The Cartier-Roberval archaeological site is located at the confluence of the Cap-Rouge River and St. Lawrence River at 4079, chemin Saint-Louis, Quebec. This site reflects the first French settlement in America.
The discovery of the site
In 2005, the remains of the colony installed by Jacques Cartier and Jean-François Roberval from 1541 are revealed.
Given the importance of the discovery, the government, through the Commission de la Capitale Nationale launched a vast program of archaeological excavations in order to protect this unique historic site and allow current and future generations to fully benefit.
More than 6000 artefacts found
More than 6000 artefacts from the 16th century have been excavated and the remains of at least five construction areas. Objects and luxury food remnants suggest that a sector was reserved for the elite. The presence of Iroquoian pottery and indigenous plant remains attest exchanges between French and Native Americans.
Other objects that reveal otherwise actively seeking precious metals. But the site still holds many mysteries that specialists of twenty disciplines are trying to clear.
Source: Translation of the French version by the author.