenac Hotel in historic Quebec City, Canada.

Vodka cocktail at Le Chateau Frontenac

The bar, reminiscent of an English Gentlemen’s Club with big leather sofas and high-backed armchairs, has been renamed the 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar – a VERY mundane name for such opulent surroundings IMO.  Le Rene Levesque Cocktail is made with top quality vodka and chicoutai, which is a tasty little cloudberry liquor. A couple of these little zingers will make you pleasantly at peace with the world. I suspect three would probably knock you out.

Annick brings the cocktail

Annick, smartly attired in natty waistcoast and gold tie, explained that the cocktail was named after René Lévesque, premier of Quebec province. I had spent a delicious day eating out in Quebec City so I was ready to unwind and relax for the evening. Le Chateau Frontenac was directly opposite the charming Auberge Place d’Armes, where I was staying, so it wasn’t far to totter for cocktail hour …

Chateau Frontenac at night

This was my first time to visit Canada. I’d already had a couple of days in Montreal and was now enjoying exploring this intriguing city, crammed full of fascinating places to visit and things to do. Compact, friendly and easy to get round, it’s a joy for tourists, and the French language adds a quirky familiarity to those of us from Europe.

Quebec City and Le Chateau Frontenac

That hour spent watching the St Lawrence River flow darkly past the Chateau Frontenac windows as I sipped my cocktail stays with me as a perfect little moment in time…