Your stay — Auberge du Papillon Bleu
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The Property — Auberge du Papillon Bleu
The Auberge du Papillon Bleu is a modest, family-run three-star in Old Quebec's Upper Town, a short walk from the Château Frontenac. Its lobby mixes exposed stone walls with worn leather armchairs and a small wood-burning stove — understated Quebecois charm, not polished. The USP is the free afternoon tea and homemade pastries, and a rooftop terrace with direct views of the St Lawrence. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want a central base with character, not luxury.
Chronicles of Quebec
Quebec City was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain as a fur-trading post, making it one of North America's oldest European settlements. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, is the only fortified city north of Mexico, with 4.6km of ramparts. The architecture is a mix of 17th-century French colonial stone buildings and 19th-century British garrison structures. Today, the city balances its heritage with a vibrant arts scene and a proud French-speaking identity that feels distinctly European in North America.
Best Time to Visit
Full Quebec guide →Best months
September and October for mild temperatures (15-20°C), fall foliage, and smaller crowds post-summer. June also works well for long daylight hours and outdoor festivals.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak tourist month, driven by the Festival d'Été de Québec (July 9-20, 2026), which brings 1M+ attendees. Hotel rates can double; book the Papillon Bleu six months ahead or expect limited availability.
Budget shoulder season
May and late September offer rates 30-40% lower than July, with temperatures 10-18°C, fewer crowds at key sites like Citadelle and Montmorency Falls, and no peak-season disclaimers.
Weather & packing
Quebec City's climate has sudden temperature swings — a 28°C sunny day can drop to 12°C with rain by evening. Pack layers: a waterproof shell, a mid-layer fleece, and closed-toe walking shoes regardless of forecast.
Live City Briefing — Quebec
- The Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) has rerouted bus 800 to avoid Rue Saint-Jean during summer pedestrian hours until September; check the RTC app for stops near the hotel.
- The Plains of Abraham will host the 2026 Festival d'Été de Québec (July 9-20) — expect street closures and amplified noise along Grande Allée; the Papillon Bleu is six blocks north, usually quiet with windows closed.
- The Château Frontenac's Dufferin Terrace boardwalk is under partial renovation until August 2026, but the main viewing platform and funicular to Quartier Petit Champlain remain open.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Auberge du Papillon Bleu, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third floor (top floor) facing the rear garden. These are the quietest, with less foot traffic and street noise from Rue Sainte-Marguerite. The garden wing is stairs-only (two steps), so if stairs are an issue, stick to the main building upper floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor directly facing Rue Sainte-Marguerite, as street noise from vehicles and pedestrians will be loudest there. Also avoid rooms next to the lift (likely near the front) for lift vibration and chatter.
Best views
Rooms at the rear offer garden views, a green contrast to the dense city blocks. Front-facing rooms overlook Rue Sainte-Marguerite's historic townhouses—nice but compromised by noise. No river or landmark views given the address.
Quietest floors
Third floor (top floor) is quietest. Second floor is acceptable if facing the garden. Rear garden wing is quiet but has two steps—mention if you can manage stairs.
🔊 Noise notes
Rue Sainte-Marguerite is a narrow, cobblestone street in Vieux-Québec, busy with pedestrians and occasional delivery trucks until late evening (bars nearby). The small lift hums to the third floor; avoid rooms adjacent to the lift shaft. Street parking is free after 21:00 and weekends, but expect traffic from people circling for spots.
Insider tips
Park at Stationnement du Vieux-Québec (150 Rue Saint-Joseph, CAD 25/night)—book online in summer to avoid sell-out. Bring a wired device or laptop for work: free Wi-Fi is 10 Mbps, fine for browsing but not streaming. Request a rear garden room when booking and confirm garden wing vs. main building to manage stairs.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Auberge du Papillon Bleu
Free basic Wi-Fi (up to 10 Mbps); premium tier CAD 12/day (up to 60 Mbps). Login via room number and surname, no time limits
Small lift serves all three floors, but the rear garden wing is stairs-only (two steps up and down)
Complimentary PressReader access at lobby tablet; no printed papers. The building dates from 1856 and retains original pine floors and a spiral staircase in the east wing
Check-in from 15:00, early bag-drop from 10:00; late check-out until 14:00 for CAD 40, subject to availability
Complimentary locked luggage room on ground floor; no time limit
Step-free entry via side ramp; lift to all rooms; no rooms with roll-in shower — bathtub only in standard rooms. Not recommended for wheelchair users due to 70 cm door widths
No on-site parking. Nearest public garage: Stationnement du Vieux-Québec (150 Rue Saint-Joseph), CAD 25/night; street parking free after 21:00 and on weekends (CAD 3.50/hr Mon–Sat 08:00–21:00). No EV charging on site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CAD 3.50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: First night non-refundable deposit due at booking; CAD 100 incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Carrefour Saint-Augustin — 2.4 km · ~30 min walk
Parc Place Portneuf — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banque Nationale — 989 m · ~12 min walk
Pharmacie Brunet — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Canadian Dollar, CAD
ATMs are the easiest and give fair rates; avoid exchange desks at Québec City airport or tourist areas — they charge high fees and poor rates.
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless; mobile pay works in most shops and restaurants. Keep some cash for small markets and local festivals.
Restaurants: 15–20% before tax. Taxis: round up or 10%. Hotel porters: $2–3 per bag. No tipping in bars unless table service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A regular drip coffee at a café around $2.50–3.00 CAD.
A bowl of soup or a sandwich at a boulangerie or pub lunch menu, about $12–15 CAD.
A main at a casual bistro or poutine joint: $15–20 CAD.
Poutine stands and food trucks near Old Québec and along Grand Allée; also maple taffy in winter on Rue du Trésor.
Provigo and Metro are the common mid-range supermarkets; Super C for better budget prices.
Simons, a local department store, offers affordable basics; also check the Galeries de la Capitale mall for chain outlets.
RTC bus day pass $8.80 CAD (valid on all buses and the ferry to Lévis). From the airport, the RTC bus 78/80 to downtown costs the regular fare ($3.75) — much cheaper than a taxi ($30+).
Buy a museum pass (e.g. combo for Musée de la Civilisation + others). Eat a big lunch and take picnic supplies from Marché du Vieux-Port. Walk or bike instead of taxis — Québec City is compact and walkable.
Good to know — Quebec
Type A/B · 120V
safe
$1 ≈ C$1.42 · CAD
Emergency Contacts
QuebecWhere to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Quebec, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Auberge du Papillon Bleu
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banque Nationale — 989 m · ~12 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacie Brunet — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) → Chauveau Ouest & St-Louis
💡 Get off at St-Louis & Chauveau Ouest, then walk 6 minutes. Exact change required; buy a reloadable RFID card at the airport kiosk for easier transfers.
Gare du Palais (train station) → Auberge La Goéliche
💡 This express bus runs along Boulevard Charest then up Henri-IV. Sit on the left side for river views near the end. Off-peak runs can be 10 min late.
Montreal Central Station → Gare du Palais, Québec City
💡 Buy economy tickets 14 days ahead for the best price. From Gare du Palais, catch RTC #801 or take a 20-min Uber to the hotel.
Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) → Auberge La Goéliche
💡 Book a flat-rate taxi through the airport's official booth to avoid surge pricing. Tipping 10–15% is standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Auberge du Papillon Bleu?
Request a room on the third floor (top floor) facing the rear garden. These are the quietest, with less foot traffic and street noise from Rue Sainte-Marguerite. The garden wing is stairs-only (two steps), so if stairs are an issue, stick to the main building upper floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Auberge du Papillon Bleu?
Avoid rooms on the first floor directly facing Rue Sainte-Marguerite, as street noise from vehicles and pedestrians will be loudest there. Also avoid rooms next to the lift (likely near the front) for lift vibration and chatter.
Is Auberge du Papillon Bleu noisy?
Rue Sainte-Marguerite is a narrow, cobblestone street in Vieux-Québec, busy with pedestrians and occasional delivery trucks until late evening (bars nearby). The small lift hums to the third floor; avoid rooms adjacent to the lift shaft. Street parking is free after 21:00 and weekends, but expect traffic from people circling for spots.
Which rooms have the best views at Auberge du Papillon Bleu?
Rooms at the rear offer garden views, a green contrast to the dense city blocks. Front-facing rooms overlook Rue Sainte-Marguerite's historic townhouses—nice but compromised by noise. No river or landmark views given the address.
What are insider tips for staying at Auberge du Papillon Bleu?
Park at Stationnement du Vieux-Québec (150 Rue Saint-Joseph, CAD 25/night)—book online in summer to avoid sell-out. Bring a wired device or laptop for work: free Wi-Fi is 10 Mbps, fine for browsing but not streaming. Request a rear garden room when booking and confirm garden wing vs. main building to manage stairs.
What time is check-in at Auberge du Papillon Bleu?
Check-in at Auberge du Papillon Bleu is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Auberge du Papillon Bleu have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (up to 10 Mbps); premium tier CAD 12/day (up to 60 Mbps). Login via room number and surname, no time limits
Is there a city or tourist tax at Auberge du Papillon Bleu?
CAD 3.50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Auberge du Papillon Bleu?
A bowl of soup or a sandwich at a boulangerie or pub lunch menu, about $12–15 CAD.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Auberge du Papillon Bleu?
RTC bus day pass $8.80 CAD (valid on all buses and the ferry to Lévis). From the airport, the RTC bus 78/80 to downtown costs the regular fare ($3.75) — much cheaper than a taxi ($30+).
When is the best time to visit Quebec?
September and October for mild temperatures (15-20°C), fall foliage, and smaller crowds post-summer. June also works well for long daylight hours and outdoor festivals.
Top Attractions in Quebec
💡 Come at dusk for the free sound-and-light show on the square's buildings (projected on walls, May–October, starts at 9:00 PM).
💡 Visit on a free Sunday but get there by 10:00—queue forms fast. The permanent First Peoples exhibition is top-notch.
💡 Skip the main tourist drag on Rue Saint-Jean—cut into the side alleys like Rue des Jardins for quieter spots and cheaper cafes.
💡 Go early morning to avoid crowds and see the mist over the St. Lawrence. Free guided tours run in summer but you need to book online.
💡 Take the 800 bus from downtown (€3.50) instead of a tour. Walk down the staircase on the east side—less crowded and better photos. Free to enter the park.