Place Royale is the birthplace of New France, where Samuel de Champlain founded the permanent French settlement in 1608. It served as the commercial heart of the colony until the late 19th century. The square features Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church (1688), the oldest stone church in North America, open to visitors May-September for free. Surrounding 17th-18th century buildings have been fully restored. The Musée de la Place-Royale showcases the history of early settlers through exhibits and costume workshops.