“I love staying in the Lower Old Town, especially around the Old Port,” says Cat Lapointe, a travel adviser for the Canadian tour operator Entrée Destinations who has deep family ties to the area (the Lapointes settled in Quebec City in the 17th century). “It’s the most historic part, less busy than the Upper Old Town [near Chateau Frontenac and accessible by a funicular or stairs], and has a ton of restaurants and some great hotels.” Among the latter: Auberge Saint-Antoine (from about $450 a night) and Hotel Le Germain (from about $270 a night), two warmly decorated inns fashioned out of historic buildings. At Auberge Saint-Antoine, centuries-old artifacts that were found beneath the hotel are displayed throughout, and around the corner is Musée de la Civilisation, which is dedicated to the history of the city.
A mile-long walk along the riverbank leads to the Strøm Nordic Spa, where you can book any number of treatments, or get a day pass to hang out in the waterfront pools (from about $60). For an extra splash of indulgence, ask Lapointe to plan your entire itinerary — prices start at $540 per day, per person, and include accommodations and private tours. Of the many day-trip destinations, the standout is Île d’Orléans. Across a bridge from downtown Quebec City, it’s an exceptionally pretty agricultural region where visitors hop from farm to farm. One of Lapointe’s favorites is Cassis Monna & Filles, a fifth-generation black currant farm and cassis producer now run by two sisters, who also oversee the on-site restaurant and dairy bar: “You can get black currant liqueur or ice cream, or liqueur on your ice cream. Why choose?”
“Last summer was a thermostatic nightmare. I went to Biarritz, where the temperature hovered between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, the French don’t believe in air-conditioning, or, apparently, fans! Any suggestions for a European destination with warm sea temperatures, common air-conditioning and not a crazy party atmosphere? I’ll be traveling solo for two weeks.” Veronica, Milton, Mass.; budget: $2,000
As someone who just spent a week wilting through a record heat wave in London, I feel your pain. So does Laura May Todd, the Canada-born, Milan-based design writer whom I emailed asking for advice on your behalf. “I think she needs to go to a Greek island!” Laura wrote back without hesitation. Why not Italy instead? “There just isn’t enough prime coastline for the number of people who want to go to the beach, especially in August, whereas Greece has so much more real estate when it comes to beaches,” she told me.
