Françoise Bâby

a.k.a the centipede

Françoise BÂBY

a.k.a the centipede

About Me

My boundless energy and limitless curiosity have taken me to far-flung places around the globe, but like a boomerang, I always return to my home town, because nothing quite compares.

As a certified guide and lecturer, bragging about our city and sharing my enthusiasm with visitors from around the world are what it’s all about.

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Private and Customizable Tours

Looking for something different while visiting Montreal or just planning a staycation? Why not try a walking tour with a certified guide? Steeped in history and sufficiently off the beaten track, our city’s diverse neighbourhoods are well worth discovering. Each has a distinct vibe and enticing allure that are sure to give you a feel–and taste–of how Montrealers live.

If art is your thing, why not choose from my series of signature tours, If our sculptures could talk, available in three different locations downtown and in the old city?

So put on your walking shoes and let me show you around to give you a deeper understanding of what Montreal is all about. Bicycle and driving tours are also available (2 – 3 passengers).

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MEDIA

CJAD Elias Makos Show:
“City Mulling Removing Guide Permits”  (2024)
“Montreal plans to crack down on tour guides without appropriate permits”  (2023)

The Westmount Historian Newsletter  (2023)

Podcasts:
Travels with Darley  (2024)
The Golden Square Mile  (2022)

The Jet Set  (2022)
John Philp Adventure & Style Seeker  (2021)
Ottawa Life Magazine  (2021)
Association professionnelle des guides touristiques  (2021)
The Dining Traveller  (2015)

Testimonials

Françoise is a super gifted and engaging tour guide and it was a blast for my family and I to be taken on a tour of Montreal by her. 5 out of 5 stars and she's the only recommendation I'll be giving to my friends aside from the city itself. Thanks Françoise, you're the best!

Paco Paredes

Burlington, ON, Canada (Jul.2022)

The Marriageable Girls lecture was above and beyond any. Françoise Bâby is a professional lecturer and tour guide. She commanded my attention during the full hour of her colourful presentation. Extremely well prepared with her wonderful photography and that of others. Françoise had us laughing, sighing, enjoying every minute. Her friends and followers are a distinguished group which made the chat period after the lecture fun and interesting.

Connie Iwanycki

Rosemere, QC, Canada (Apr. 2021)

I was very happy to visit Little Burgundy virtually, especially when we need a change of scenery during this pandemic. I learned so much about Black history and the jazz scene, which I previously did not know despite being born in Montreal and living there for most of my life.

Sharon Hudson

Calgary, AB, Canada (Feb., 2021)

I just took the "Pioneering Women of Montreal" tour this past Sunday. What an amazing experience and what an extraordinary tour given by a tour guide who knows her history! It was compelling and filled with anecdotes that make you feel you were living in the 1600's. If I had had a history teacher like her when I was going to school, I would have excelled in history! Thank you Françoise for opening my eyes to the determination of women in the early 17th century... They remind me that the sky is the limit!

Barbara Hutchinson

Rosemere, QC, Canada (Sept. 2020)

Françoise guided us through a lovely family bike ride through the Plateau. She is a knowledgeable and responsible guide that brought us unique experience from memorable places of a beautiful borough. The kids simply loved her!

Blue Bell Gomes

Goiana, Brazil (Sept. 2020)

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