The French Quarter

The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carre (Old Square) rests on a crescent in the Mississippi River on some of the highest ground in New Orleans. It includes all of the land stretching along the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue (12 blocks) and inland to Rampart Street (seven to nine blocks).

Many of the French Quarter's buildings were built before the Louisiana Purchase. The Ursuline Convent, one of the oldest, was built in 1734. There are some late 19th-century and early 20th-century buildings in the neighborhood as well. The architecture is a mix of Spanish, French, Creole and American styles. The walled courtyards are courtesy of the Spanish; the comely cast-iron balconies are a trend attributed to the Baroness Pontalba, as she included them in her fashionable row houses built in 1850 flanking Jackson Square; and the vibrant stucco walls are a result of the strict codes enforced after the great fire of 1794. Since the 1920s, the historic buildings have been protected by law and cannot be demolished. Any renovation or new construction in the neighborhood must be done according to regulations to match the historic architectural style. This helps keep alive the singular heritage that distinguishes The French Quarter from other neighborhoods in the United States. It has become one of the most celebrated locations and an international tourist destination.

The French Quarter thrives on being a walking neighborhood with a mixture of commercial and residential properties, where world-class restaurants, splendid antique stores, century-old bars and live music are all within a leisurely stroll's distance. Stepping out onto the street, you might encounter the blast of a trumpet and be swept up in an impromptu second-line parade, witness the pomp of a jazz funeral, or stumble into a secret garden hundreds of years old. The intoxicating combination of gorgeous buildings, antique shops, music and food makes this neighborhood a daily feast for the senses.

The French Quarter has withstood fires, successive changes of government, The Great Depression, 20th-century developers and  Hurricane Katrina. The city's tricentennial in 2018 illustrated the enduring spirit of New Orleans and the French Quarter, one of the most cherished locations in the United States.