She’ll let you in her house if you come knockin’ late at night. 

 

The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, which means “Old Square” in French, is the historic heart of the city. She was the original city of Nouvelle Orleans and trust us, she has seen it all.

While walking and admiring her splendor, you will note the French Quarter has more of a Spanish appearance than French. This is largely due to two huge fires, one in 1788 and the other in 1794. The flames destroyed the mostly wooden French Quarter, and while the French influences remained, the Spanish building regulations were put in place to help prevent the spread of fire. The Spanish codes included protective plaster and fire retardent roofing – such as tile or slate.

 

Today, most of us refer to her simply as the “Quarter,” and she remains unforgettable. The ornate wrought-iron balconies, wrap-around porches, lush courtyards, secret gardens, and gas lanterns will leave you mesmerized. She is unapologetically loud and, at the same time, the most sophisticated of places. She holds so many secrets, yet invites everyone to come as they are and pass a good time. Everything you need is right here – antique shops, grocery stores, parks, old school New Orleans restaurants, dive bars, champagne & cocktail lounges, art galleries, music clubs, this list goes on and on. We dare say it would be impossible to be bored living here!

 

The French Quarter has some of the most stunning architecture of anywhere in the world- glorious Creole Townhouses and Cottages, American Townhouses, Shotguns, Double Gallery Houses, and raised Cottages. You will find a mix of homes and condos. The Quarter is a National Historic District- don’t dream of changing or adding anything to the properties here until you have physically in hand a signed permit from The Vieux Carré Commission (VCC). The residents are a tight-knit and active community who love to show you their neighborhood (yes, it’s beyond Bourbon Street) and are proud to call the Quarter home.

 

Lagniappe: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop — built between 1722 and 1732 by Nicolas Touze, is said to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. It is also one of the cities oldest examples of a Creole cottage in the French Quarter.  And, of course, the building is supposedly haunted by residents of the French Quarter who died in the fires of 1788 and 1794.

 



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French Quarter Essentials

Police Station - 8th District

334 Royal St.
504-658-6080
website

Fire Station - Squirt 29/Main Office

317 Decatur
website

Rouse's

701 Royal St.
504-523-1353
website

Quarter Grocery

836 Burgundy St.
504-529-2702

Verti Marte

1201 Royal St.
504-525-4767

The French Quarter Vet

922 Royal St.
504-322-7030

Dr. Mike Animal House

1120 N. Rampart St.
504-523-4455

Pet Care Center

938 Esplanade Ave.
504-522-2997

Vieux Carre Association

website

French Quarter Citizens Association

website

Cabrini Playground

1219 Dauphine
website



Neighborhood Picks in French Quarter

El Gato Negro

Restaurant

81 French Market Pl.
504-525-9752
website

Coop's

Restaurant

1109 Decatur
504-525-9053
website

Irene's Cuisine

Restaurant

529 Bienville
504-529-8811

Bayona

Restaurant

430 Dauphine
504-525-4455
website

Tiki Tolteca

Private Event Space

302 N. Peters
504-288-8226
website

Three Legged Dog

Bar

400 Burgundy
504-412-8335

Molly's at the Market

Bar

732 Toulouse
504-525-5169
website

Good Friends

Bar

740 Dauphine
504-566-7191
website

The Historic New Orleans Collection Williams Research Center

History

410 Chartres
504-523-4662
website

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Museum & Venue

514 Chartres
504-565-8027
website

Old Ursuline Convent

Museum

1100 Chartres
504-529-3040
website

Old US Mint

Museum

400 Esplanade
504-568-6968
website

Irish Cultural Museum

Museum

933 Conti
504-302-1382
website

The Cornstalk Hotel

Hotel

915 Royal
504-523-1515
website

Swamp Rags

Vintage Store

927 Royal
504-298-9719
website



French Quarter Neighborhood Photos