I'm not a language person (only knowing Bonjour and Merci) but I picked up 3 French words while walking the streets of Montreal and 1 while sitting shotgun on the car ride here. Rue = Street, Vieux = Old, Place = Plaza, and Arret = Stop. (We also learned how to pronounce Rue Saint Urbain from a bus driver.)
Place Jacques-Cartier is a very lively PLAZA in the heart of Old Montreal. It's the perfect spot for people watching, especially if you're sitting at one of the outdoor dining areas on the sides. Street performers and tour groups can also be found here. If you walk towards Saint Lawrence River, you'll be near the piers (Old Port), which is just as lively.