The Market has existed on the same site since 1791 and is the oldest farmer's market in the country. It began as a Native American trading post on the banks of the Mississippi River. Although founded by the Spanish, it was the market in the French part of New Orleans. Many of the butchers were French, either Creoles or Foreign. It was the only place in the French Quarter where fresh meat could legally be sold. Local residents referred to it as "the Meat Market" and not the French Market. The people of New Orleans Especially enjoyed grocery shopping at the Market.
The French Market was a very diverse place. People of color, Creoles, Native Americans and eve Sicilians, shopped at the Market. Shoppers would have to be prepared to interact with many languages, such as French, Creole patois, African languages, English, Spanish, German, Ita
lian and more. Coastal fisherman would bring oysters, shrimp, crawfish and a wide selection of fish. Sicilian truck farmers from St. Bernard Parish carted crops like creole artichokes, tomatoes, garlic and fava beans. Hunters would bring in everything from raccoons to bears.Many immigrants had stalls at the French Market. Stall rent was low and a number of groceries began as stalls at the Market. The French Market eventually grew and had five main components. There was the Meat Market, the Vegetable Market, the Fruit Market, the Red Stores and the Bazaar Market. Interesting fact to know is that the Bazzar building was designed by one of America's first African-American architects, Joseph Abeilard.
The French Market went through a lot of disaters and changes. It is now newly renovated, including both the farmers market and a fleas market. It hosts annual festivals and events like the Creole Tomato Festival, French Market Christmas Lighting, Harvest Festival and Boo Carre' Halloween. It is home to still a diversity of vendors serving prepared foods as well as fresh produce stands. You can find anything, even T-shirts, at New Orleans' French Market.
I've never been to the French Market, but I've heard great things about it. My mother went once, and she compared it a little to the ones they have in Florida when we used to live there. She likes the ambiance of the French market more however, it reminds her of her home. One of these days, I plan on visiting,but its never really much interest to me.
ReplyDeleteI never knew the French Market had such an extensive history. I have never been, but I have passed it several times while in the quarter. I've always wanted to go, and after reading your post I definitely plan on making the trip soon.
ReplyDeleteThe way you describe the early French Market sounds a lot like the outdoor markets I've seen in Europe. Those markets also had an array of fresh produce and different types of meat. Those markets had some really unique stuff, like octopi, so I'm curious whether the French Market is also unique, or just another tourist attraction.
ReplyDeleteI never really thought about the history of the French Market, but it was nice to learn about it. I had no idea it was started by the Native Americans, or the fact about the first African-American architect in America.The variety of food the French Market provides and the culture it brings to the city is remarkable.
ReplyDeleteThese were some interesting facts that I hadn't known before. Paris has several markets in the way that the French market used to be. I don't think the way it is now is necessarily bad, just different. Tourists like the stuff there and sometimes you can go down and find some nice stuff.
ReplyDeleteLast spring when I visited New Orleans for the first time, The French Market was my first stop when I went site seeing. It was a great first taste of New Orleans had to offer in terms of its diverse culture and infectious lively hood. The French Market is much bigger and sells a wider variety than the farmers market at home. I like that there is something for everyone, but I felt that it was missing the community and closeness that my local farmer market had. I also felt like there was more of an emphasis on the touristy aspect rather than the fresh produce and local vendors. I had know idea how long the Market has been around. It is amazing to think that something could sustain so well for so long. I would say its a place everyone needs to visit at least once.
ReplyDeleteJust like Stephanie, the French Market reminds me of European markets, especially the one in Barcelona, seeing as that is the only place in Europe I've visited. Just as fresh meat and other goods are sold at the French Market, there is an array of fresh mean and vegetables, juices, chocolates and other such goodies at the one in Barcelona. The original version of the French Market (as it has changed considerably and is very different from the original market) reminds me the extensive and busy markets overseas.
ReplyDeleteI went to the french market in October when my mom and grandma visited, and although I was a little bored, they had a great time. My grandma really loves making necklaces and doing all sorts of arts and crafts and she was really in her element there. Although the current french market has the label of being "tourist spot," I really imagine that anybody who enjoys shopping and seeing all sorts of different interesting things would love the french market.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am not a huge fan of shopping, I certainly would love to go to the French Market sometime just to see what all the hype is about. My friends who are from New Orleans say that it is pretty interesting to go there and walk around, if only to just people-watch the tourists buy things you know they will never use... Personally, for me the biggest appeal of the market is the so-called New Orleans parrots that hangout in the trees near the area.
ReplyDeleteI was interested in the history of the French Market so I looked more into the history. I found on the internet that "The Market has survived several changes of nationality, when Louisiana reverted to French control, and then ultimately sold to the United States in 1803. The open-air center was designed by architect Joseph Abeilard, one of the first African-American architects, in 1870, but was destroyed in a hurricane." Kateri made a good point to say all of the different languages that were spoken by people who attended the market. She pointed out many food items that were traditionally there and that were popular. I also found that "In addition to staples such as fish and other seafood, meat (at the Halle des Boucheries), cheese, vegetables (at the Halle des Légumes), and fruit, you might buy pralines or file' powder or a po-boy."
ReplyDeleteI've only been once, and reading this made me really want to go back on a good day. In some ways it almost makes me think of the Pike Place Public Market in Seattle, WA. My mom has always taken me to different farmers' markets on Sundays since I can remember, so I really, really love going to them, and I really hope to be able to go back soon as the weather gets nicer.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to the French Market or actually ever heard of it until now. I used to go to the Farmer's Market at home in San Francisco with my mom, so going to the oldest one in the country would be really interesting. Also, as with most things in New Orleans, I'm sure this Farmer's Market would offer a much different spin on the traditional ones I am used to.
ReplyDeleteThe French Market is such an amazing tradition to me, and seems a lot like Quincy Market in Boston which was built just 30 years after the French Market in New Orleans was built. There is something about these markets that are part of our childhood. Although these markets have changed over the years we never forget how much fun it was to be a kid in the summer and go to the market with your mom and just browse through all the vendors. I will always remember getting chocolate chip cookies at the Chip Yard which is in Quincy Market. I have yet to go to the French Market but I hope to go sometime this spring.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that the French Market has changed so much into a place to sell knock off purses and things. I really do hope we can bring it back to the way that it used to be. When I was little, we used to go there to get our watermelons and fall pumpkins and sometimes tomatoes. My dad said that around 30 years ago, they sold fresh fish and spices. It was the place to do your fresh shopping. I wonder if we will be able to bring it back.
ReplyDeleteI total agree that the French Market has changed. You don't see that many butchers as in the old days. The last time I went to the French Market was two weeks ago. That's all you see now is people selling jewelry and clothes etc. I think that they should bring more of the old French Market back where it's based more around the French culture.
ReplyDeleteI went to the French Market this past weekend, because this post really interested me. I did observe that it greatly resembled a sort of flea market, which in my opinion made it less unique than it was before it was completely renovated. I though it was interesting that the French Market was used to replace modern day grocery stores, which again adds to what makes New Orleans different from most places.
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