A spokesperson at the French Consulate in Montreal estimates that there could be as many as 110,000 French citizens currently living in Montreal. The Consulate calculates that approximately one in two French immigrants register, and 55,000 had done so by 2013. This represents an increase of 45 per cent since 2005.

Many French citizens come to Montreal as students or on open work permits under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, while others arrive witha Quebec Selection Certificate — a pathway to Canadian permanent residence. Quebec’s immigration programs place a large emphasis on language skills, particularly in the French language.

As well as pull factors such as a bustling arts scene, an economy that supports small, family businesses, and a sense of freedom, some French citizens also view Montreal as an escape from a stagnating economy and relatively high unemployment in France. The Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood just east of downtown Montreal has become known as the landing point for the French, with accents from the old country easily heard in the district’s bars, restaurants, streets and boutique stores.

The next most popular destinations for French people moving to Canada are Toronto and Quebec City, each home to around 10,000 registered French citizens, though the real figure is likely higher in both cases.