VilleMarie

Ville-Marie is a term that can refer to both a historical settlement on the island of Montreal and a contemporary borough of the City of Montreal, Quebec. The name originates from the fortified settlement established in 1642 by Paul de Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve, with Jeanne Mance. Named after the Virgin Mary, the community grew as the nucleus of what would become the city of Montreal. Over time the name Ville-Marie faded from official use as the city expanded, and the settlement eventually became part of the larger city of Montreal. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Ville-Marie persisted in ecclesiastical and administrative contexts as a geographic and historical reference.

In 2002, during a wide municipal reorganization, Ville-Marie became one of Montreal’s boroughs. It covers the central downtown area and Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) and is widely regarded as the city’s historical and commercial heart. The borough contains many of Montreal’s landmark districts and sites, including Old Port of Montreal, Place Jacques-Cartier, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Montreal City Hall. It also encompasses the Quartier des Spectacles, a major arts and entertainment district, and forms part of the city’s central business district. The borough is a key hub for culture, government services, and tourism, hosting numerous institutions, shops, and restaurants.

Ville-Marie is well connected by Montreal’s public transit network, with access to metro lines and bus routes, and includes major railway access at Gare Central. The area continues to serve as a focal point for commerce, culture, and urban life in Montreal.