The galleries of rue St. Paul - Canada, Quebec

Running parallel to the water for most of its course, rue Saint Paul is one of the main roads in Vieux-Montréal. Split into east and west (just as the city itself is) by Boulevard Saint Laurent, it is the western half which is home to most of the galleries. Several of them specialise in (certified) Inuk art, including Elca London, one of the original galleries, and the brand new Images Boréales, which opened on 1st Many 2010. The former was founded in 1960 and has an important collection of works by renowned artists as well as some rising stars while the later, although brand new, is owned by a gentleman with 30 years' experience in the business. Both sell unique pieces including sculptures in, among others, soapstone, basalt and serpentine, of wildlife and Inuits as well as paintings and prints. If it is more mainstream art you are after then Galérie St. Dizier is highly recommended. For 15 years they have been working with as many artists and have some inspiring works by mainly Québecois artists, but some from further afield. Look out for the bronze sculptures of Rose-Aimée Belanger, who, at the age of 87 is still working. You'll find slightly more contemporary works at St. Dizier's sister gallery, Le Royer, who work on an exclusive basis with Québecois urban artists, including Eloïse Brodeur, whose striking images of cows are one of the highlights. Also very much a look is DeLano Design, which specialise in local fashion, art and design and have many works by Jean Tannous, responsible for the fresco at Abbesses metro station in Paris. Galérie Orange, the only one worth visiting on the eastern side of the road, was the only one exhibiting photography during our visit (this time a wonderful account of Japan called 'Nipponga' by Laurent Guérin) and works with 30 artists in all different media, concentrating on contemporary styles and issues.