A couple of landmarks anchor the market, each with its own claim to fame. Directly behind it is the famed Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, where you can shop till your drop. A young Joan of Arc bronze statue graces the grounds as well, and of course you know her story. A lovely fountain gives the eye a rest and surrounding it are stone benches on which you can sit, though some use them as a bed for the night. No doubt the smell of various foods will be tickling your nose throughout this journey, so come hungry!

At the French Market you will be able to take home ingredients to recreate your NO (New Orleans) experience; first and foremost are the ubiquitous garlic pendants that are fragrant and used freely in Cajun cuisine. Most likely, at one point, they came in handy as vampire repellents. There will be a million jars of different sauces with degrees of "hot" on the label, so pick your poison. Smoked alligator anyone? Yes, no kidding. Screaming signs of fish-food beckon: shrimp, oysters, crabs, cray or craw fish, and gator on a stick (their version of a corn dog?). The French Market Seafood Company not only has a presence in the market itself, but they also have a website online. Should you wish to visit, please click here

This is where I became acquainted with dirty rice, and I have loved it ever since. I’ve had it at home, tamed a bit with yogurt. There was also "wild pecan rice," which promised to be heavenly, but alas - it never made it into the basket. You’ll find your gumbo and etouffée bases here, upon which you can build. There are lots of different styles of red beans and alcoholic drink mixes of which I know next to nothing about. But then comes my favorite, and you can definitely find these online - the French Market Mixes, which are conveniently packaged, allowing a neophyte to serve anything foolproof. A mere $4 will buy you a pound of beer bread mix or fried green tomato mix, Southern-style grits, sweet potato muffin mix, and Nawlins (New Orleans) cheese grits; for $5.00 you can produce white chocolate bread pudding mix, jalapeño cornbread mix, or pecan cornbread mix. Hungry?

This is complemented by jewelry, handmade clothing, carved masks of international origins, original paintings and watercolors, CD’s, porcelain masks (I bought two at the incredible price of $10), souvenirs of all kinds, woven straw baskets, and more.

The French Market is divided into a covered market section and a community flea market. The community flea market often has some interesting local vendors, while the covered market seems a little more commercial in some parts. Many vendors sell the hot sauces and hurricane mix you can find all over the city, but some are selling local plants and vegetables or unusual jewelery. The snow cones and lemonade often for sale here are both tasty ways to beat the heat.

Overall, this place really is a treasure hunt, so if you aren't prepared to spend some time wading through the junk for a real bargain or two, you may want to skip this attraction.

The Italians of New Orleans used to sell their goods in the French Market. Why it was called French instead of Italian is possibly because New Orleans was founded by the French.

The French Market has much to offer. The market sells food products such as pralines (you have to try it), city books, and other things as you progress through the lanes. A praline is a type of candy that makes your mouth water. Once you try one, it has you addicted, like chocolate. Aunt Loretta's Praline Shop, where you can buy chocolate, regular, and other kinds of pralines, is in the French Market. The prices at the French Market and Flea Market are determined by the vendors. Oriental souvenirs, purses, wallets, sunglasses, clothes, and anything else that would be a perfect souvenir can be found here, but some of the items can be pricy. A major suggestion would be to keep purses near you and watch out for pickpockets because of the narrow squeeze when you first enter.

There are also some stands on the perimeter selling what can only be called hippie clothing. These are a mixed bag. While I met one friendly proprietor who told us all about New Orleans, another stand-owner informed me that I was too large to fit into any of her clothing. I neglected to buy any souvenirs from her, even though I had considered buying a scarf.

All kinds of cooking supplies and cookbooks and much less expensive than Bourbon Street shops.

T-shirts, hats, dolls, sunglasses and beads.

They don't bargain as things are all priced but still I find the prices are very good.