French Market

The French Market is a market and series of commercial buildings in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

It stretches just inland from the Mississippi River in the section of the French Quarter downriver from Jackson Square, with the famous Café du Monde at the upriver end, down to the flea market stalls across from the New Orleans Mint building.

While part of this space has been dedicated as a market since 1791 (earlier city markets were at different locations), the oldest structures in the market date to about 1813. Major renovations were done by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s.

Rebuilding and renovations have continued into the 21st century. Much of the area formerly housing arcades of roofed but walless merchant stands now houses shops and restaurants separated by doors and walls, and catering to the tourism industry.

The flea market is especially busy on weekends. Free musical events are often given in the French Market. The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park office and visitor's center is in the French Market.

The market is included on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail.

  • The French Market's Farmers Market & Flea Market stall

  • A section of the French Market about 1940

  • The French Market, 1910

  • Cafe Du Monde

  • Street performers

  • Muffalettas from Central Grocery across from the French Market

Famous quotes containing the words french and/or market:

    “But compared with the task of selecting a piece of French pastry held by an impatient waiter a move in chess is like reaching for a salary check in its demand on the contemplative faculties.”
    —Robert Benchley (1889–1945)

    “the old palaces, the wallets of the tourists,
    the Common Market or the smart cafés,
    the boulevards in the graceful evening,
    the cliff-hangers, the scientists,
    and the little shops raising their prices
    mean nothing to me.”
    —Anne Sexton (1928–1974)