The days are short and the air is crisp, but that’s no reason to turn into a hermit. Rally up the girls and head to the hottest city in La Belle Province for a weekend of food, fun and frivolity.

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Spoil yourselves with plush duvets and Frette bathrobes at Hotel Nelligan. The perfect mix of traditional charm and modern convenience, this Montreal favourite is sure to please. Plus, the location, among the cobblestones of Old Town is ideal. 106 Rue Saint-Paul W., Montreal, www.hotelnelligan.com

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Montreal is known for it’s playful street style, but if it’s your inner diva you want to indulge, head to Mona Moore. This glam shoe boutique boasts the sexiest styles in the city. Go gaga over Rick Owens black leather woven boots ($2595) or splash out on a pair of Dries Van Noten cognac leather pumps with black stamped crocodile heels ($745). Stepping into these on Monday morning will make the trek back to work almost pleasant.  1446 Sherbrook St. W., Montreal, www.monamoore.com

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A day of hopping from shop to shop calls for a deluxe dinner. Pamper your taste buds with a trip to L'express, the ultimate French bistro. Kick off with a bottle of red and a jar of cornichon followed by its famous steak-frites topped with salty herbed butter. Save room for dessert. The rich chocolate tart is to die for. 3927 Rue St. Denis, 514-845-5333 (Reservations recommended).

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Spend an evening watching the best in new French-language cinema at Cinemania Film Festival. The annual rendez-vous of film buffs takes place November 5-15. This year’s lineup is still under wraps, but previous years have featured works by both acclaimed filmmakers and up-and-comers. www.cinemaniafilmfestival.com

These days, we can’t seem to get enough of Montreal. It’s ‘Paris without the jetlag.’

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The city boasts some great design hotels and we opted for the stark minimalism of the St. Paul. The rooms at this restored Beaux Art style building are lofty, light and luxurious with spacious bathrooms and ultra-soft towels and linens. From $195 with breakfast. www.hotelstpaul.com

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Our quest for unique buys took us across the city from Old Montreal to Plateau to Mile End. We snapped up graphic novels and posters at Drawn and Quarterly, a maple spatula at chic culinary boutique Les Touilleurs, and a gorgeous sunflower yellow vase at Midcentury gallery/store Couleurs.

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Don’t miss the YSL retrospective—it really is a thrill. A hot pink cape covered in gold stars and a plum jersey jumpsuit are among our favourite pieces.

Back in Old Montreal, it’s definitely worth checking out the Sophie Calle exhibition at the DHC/ART Foundation. Taking its title from a breakup email written by Calle’s ex-boyfriend, “Prenez soin de vous” invites 107 women to interpret the email through their various professions.

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Breakfast at the St. Paul is fine (croissants, bagels, cereals etc), but we couldn’t resist the nosh and vibe of Le Cartet. Eating is communal canteen style and the food is really tasty. Lunches (Gazpacho, Nicoise, packed panini) are equally good. Pick up some gourmet spreads, sauces, pastas and chocolate from the épicerie on your way out. 106 rue McGill, Montréal, 514-871-8887.

Not satisfied to remain the La ville aux cent clochers, Montreal is enjoying a modern renaissance.

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Located in the heart of Old Montreal, Hotel Gault is a boutique hotel that melds luxuriousness with a modern and minimalist edge. Loft-style rooms lend an airy feel and one can rejoice in a staff that provides service that is attentive, but not over-bearing.
From $169 per night, 449 Rue Sainte-Hélène, 514-904-1616, http://www.hotelgault.com

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Montreal has turned the stylistic volume up to 11 and it’s well worth a listen. For the highest concentration of fashionable wares, head to Old Montreal where you’ll find wonderful shops like, Librissime, Rooney, and Reborn—where we went moony for Opening Ceremony shoes and Natalia Brilli leather jewellery.

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For dinner we suggest the utterly delightful Garde-Manger. Be forewarned: wear comfortable shoes, as you never know if the dining room floor will end up a dance floor. 408 Rue St. François-Xavier.

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If you’re heading to Montreal this summer, we’re fairly certain you’ve heard about a little thing called the Montreal International Jazz Festival starting June 26 until July 6, as well as the rather underground Just For Laughs comedy festival, running from July 10 to July 20, 2008. Whatever your preference, Montreal will surely oblige.