Thing to do
St Charles Streetcar
A ride on the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, running green 1920s cars from Canal Street past the Garden District mansions to Carrollton.
French Market
A historic riverside market district in the French Quarter, with a farmers market of food stalls, a daily flea market, local shops and a riverfront park.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic market
- Area
- French Quarter, New Orleans, United States
- Official site
- frenchmarket.org
Good to know
- Open daily
- Farmers market food stalls
- Flea market
- Shops
- Seating
Why we recommend it
The French Market runs along the river side of the lower French Quarter, from near Jackson Square downriver along Decatur and North Peters streets. A public market has operated in this part of the city since the Spanish colonial period: the first market building was put up around 1782, and it moved to Decatur Street in 1790. Two of the old structures still stand, the Meat Market of 1813 and the Vegetable Market built between 1822 and 1830, so the district is a working piece of history as well as a place to shop and eat.
Much of what you see today dates from a major redevelopment begun in 1936, which added the open steel sheds that now hold the Farmers Market, and a second renovation in the 1970s. The market is run by the French Market Corporation, a non-profit body whose board is appointed by the mayor, and it also looks after Oscar Dunn Park and the Moonwalk, the riverside promenade beside the market.
Today the district breaks into several parts. The Farmers Market has food stalls and café-style seating, which makes it a useful stop for a casual lunch or a snack while walking. The Flea Market has daily vendors, and there is also a Craft Bazaar for locally made goods and gifts. Shops line the Colonnade and the Upper Pontalba, and the market hosts festivals and events through the year, listed on its website.
The market is open daily, including holidays, generally from 10am. The official website gives slightly different closing times for different sections, with retail shops closing around 5pm and the Farmers and Flea markets around 5pm to 6pm, so go earlier in the day if you want everything open. It suits families, budget travellers and anyone looking for gifts, and the open-sided market sheds give some shelter in summer heat or rain.
A good plan is to walk the whole length of the market from the Jackson Square end, then continue along the river on the Moonwalk. The Faubourg Marigny, home of Frenchmen Street and its music clubs, lies just downriver of the French Quarter, so the walk can lead naturally to an evening of live music. Allow an hour or two, and bring cash or a card for small stall purchases.
French Market FAQs
When is the French Market open?
It is open daily, including holidays, from 10am. Shops close around 5pm and the Farmers and Flea markets around 5pm to 6pm.
How old is the French Market?
A market has operated here since the Spanish period. The first building dates from around 1782, and the Meat Market building from 1813 still stands.
Can I eat at the French Market?
Yes. The Farmers Market has food stalls and café-style seating.
Is there a flea market?
Yes. The Flea Market has vendors every day, and there is also a Craft Bazaar.
Who runs the market?
The French Market Corporation, a non-profit whose board is appointed by the mayor.
What else is part of the market district?
Shops in the Colonnade and Upper Pontalba, Oscar Dunn Park and the Moonwalk riverside promenade.
How long should I allow?
An hour or two to walk the full length and browse.