Within its shopping arcades of forgettable souvenirs, it’s easy to forget that for centuries this was the great bazaar and pulsing commercial heart for much of New Orleans. Today the French Market is a bit sanitized, a tourist jungle of curios, flea markets and harmless tat that all equals family-friendly fun. Occasionally you’ll spot genuinely fascinating and/or unique arts and craftwork.
Following cycles of fire and storm, the market has been built and rebuilt by the Spanish, French and Works Progress Administration (WPA).
