The French Market District
By Tony Leggio
For over 300 years , the city of New Orleans has been a magical place where music , food , literature and art have flourished . Its storied history is a kaleidoscope of different nationalities and ethnicities that come together to create a city that is one of the top destinations in the world . At the heart of this wondrous city is the French Quarter , founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville . Our city developed around the Vieux Carré , or Old Square , and has the distinction of being the oldest neighborhood , as well as being our premier attraction which boasts millions of visitors each year .
The French Quarter , considered the crown placed atop our city , has the French Market District as one of its most vibrant jewels . The French Market was founded in 1791 as a Native American trading post and has been operating continually since , making it the oldest public
10 | The French Quarterly market in the country . Similar in structure to a traditional European market , this open-air mall covers roughly five blocks , from Cafe du Monde on Decatur Street across from Jackson Square to the daily flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue . The French Market District also includes the Upper Pontalba Building and Promenade , Crescent Park and Washington Artillery Square , currently renamed Oscar Dunn Park after the first elected black Lt . Governor of Louisiana and the United States at that time . As a tourist , the French Market District encapsulates your entire New Orleans experience with the architecture , cuisine , history , shopping and entertainment in one area .
This summer , there are several special events happening in the French Market District starting on June 5 with A Picnic for All Y ' All ! The French Market District Celebrates Pride Month . This inaugural event takes place in Crescent Park on Mandeville Wharf featuring include live music