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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Markets

French Market

Established in 1791, this historic open-air market is a cornerstone of the French Quarter, offering a vibrant mix of international vendors, traditional New Orleans dining, and riverside views along the Mississippi River.

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What is the French Market known for?

The French Market is a historically charming open-air market known for its shopping, dining, music, and local tradition. It is considered an enduring symbol of pride and progress for New Orleans and features an international community of vendors.

What are the hours?

The market is generally open daily from 10am to 6pm, including all holidays. Specifically, the Farmers Market and Flea Market are open 10am–6pm, while retail shops are open 10am–5pm.

Is it free?

Yes, the French Market District has free admission.

What can I eat there?

Visitors can enjoy café au lait and beignets at Café Du Monde, traditional New Orleans cuisine and po-boys at Market Café, or seafood, salads, and Cajun and Creole favorites at The Gazebo Café.

How do I get there?

The French Market is accessible via several RTA buses and streetcars.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The French Market is an enduring symbol of pride and progress for New Orleans, with a history tracing back to 1791. Spanning six blocks of the historic French Quarter, the district has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt many times over two centuries, yet it maintains a central spirit of commerce and community. The area extends from the Upper Pontalba shops at Jackson Square to the Farmers and Flea Markets located across from the Old U.S. Mint. Visitors can explore a diverse array of shopping and leisure spaces, including the Colonnade shops, the Craft Bazaar, and the Moon Walk. The district also integrates nature and public space through Oscar Dunn Park and Crescent Park, a 1.4 mile urban park nestled along the Mississippi River. The Farmers and Flea Markets are particularly notable for their international community of vendors who offer wares from around the globe. Culinary traditions are central to the experience. Since 1862, Café Du Monde has served its iconic café au lait and beignets as a market staple. For more substantial meals, Market Café provides traditional New Orleans cuisine and po-boys accompanied by live jazz, while the Gazebo Café specializes in Cajun and Creole favorites, seafood, and specialty cocktails. Managed by the French Market Corporation, the district remains a free-admission destination. The retail shops typically operate from 10am to 5pm, while the Farmers and Flea Market vendors are available seven days a week, including holidays, until 6pm.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between 10am and 5pm to ensure the retail shops are open.
  • The Farmers and Flea Markets are open seven days a week, including all holidays.
  • Use RTA streetcars or buses for easy access to the district.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to cover the six-block span from Jackson Square to the Old U.S. Mint.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the French Market District bridges the gap between the architectural grandeur of Jackson Square and the natural beauty of the Mississippi River waterfront.

Sources

Evidence and links