Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/514227
42 joie de vivre Vivre B I E N V E N U E ! The largest French population west of Quebec embraces its vibrant culture and heritage in Winnipeg's French quarter of St. Boniface and in more than 20 francophone towns and villages throughout southern Manitoba. Learn about local customs and enjoy the bonhomie at festivals. Visit joiedevivremanitoba.com. Watch the video at travelmanitoba.com/joie-de-vivre. JOIE DE Information S'IL VOUS PLAIT In Winnipeg, St. Boniface is known as the French quarter, but francophone roots run deep in neighbouring St. Vital and St. Norbert as well, giving rise to Tourisme Riel's Quartro Joie de Vivre tour, with stops in all three neighbourhoods. Visit the Tourisme Riel information centre year- round in the historic old St. Boniface City Hall at 219 Provencher Blvd. From June to August, you'll also find three seasonal information centres, at St. Boniface Cathedral, in St. Norbert and on the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge over the Red River. > tourismeriel.com ON BOARD with O Tour St. Boniface and the rest of Winnipeg or book an outdoor adventure with O Tours, which specializes in promoting French culture and heritage with everything from canoe trips to culinary tours and Festival du Voyageur packages. > otours.net Market-Fresh FARE When you're in the market for ultra-fresh fare, cruise Jardins Saint-Léon Gardens, an outdoor market specializing in flowers, bedding plants and locally grown fruits and vegetables. It's open May through September at 419 St. Mary's Rd. Farmers' markets pop up throughout Manitoba each spring and summer. The biggest of them all is immediately south of Winnipeg. St. Norbert Farmers' Market is the place to find everything from fresh tomatoes and herbs to honey, preserves and crafts. The market is open from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturdays from late May to late October, and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. until late September. > stleongardens.com > stnorbertfarmersmarket.ca ESPLANADE RIEL PHOTO: JERRY GRAJEWSKI 42