You are at the Château Frontenac. You have toured Old Quebec within the walls, walked on the ramparts, taken the photos. And now you want a good coffee. Not a counter coffee. A real one.

FROM THE CHÂTEAU TO PETIT-CHAMPLAIN: FIVE MINUTES ON FOOT

The Dufferin terrace runs along the Château Frontenac towards the river. At its end, the Faubourg stairs or the funicular take you directly down to the Petit Champlain district. Five minutes, maybe seven if you take your time. Carrera Café is on the left at the bottom.

WHY THIS STOP IS A MUST

Because the coffee served here has nothing to do with what you find in the big chains of Old Quebec. The beans are selected, the extraction is calibrated every morning, and the baristas know what they're doing. It's the difference between a break and an experience.

THE TERRACE WITH A RIVER VIEW

In good weather, settle on the terrace. Boulevard Champlain, the Saint Lawrence in the background, the murmur of the city continuing without you: that's exactly it, a good coffee in a good place. Hard to do better in Quebec City.