Where is the best area to live in Ottawa for a french speeking family of 2 children 2 parents?

Question

I am from Montreal and am moving in Ottawa I would like to find a nice neighborhood near to a good French school for my daughters of 6 and 5.

Answer 1

East End of Ottawa is predominantly french.

My first choice would be Orleans, then Gloucester (but not all of Gloucester is nice).

Do NOT live in/around the Vanier area. It is unsafe and full of hookers, drugs, & crime.

Orleans is about a 20 minute drive from the downtown core.

If you move to the West end of Ottawa (Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven) they are all nice, although most of your neighbours will probably only know english.

Most of the schools in Ottawa offer mostly english, with french immersion language programs, however I am not sure if there is a french school offering some english.

You can check the Ottawa-carleton District School Board website for info.

Answer 2

Orleans(ON), Hull/Gatineau(QC), Aylmer(QC), Gloucester(ON)

agreeing with the above, stay away from Vanier, and some areas of Gloucester (near Russel Rd)

Answer 3

There are two french boards (public & catholic) I agree with the other poster stay out of Vanier it used to be ok but it is not a safe area to rase a family.  Of course you could always live on the other side of the river in Gatenau (sorry about the spelling) Quebec.  Many people (english & french) live over there and communte to Ottawa for work.

Good luck on your move