he French are renowned for taking it easy during the summer months; just try to find a Parisian in Paris in August. Similarly, a New France epicenter, Old Montreal, is giving automobiles a summertime break.

Nothing wrecks a cobblestone meander like getting hit by a car. A recent decision by the City of Montreal should limit vehicular dangers in Old Montreal. Last week, the city announced that it would close portions of Notre Dame and St. Paul Streets starting June 15th. It is hoped that the sudden move will reduce congestion, fumes, and freneticism in the highly dense neighbourhood.

Throughout the summertime, hordes of wanderers descend on Vieux Montreal, staying at a variety of posh hotels, enjoying haute cuisine, refined shopping and, most of all, a-pied exploration. The seasonal ad hoc pedestrian mall will allow strollers to enjoy the neighbourhood peacefully, without the near-perpetual tumult of Montreal road wars. Like the smaller-scale Pedestrian Sundays in Toronto’s renowned Kensington Market, cars will be kept to the periphery. However, come September 15th, autos will once again receive free reign, so look both ways. –S.T.