The Most Beautiful Historic District In America Is Right Here In Louisiana… And It Isn’t Natchitoches

Don’t get us wrong, Natchitoches is a beautiful city with an incredible 31-block Historic District that is worth a road trip from any corner of the state. Recently, Country Living just put out a list of some of the most beautiful places in America, and Louisiana is home to the most beautiful historic district in the country. Of course, we're talking about the French Quarter.

When you think of the French Quarter, visions of hand grenades, hurricanes, and Mardi Gras beads probably flood through your head.

And while you’re not wrong, the French Quarter is so much more than that.

New Orleans was founded in 1718 and developed around a central square that eventually became the French Quarter.

Engineer Adrien de Pauger designed the layout, naming the streets after Catholic saints and French royal houses. Remember, Louisiana was under French rule until 1763 when the Spanish took it over. Sadly, massive fires in 1788 and 1794 destroyed about 80% of the city’s buildings, so many of the buildings you see today date back to the late 1790s.

After the fires, the Spanish introduced new fire codes to help prevent any future devastations to New Orleans' oldest neighborhood.

Stucco-covered bricks instead of wooden siding and flat-tiled roofs were just a few of the architectural shifts introduced by the Spanish. Since the area was still mostly French, styles began to blend. Today we are blessed with a cultural gumbo of Caribbean, French, and Spanish styles.

Today, the French Quarter spans 78 square blocks.

It stretches along the Mississippi River for 13 blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue and then up to North Rampart Street.

While the may seem like a lot, it’s actually an easily walkable area filled with shopping, restaurants, and bars.

There are a few spots in the Quarter that are an absolute must, and getting a drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is one of them.

One of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans, the building dates back to the early 1700s and was known to be a favorite parking spot for the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte to tend to his affairs. Rumor has it his ghost still lurks around, so don’t be surprised if you think you catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of your eye.

When was the last time you visited the French Quarter? Share your memories with us in the comments below!