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seattleite
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The French Quarter

  • July 16, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by melissa_bel from Hautrage, Belgium
The French Quarter

One of the most charming (but also wildest) area in the U.S. is located in the heart of New Orleans: the "French Quarter" also known in French as le Vieux Carre . The old square (as in square-shaped), a rectangular area neighbourhood that has Bourbon Street as a main axis. This landmark of New Orleans has architecture you’ll find nowhere else in the country with its little house decorated with iron balconies, patios, and hidden courtyards.

It should really be called the "Spanish Quarter" because the city was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1788 and 1794 when it was under Spanish rule. The Governor, Don Francisco Luis Hector, had it rebuilt in Spanish style and most of the buildings in the French Quarter were built at that time. Since its creation, New Orleans had a reputation of being a very tolerant city, maybe a little too much for certain people, and you can witness it during Mardi Gras but also, every night on Bourbon Street.

So, you’ve been warned. If seeing young ladies take off their shirts and bras so they can get a plastic beads from unknown guys who are having a drink on one of the balconies is not your cup of tea, try to avoid the area during night and especially the weekend. I think you can put that on account of the Hurricane, the local cocktail, that you can recognize easily thanks to its red colour and served in a glass that vaguely looks like a giant champagne flute.

From journal Laisse le bon temps rouler in New Orleans

The French Quarter

  • June 24, 2004
  • Rated 4 of 5 by txteacher from Glenn Heights, Texas
Didn't spend enough time here, but we wish we had. Reminded us a lot of Europe. Only we were curious why it was so dirty. Most older European cities are pretty well kept up. But some of the owners seem to be trying to clean things up. Too many early drunks on the street (it was New Year's Eve day).

From journal New Year's in New Orleans

Halloween

  • January 5, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by C_Wheel from Auckland, United Kingdom
Halloween is one of the big celebrations in America and especially in New Orleans, the city that like to dress up and party. There are numerous Halloween parties--Anne Rice's Monsters Ball among them.

The French Quarter itself turns into a huge street party. The roads are packed with people overflowing from the bars dressed in all manner of weird and wonderful costumes, or in some cases nothing much at all. Anyone in normal dress is definitely in the minority. The streets are filled with people; at times it's difficult to walk, and if your group gets split up, don't expect to find them again.

We saw a music parade march through the crowd and joined the people dancing behind them; for a while, we were part of the entertainment and found a way through the masses.

It was a fantastic night--everyone in costume, everyone partying. It's an amazing atmosphere and, I think, one of the best places to be at Halloween.

From journal Good Times in New Orleans

Editor Pick

My own walking tour of The French Quarter

My own walking tour of The French Quarter

I walked for four hours starting at about 9 a.m. The area was not crowded, jazz music filled the streets and the sun was shining, so I got to be outdoors and experience the French Quarter in its morning glory. The disgusting smells sometimes churned my stomach, but as soon as I was away from the "infested" area, it was fine. I walked up and down each street, looking at the wrough-iron balconies, unique homes and private gardens. I learned from locals that the French built the Quarter apartments to face inside gardens. This was to protect their privacy. There is the more residential section of the Quarter, which I explored, but the more lively section with the bars, restaurants, museums, shops and shows, is definitely full of more action. Whatever your preference, you will find it in New Orleans. I also followed my nose to the Mississippi River, Jackson Square (the exact center of the Quarter), a few cafes, shops and bar for a strawberry daiquiri. You will encounter a lot of drunk people, even in the morning, but for the most part, people are civil to one another. The shopkeepers are very friendly and prominently display their southern charm. I was fortunate to have an intelligent and informative cabbie who told me alot about the area as he drove me from my hotel to the Quarter. That helped me understand what I was seeing and gave me a lot of valuable background information. (Try Elk's Taxi, as I took them both ways and had very informative people both times.) I also made it past Preservation Hall - the Birthplace of Jazz. That was quite an experience. The place is so small inside - barely fits 25 people. There are also a lof of street performers, so that keeps it interesting, as well.

From journal Frolicking in the French Quarter

Editor Pick

The French Quarter

  • September 10, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by seattleite from las vegas, Nevada
The area bordered by Canal Street on the west, Rampart on the north, Esplanade on the east and the mighty Mississippi on the south give New Orleans it's character, it's heart and it's many recognizable names. The Cresent City, The Big Easy and the City that Care Forgot are all references to the French Quarter or Vieux Carré which means old square. You will find enough great food, arts, crafts, antiques and novelity shops to keep you busy for weeks. At it's heart is Rue Bourbon aka Bourbon Street, although it probably won't be your favorite memory of New Orleans, you will definitely remember it. It is the quintessential party street...and always has been. Jackson Square is the soul of the Quarter. Brick paved cobble stone streets, carriage rides, street musicians and artists make for a great place to people watch. Don't miss the French Market where many resturants and vendors buy there produce. Walk along the river and watch the traffic of the busiest port on the Gulf Coast.

From journal "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez" Let the Good Times Roll

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