The Enigmatic French Quarter of New Orleans

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-vwah]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [see voo pleh/dee ree-ahn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-nyoo, see voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, see voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-play lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-play uh may-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh share]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [yair]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo ay uh/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, was established in 1718 when Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville founded New Orleans. As the first neighborhood of the city, the French Quarter was designed with a grid layout and featured narrow streets, which reflected the French colonial style. This area became a melting pot of cultures, with influences from French, Spanish, African, and Native American traditions shaping its identity.

Following the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1762, control of New Orleans shifted to Spain, leading to significant changes in the French Quarter. The Spanish ruled from 1763 to 1800, and during this period, many buildings adopted Spanish colonial architectural styles, characterized by wrought-iron balconies and stucco facades. The Cabildo and the Presbytère were constructed during this time, showcasing the blend of French and Spanish influences.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the French Quarter emerged as the birthplace of jazz music. Notable musicians like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton played in the vibrant clubs and bars of the area. The rich musical heritage of the French Quarter, combined with its lively street performances, festivals, and Mardi Gras celebrations, solidified its reputation as a cultural hub in New Orleans.

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 brought unprecedented challenges to the French Quarter. While the area largely escaped the severe flooding that affected other neighborhoods, the storm nonetheless impacted businesses, tourism, and the local community. In the years that followed, the French Quarter showcased its resilience, with restoration efforts revitalizing the historic architecture and cultural events, reaffirming its role as a key destination in New Orleans.

Today, the French Quarter is celebrated for its vibrant culture, history, and architecture. The neighborhood is home to iconic landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and the French Market. Street performers, artists, and musicians fill the streets, reflecting the area's ongoing evolution while preserving its rich heritage. Festivals such as the French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival continue to draw visitors and showcase the neighborhood's unique cultural tapestry.

The French Quarter is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in New Orleans. If you are coming from the Central Business District (CBD), it's just a short 15-20 minute walk or a quick ride on the streetcar. The St. Charles Avenue streetcar line takes you to Canal Street, from where you can walk into the heart of the French Quarter. For those coming from the Garden District, the same streetcar can be used. Taxis, rideshares like Uber and Lyft, and public buses also frequently service the area.

The French Quarter is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly layout. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Bicycles are also a popular option, with several bike rental shops available. If you're looking to venture further out, the streetcar is a great way to travel to surrounding neighborhoods. The RTA provides bus services as well, but specific routes may be limited within the quarter.

The French Quarter is generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised, especially at night. Areas around Bourbon Street can be more prone to petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and theft. It is advisable to avoid walking alone in less crowded areas after dark. Always stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The New Orleans Police Department has a presence in the French Quarter, and local hospitals are available for medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the locations of the nearest medical facilities and pharmacies in case you need urgent care.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, and consider lightweight clothing in the warm months. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites like St. Louis Cathedral. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting churches, and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do wait for the streetcar to come to a complete stop before boarding. Don’t block the aisles with bags or belongings. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hello' or 'How y'all doing?' Don't forget to smile and make eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like beignets and gumbo. Don't drink alcohol in public areas outside of designated zones.

To experience the French Quarter like a local, visit the French Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Attend live music events at smaller venues to enjoy authentic New Orleans music. Try to explore the quieter streets, such as Royal Street, for unique shops and art galleries. For an insider's view, join a walking tour that focuses on the neighborhood's history and architecture. Be sure to stop by local eateries and cafes, and don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations.

When in the French Quarter, it’s essential to respect local customs. Many locals are proud of their unique culture and heritage, so taking an interest in local traditions and history is appreciated. When dining, it is customary to thank the staff and show appreciation for service. Avoid discussing sensitive topics related to politics or religion unless initiated by locals.

New Orleans experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. If visiting during the summer, be prepared for heat and humidity. Spring (especially during Mardi Gras) and fall are popular seasons for tourism due to more temperate weather. Plan ahead for major events, as accommodations can book quickly and prices may increase.