French Quarter
French Quarter NOLA
What would a trip to the Big Easy be without a rather long stop at Vieux Carre, aka French Quarter? This essential New Orleans landmark exudes vibrant culture and history, being the oldest neighborhood in all of New Orleans. The city itself was established in 1718, founded by Jean Baptiste Le Mayre de Bienville, and blossomed around this central square, known today as Jackson Square. Noted by locals and all who have visited the Big Easy must-see, this is a place where your group can see a tapestry painted vividly with rich history, diverse architecture, renowned culture-filled jazz clubs, fine art galleries, a lively nightlife, entertaining street performers, and some of the absolute best Cajun and Creole southern foods! While here be sure to save plenty of time to take it all in, eat all the yummy creations you can, take a historic southern tour, and see all the lively Bourbon Street entertainment available to you.
A stroll down the street will show your group colorful balconies with detailed ironwork, green courtyards with lush landscape, and iconic European fountains fit for the essential southern city photos. Explore the district neighborhoods with eclectic architecture and learn why this is still a highly valuable trade area, just like it was in the past, due to its positioning on the Mississippi River. This National Historic Landmark contains the storied history of cultural confluences from French, Spanish, Italian, Sicilian, Irish, and many other areas of the world and will provide your group with interactive learning experiences left and right, from art galleries to monuments and statues to historic houses and museums. Before you go be sure to check out the culinary scene extensively, with places like Aunt Sally's and the Spice Emporium providing something new for guests. Cafe du Monde is a famed local bakery you may want to stop at, serving the best beignets and coffee 24/7.
Tip: It is customary to blow off the powdered sugar on the top of the beignet and make a wish before eating it!
