Saturday, August 7, 2010

Term for the Day: Vieux Carré

The famed Joan of Arc statue.
Also known as “The French Quarter,” the Vieux Carré (literally, “the old city”) refers to the original section of New Orleans which was developed in which was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. A National Historic Landmark, the Vieux Carré, was damaged during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, but not as catastrophically as other parts of New Orleans. The French Quarter is defined in boundaries by Canal Street, Esplanade Avenue and North Rampart Street. Among the many historic buildings in the French Quarter, some of the most recognized are in Jackson Square which included the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral, the Pontalba Buildings and the Cabildo (the old City Hall). Now, a center for the arts, the Vieux Carré attracts Millions of tourists eager to sample the culture, music, cuisine and excitement that are available twenty-four hours a day. From the famous beignets at the Café Du Mond to the landmarks of Bourbon Street to the glittering shops on Royal and Chartres, the Vieux Carré offers something for everyone.


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