French Quarter

This area which is rich in history and charm, is the oldest part of New Orleans. It is overflowing with character and many people who visit, simply marvel over the beauty and architecture. Most homes boast a bricked courtyard or patio, fountains, tropical banana trees, ginger plants and palms. The Old Square or Vieux Carre as it is also known, was built in 1721 by French engineers. The Ursuline Convent is the only remaining French building after two separate fires virtually ruined the city. It was then rebuilt by the Spanish and it is easy to see their influence with the ironwork and ceramic tiled roofs. The original inhabitants were largely Creole plantation owners who spent the winter in the city. They used to arrive on Christmas Eve, in time for midnight mass, and remain through the Mardi Gras period. They would then return to their plantations on the Mississippi River on Ash Wednesday. Many of these people had either died or moved on by the early 20th century and so the French Quarter went into a period of decline. During the 1930’s, preservation orders helped save the area. The restoration and rejuvenation that took place was so successful that it has become a very exclusive place to live, with most people not being able to afford the astronomical prices.

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