Robert Surcouf and Québec

Enjoy the beautiful Place du Québec with its white and blue flags floating in the French sky, and admire the view over the bay. At the center stands a bronze statue of Robert Surcouf, boldly pointing towards the English Enemy! A true sailor from the age of 13, and a corsair captain, aka privateer, by the age of 22, Surcouf earned the nickname “King of Corsairs.” When provoked by a Royal Navy officer who claimed the French fought for money while the English fought for honor, Surcouf had a quick-witted response: “It is true, Sir. Everyone fights for what they don’t have!” As you leave the square, you’ll spot the House of Quebec. There’s a strong bond between Quebec and Saint-Malo, the birthplace of Jacques Cartier, the renowned navigator who first explored the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence and named the new land Canada. The House of Quebec was established by the Quebec government to foster a deeper connection between the French and the Quebecois. Who would have thought your visit to Saint-Malo would take you across the Atlantic? After exploring the garden, head down “Rue des champs vauverts” to climb back up the ramparts. The access is near the door of the same name.