a.k.a the centipede
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.
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).
Podcasts: The Golden Square Mile (2022)
The Jet Set (2022)
John Philp Adventure & Style Seeker (2021)
CJLO 1690 FM Fund-Raising Campaign (2021)
Ottawa Life Magazine (2021)
Association professionnelle des guides touristiques (2021)
MyDomaine.com blog (2018)
Testimonials
The Marriageable Girls lecture April 14, 2021 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 Calgary, AB, Canada (Feb. 2021)I just took the tour "Les Femmes qui ont façonné le premier siècle de Montréal" 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 late 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-Anne Hutchinson Rosemere, QC, Canada (Sept. 2020)Françoise guided us on a lovely family bike tour throughout Plateau. She is a knowledgeable and a responsible guide that brought us unique experience from memorable places of a beautiful borough. The kids simply loved her!
Blue Bell Gomes Goiânia, Brazil (Sept. 2020)We were very fortunate to have a truly qualified guide. She was not only knowledgeable about the area but Quebec and all of Canada as well. Absolutely terrific!
Pat Garcia Northridge, CA (Sept. 2019)When our company organized it's National Corporate Event last April, we wanted our 70 guests of various backgrounds to discover what Montreal was all about after a full day of meetings. What better way than walking through the city? So we called upon The Centipede and Françoise Bâby's expertise to guide our group in a wonderful, customized walking Guided tour of Old Montreal. Our guests were thoroughly pleased to discover such beauty in our city and most impressed with how wonderful and interesting she made it all seem. How time flew by so quickly! With her vast knowledge she made Montreal come alive! Immensely competent, with a great sense of humour, she knows how to keep her group motivated! She will customize the Tour according to your wishes. I have recommended her to other guests as well and would recommend her to anyone who wishes to impress the beauty of our city upon their guests. I look forward to calling on her services in the future. Bravo Centipede.
Solange R. Dorval, QC, Canada (Nov. 2018)
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)