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Not that there’s anything wrong with the fabled Festival Internationale De Jazz De Montréal, nothing at all. But there’s more to the city’s summertime cultural make-up than all that jazz.

In terms of sheer size and scope, no other jazz festival anywhere comes close to Montréal’s aggregation of 3,000 artists form 30 countries. The festival is set this year from June 28 through July 7. If you haven’t already made your plans, hurry.

Can’t travel then, but still want to see this fascinating city? As we said, there’s more to Montréal than jazz this summer.

Consider:

  • This weekend’s Grand Prix du Canada. June 8 – June 10 the world’s fastest Formula 1 automobiles rev it up on Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, attracting tens of thousands of die-hard race fans.
  • Slowing down the pace, and going to a decidedly different place, is Cirque du Soleil’s newest production, Amaluna. Suspend disbelief a bit and immerse yourself in the mythology of a mysterious island, one governed by goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Amaluna honors femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance. The show runs through July 15.
  • Montréal is the epitome on this side of The Pond of all things French – and that includes the music. Les FrancoFolies de Montréal celebrates the best in French music for 10 Francophilic days. On tap are some 70 indoor shows and 180 free outdoor concerts. June 7 – 16 are the dates.

Not to knock Paris, but if you’re in search of French food, French culture and French ambiance, there’s no need to book a trip abroad. A flight to Montréal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport puts you at the doorstep of one of the world’s great French cities and all that it has to offer.

(Image: Manu_H)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the author

Jerry ChandlerJerry Chandler loves window seats – a perch with a 35,000-foot view of it all. His favorite places: San Francisco and London just about any time of year, autumn in Manhattan and the seaside in winter. An award-winning aviation and travel writer for 30 years, his goal is to introduce each of his grandkids to their first flight.

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