For one week in June, Canadian rail tour passengers have the chance to practice their bilingual speech as more than 250 performances feature French-language music during Les FrancoFolies Festival in Montreal. Most of the outdoor concerts are free and showcase some of the biggest names in French music, ranging in style from R&B to rock-and-roll. This international celebration is popular among residents and visitors alike, exemplifying the rich cultural diversity of Montreal and its multiple heritages.

Nearly 1 million festival-goers make their way to downtown Montreal in order to watch hundreds of artists grace the stage in a celebration of French language and music. Founded in 1989, Les FrancoFolies is now the largest music festival in the French-speaking world with 180 free outdoor concerts and 70 intimate indoor shows. This year, from June 7-16, visitors on Canadian rail trips will have the chance to catch Claude Dubois and Zaz, among dozens of other prominent performers.

Claude Dubois's velvety voice has been wooing fans for more than 50 years, and after winning a Felix award for Pop Album of the Year in 2007 for Duos Dubois, the artist will be backed by eight musicians and two grand pianos during his first FrancoFolies show in 15 years.

With her jazz, funk and blues styles, Zaz entices her fans to get on their feet and dance to her cheerful tunes. One of the most popular contemporary French sirens, Zaz has been compared to Edith Piaf and will be preceded by Merlot, an eclectic and entertaining rap-folk-reggae musician.

For the duration of the festival, concert-goers on rail trips in Canada can grab a bite to eat from either La Grillade or Le Camion a tacos. Offering finger foods and other portable treats, these vendors provide eats that are perfect for fans who want to hold on to their meal while dancing to their favorite musicians. Additionally, Le Bar laitier offers homemade ice cream and milkshakes for visitors who need to cool off between sets.

Those who want to sample award-winning Canadian wine should try Le Kiosque Porto Cabral, which features an array of exclusive ports and summer cocktails made with sweet dessert wines grown in nearby vineyards.