Languages: French, English
Specialties: Public tour, Private tour, Walking tour, Driving tour, Women history, Military history, Genealogy tour
Territories: Old Québec, Lévis, Québec City Neighbourhoods, Island of Orléans, Côte-de-Beaupré, Montmorency Falls, Côte-du-Sud
Group size: 1–150
Originally from Alsace, Xavier is now a professional guide in Québec City and Lévis. Through his company, Tours Accolade, he designs walking tours that help visitors truly understand the city rather than simply see it. His public introductory walking tour of Old Québec provides a clear historical overview and is intended as the starting point for any visit. Building on this foundation, he offers a range of complementary thematic tours that explore specific topics or neighbourhoods, allowing visitors to progressively deepen their understanding of the city’s history and heritage.
Alongside these public tours, Xavier provides fully customized private experiences tailored to his guests’ interests, pace, and background. Among his most distinctive offerings are highly specialized tours, including exclusive genealogical walking tours designed for descendants of French Canadians. Whether through a shared public experience or a private journey, Xavier’s guiding philosophy remains the same: history is best understood when it is both accessible and meaningful.
Here are the latest articles you can read on the blog of Tours Accolade.
It was a beautiful September day, and I was guiding a private group of cruise passengers—Margaret, Scott, Zoe, and Bob—around the iconic Château Frontenac. As we strolled along the Dufferin Terrace, Zoe’s gaze fell upon the château’s windows, adorned with… Read more ↗
Discover the 10 most interesting military landmarks of Quebec City, also known as the Gibraltar of North America, but its huge defensive network. Read more ↗
All the resources and tips you need to prepare an insightful ancestry trip to Québec City. Read more ↗
Winter in Quebec City is a magical time of the year, with its snow-covered streets, cozy cafes, and festive atmosphere. The city comes alive with a wide range of activities and events that are perfect for enjoying the cold weather and celebrating the season.… Read more ↗
Guests who stay at the Hôtel de Glace in Québec City generally have a good night’s sleep. Thanks to the peaceful and quiet environment, some even have their best sleep ever. To ensure a pleasant and toasty experience, guests should follow the instructions… Read more ↗
Every year, a new hotel made entirely of ice and snow is built on the outskirts of Quebec City: the Hôtel de Glace. This unique structure is the only ice hotel in North America, and it offers a magical and unforgettable experience for visitors (day) and… Read more ↗
Old Québec is a city rich in history and architecture, and its gates are a testament to its past. From the strong and thick gates that once protected the city, to the ornate structures that now serve as romantic symbols, the gates of Old Quebec have played a… Read more ↗
Our private bespoke tours of Old Quebec are tailored live. Most of the time, the content and itineraries are designed on the spot according to the clients’ pace, interests, etc. Occasionally, some research work is done in advance, as is the case for Robin… Read more ↗
Every year from November to March and sometimes April, Tours Accolade provides a two-hour Winter Walking Tour in Old Québec. Temperatures vary from the freezing point to -30˚C (-22˚F), sometimes even colder, plus wind chill factor. Staying warm is a challenge… Read more ↗
Thanks to Jonathan, an urban game creator from Wild Child, I had the opportunity to try the light and advanced versions of Quebec City riddles, both available on Travel Quest. As a tour guide in Old Quebec, knowing many secrets and details, I thought these… Read more ↗
