Claim to Fame
Dating to 1791, the French Market is the oldest public market in the United States—stretching two miles along the Mississippi River with fresh produce, iconic Creole cuisine stalls, and crafts from local artisans.
📌 Navigating French Market : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Admission Fee: Admission to the French Market is free, allowing visitors to explore without charge.
- How Long to Visit: A visit typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours, depending on interest and crowd size.
- Washrooms: Washrooms are available on-site for public use, ensuring convenience for all visitors.
- Hours of Operation: The market operates daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, with some vendors open earlier or later.
- Important Information: It’s advisable to check vendor hours, as they may vary, and to be mindful of local events that could affect crowd levels.
- Handicap Accessible: The French Market is handicap accessible, with ramps and wide pathways for ease of movement.
- Pets: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours of the French Market are available, offering insights into its history and local culture.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There are several restaurants and cafes within the market offering a range of local and international cuisine.
- Gift Shop: The market features various gift shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and artisanal products.
- Parking: Parking is available nearby, with both street parking and paid lots within walking distance.
- Family Friendly: The market is family-friendly, featuring a variety of activities and vendors suitable for all ages.
- Photography: Photography is encouraged, with many picturesque stalls and local artisans providing beautiful backdrops.
- WIFI: Free public WiFi is accessible throughout the market area for visitors.
- Picnic Area: While there is no designated picnic area, many visitors enjoy snacking on-the-go from market vendors.
Photos of French Market
From the historic Cabildo to the riverfront flea market, a stroll through the French Market immerses you in New Orleans’s vibrant multicultural heritage. Browse rows of colorful produce—Louisiana strawberries, sweet potatoes, and local citrus—then sample charbroiled oysters at the French Market Oyster Bar or grab a muffuletta from the Central Grocery annex. Between bites, hunt for handcrafted jewelry, jazz-themed art, and voodoo curios in the open-air pavilions. Live brass bands often set up impromptu performances under the shade of iron-lamp kiosks, turning your market wander into a feast for all the senses.
What to Expect
Enter at the Decatur Street entrance and follow the shaded brick pathways through the Produce & Specialty Foods Pavilion—where seasonal fruits, artisan cheeses, and spicy andouille sausages tempt your palate. Continue to the Crafts & Curios Market, lined with stalls selling Mardi Gras masks, hand-carved walking sticks, and Creole cookbooks. At the river end, explore the flea-market alley for antiques, vintage postcards, and riverfront views. Outdoor cafés invite you to sip café au lait or local brews while soaking up live music and the mingled aromas of Cajun spices and fresh coffee.
Background and Cultural Context
Established by Spanish colonial decree in 1791 and later expanded under American rule, the French Market evolved from a simple farmers’ clearing into a multicultural emporium reflecting Louisiana’s Creole, Native American, African, and European roots. The Market has endured fires, floods, and redevelopment—yet continues as a community hub where generations of families buy ingredients for gumbo, debate shrimp po’boy styles, and celebrate local artisanship.
Today, the Market is run by the city’s Market Commission in partnership with local growers and makers. Its annual events—French Market Creole Tomato Festival and holiday artisan markets—highlight the ongoing fusion of tradition and innovation that defines New Orleans culture.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9–11 AM) offer cooler weather and full produce displays before early crowds. Late afternoons (3–5 PM) bring live music performances and fewer midday tourists. For peak flavors, visit in spring (March–May) when strawberries and early citrus shine, or in autumn (September–November) for crisp apples and pecans. Weekend evenings host special night markets with extended hours and chef-led tastings.
How to Get There
The Market extends from Barracks Street to N Peters Street along Decatur, one block upriver from Jackson Square. Streetcars on Canal and Rampart drop you at Canal & Decatur; multiple bus routes serve Decatur Street. Ride-share drop-offs work best at the French Market Pavilion entrance. Limited metered parking is available on adjacent streets—but walking from Jackson Square or the Riverfront Streetcar is recommended. All main pavilions and pathways are wheelchair-accessible.
Photo Opportunities
- Vibrant rows of seasonal produce under the iron-frame Produce Pavilion
- Close-up of charbroiled oysters topped with garlic butter at the Oyster Bar
- Hand-painted Mardi Gras masks hanging in the Crafts Pavilion
- Riverfront flea-market stalls with steamboat and bridge views beyond
- Brass band performing under the Market’s vintage lampposts at sunset
Travel Tips
- Bring cash for produce vendors and small food stalls—ATM machines are limited on site.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat—portions of the Market are open air with limited shade.
- Come hungry—sample small bites at different stalls to taste a variety of Creole specialties.
- Arrive early for the best selection of seasonal fruits and to beat the afternoon heat.
- Combine with a Jackson Square carriage ride or riverboat cruise for a full French Quarter day.
FAQs
Is the Market open every day?
Yes—the French Market is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM; some vendors may close earlier.
Can I sample food for free?
Some vendors offer small complimentary samples—always ask politely, and tip if you enjoy the taste.
Are pets allowed?
Leashed pets are permitted in outdoor pavilions but not inside food-service areas—check with vendors.
Is parking available?
Limited metered street parking is nearby; consider public transit or walking from the French Quarter to avoid hassles.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the French Market is a vibrant immersion in New Orleans’s living history—where every stall tells a story of flavor, craftsmanship, and community. Whether you’re sourcing fresh ingredients, discovering local art, or simply tapping your foot to live jazz, the Market offers an unforgettable window into the soul of the Big Easy.