No visit to New Orleans would be complete without a stroll through the French Market, a six-block stretch of retail shops, restaurants, cafes, a farmers and flea market and more. It's one of the oldest U.S. public markets, dating back to 1791, when it was founded as a Native American trading post. The French Market also hosts a variety of special events, musical concerts, cooking demonstrations and festivals. Within the farmer's market, you'll find lots of good things to eat -- everything from gourmet wine and cheese and spices you can take home with you, to fresh, locally grown produce. For your shopping pleasure, the retail shops sell children and adult clothing, toys, home accessories and other items. You'll definitely want to save some money for the flea market, with its rotating roster of vendors where you can find reasonably-priced art, jewelry, clothing and more.
Parking and public transportation at The French Market
The French Market Corporation has three lots for visitor use: the Main French Marketing Lot, behind the retail shops on Decatur St., the Farmers Market Lot and the Farmers Market Annex. Rates are typical for this area; you'll pay in the $12.00 - $20.00 range for 8 hours, depending on which lot you use. There are also numerous third-party lots , metered parking and some free parking in the Marigny area near Elysian Fields Ave and N. Peters. You can also access the market via public transportation on either the Riverfront Streetcar, the Marigny-Bywater ( #5) or the Elysian Fields (#55) bus.
Best and worst time to go to The French Market
A stroll through the French Market is always a pleasant experience but one of the best times to visit is when there's a free event , like a musical performance or a cooking demonstration. During major festivals like the French Quarter Festival, the Creole Tomato Festival and during Mardi Gras, it can get super crowded, really fast, so keep this in mind before you head out. Weekends, especially when the weather is nice, you can also expect thicker crowds.
Admission to The French Market
Admission to this open air market is free. The farmers and flea market is open daily, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. The retail shops are open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Cafe Du Monde is open 24-hours.
Must see/do at The French Market
Many people come to the French Market to shop, I come for the praline's from Loretta's. If you've never have pralines before, this is the place to find out what all the fuss is about. The Organic Banana is a good place to get a smoothie, a daiquiri or other refreshing beverages. If you're looking to take home a piece of New Orleans, try the Dutch Alley Artists Co-Op , a gallery operated by a group of local artists.
Other places to visit near The French Market
This area overflows with great places to visit. Start with a trip to The Old U.S. Mint, it's a great little historical museum, offering free admission. Preservation Hall is the place to hear authentic New Orleans Jazz music, so be sure to catch one of their nightly concerts (all ages welcome). Before you leave New Orleans, you must try our famous muffaletta and the best place to snag one is where they originated, Central Grocery, a short walk from the French Market.
Insider tip for visitors to The French Market
Some of the vendors in the flea market sell the same merchandise, so if you see something you like, shop around first before you purchase because you might find a better deal at a different stall.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner lives and writes from New Orleans. On any given Sunday, when the weather's nice, you just might find her strolling throw the French Market.