Friendly Francophones

By Carole Buia

Now that summer crowds have thinned in Montreal, Orbitz.com and Site 59.com are offering three-night packages for less than $400 a person--including airfare and rental car--from many major cities. The same trip a month ago would have cost almost twice that. What's there to do? Pretend you're in Paris! Cruise along the river, stroll the old city, practice French and visit exhibitions of late great national painters (in this case, Jean-Paul Riopelle). For that bistro experience try L'Express. Or go fancier with Toque!'s cold cod soup and leg of lamb. --C.B.