10 Experiences for French American Heritage Month
Since its founding in 1718, New Orleans has become a hub of Francophone culture in the United States.
The Big Easy's French roots radiate through its inhabitants, many of whom can trace their ancestry back to the original French settlers. Others share a French American heritage, such as Louisiana Cajuns and Creoles. Whether you are of Cajun, Creole, or French descent, honor the culture of your ancestors during French-American Heritage Month.
Beginning July 1, French American Heritage Month remembers the impact of French Americans on the U.S. Here is a list of 10 experiences to celebrate the role of French-Americans within the city of New Orleans.
1. Commemorate Bastille Day Fête 2025
1519 Jackson Ave., (504) 568-0770
af-neworleans.org
Bastille Day, or la Fête Nationale, commemorates the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille, which served as a catalyst for the French Revolution. However, celebrations of France's independence are not limited to Europe. The Alliance Française de la Nouvelle-Orléans organizes an annual Bastille Day celebration to honor French culture in New Orleans.
Marketed as a village-style celebration, Bastille Day Fête brings the atmosphere of France's picturesque communes to the Garden District. As attendees wander the streets in their best berets, Elijah Hartman and Romain Beauxis will serenade the crowds with New Orleans jazz. Head to the dance floor for Marea's techno set, which combines a Francophone sound with house music. The Bastille Day celebration begins at 6 p.m. on July 11, with adult tickets starting at $13.
2. Host a Fais-do-do at the Cajun Music Jam
4522 Prytania St., (504) 899-4477
lunionfrancaise.org
Following the expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia, Cajun music developed through the fusion of French ballads with the sounds of the accordion and fiddle. At 4522 Prytania St., modern Cajuns can honor the legacy of their Acadian ancestors by joining a jam session.
James DeRouseel began hosting the jam sessions in 2018 after finding a notable lack of Cajun music in Uptown New Orleans. The guitarist gathered a group of a dozen friends and collaborated with the L'Union Française to start hosting open jam sessions. Seven years later, the porch front jam session have become a recurring event, taking place every third Friday. More interested in dancing than playing? Bring friends and host a fais do-do in the yard.
3. Explore the Degas House
2306 Esplanade Ave., (504) 821-5009
degashouse.com
Edgar Degas is best known as a French impressionist, but the painter shared close ancestral ties to New Orleans. Between 1872 and 1873, Degas spent six months with his maternal relatives in the Tremé neighborhood. Although owned by the Musson Family, the house was renamed the Degas House.
The Degas House offers tours led by Degas' great-nieces, showcasing the studio where Degas created 18 paintings. The tour also includes a showing of the award-winning documentary Degas in New Orleans, a Creole Sojourn and a guided walk along Esplanade Ave. The Degas House offers tours twice a day at 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., with tickets costing $29.
4. Spend a Day at the French Quarter Galleries
520 Royal St., (504) 523-4662
hnoc.org
The French Quarter is arguably New Orleans' most popular destination, and its impact on the city's French American heritage cannot be overstated. Curated by the Historic New Orleans Collection, the French Quarter Galleries follows the development of the Vieux Carré from a river bend to a cultural hub. The web of galleries displays over 300 artifacts from the centuries-old neighborhood.
After exploring the French Quarter's history, become a part of the film The French Quarter by Night. The film offers viewers a 360-degree view of the French Quarter without the hassle of crowds and mosquitoes. The exhibit remains open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. (10:30 a.m. on Sundays) to 4:30 p.m. History lovers seeking expert guidance can reserve a 35-minute tour for $10.
5. Walk the Grounds of the Old Ursuline Convent
1112 Chartres St., (504) 529-3040
oldursulineconventmuseum.com
Built during Louisiana's French colonial period, the Old Ursuline Convent Museum preserves a building style known as French Provincial architecture. The convent's hipped roofs, two stories, and arched doorways were notable elements of this architectural style. When building the convent, French architects brought a piece of home to the New World, even if it was just the design of a building.
The Old Ursuline Convent Museum now occupies the halls where the Order of Saint Agnes worshipped. On a guided tour, visitors can admire the historic building while learning about the influence of the Ursuline nuns on the French Quarter. Those seeking more freedom can wander the grounds without a guide. The Old Ursuline Convent is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with tickets for $8.
6. Learn French at Alliance Française
1519 Jackson Ave., (504) 568-0770
af-neworleans.org
Whether you are walking Chartres Street or buying a Saints fleur-de-lis jersey, the French language's influence on New Orleans is evident. While the number of French-speaking Louisianans has dwindled, the Alliance Française of New Orleans seeks to promote the language that shaped Nouvelle-Orléans. The local nonprofit provides a range of French courses for both adults and children.
Have you never taken a French course? The organization's beginner classes meet three times a week. Those seeking to brush up their knowledge of the language can take a free placement test to find the perfect course. Even fluent French speakers can learn something new in the advanced classes. Register for French courses at the Alliance Française to become immersed in New Orleans' French culture.
7. Perfect French Louisiana Cuisine at Mardi Gras School of Cooking
519 Wilkinson St., (504) 344-3977
themardigrasschoolofcooking.com
Cooking is intertwined with culture, with recipes passing down from one generation to the next. For Louisiana Cajuns and Creoles, recipes for gumbo, étouffée, and pralines may be closely guarded secrets or centuries-old traditions. The Mardi Gras School of Cooking shares Louisiana's unique cuisine by teaching family recipes to aspiring cooks.
The cooking school offers five courses, each focused on an area of Louisiana's culinary scene. The traditions classes center around New Orleans staples: barbecue shrimp, jambalaya, and bread pudding. For non-meat eaters, the vegetarian class adds a Cajun/Creole twist to plant-based dishes, such as gumbo z'herbes and maque choux. Book a cooking class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking and learn new recipes to share with your family.
8. Taste French Creole Cooking at Antoine's Restaurant
713 St. Louis St., (504) 581-4422
antoines.com
Chef Antoine Alciatore founded his namesake restaurant in 1840, which, almost 200 years later, remains one of New Orleans' most popular dining establishments and the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. The restaurant serves the Alciatore family's recipes for French and Creole favorites, including its famous oysters Rockefeller.
Antoine's dining room opens for three services: lunch, brunch, and dinner. The restaurant has lunch every Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The eatery also hosts jazz brunchs on Saturdays and Sundays. If you want pompano Pontchartrain or shrimp Creole for dinner, reserve a table between 5 and 9 p.m. on any day except Sunday.
9. Enjoy Bayou Flavors at Mulate's Cajun Restaurant
201 Julia St., (504)-522-1492,
mulates.com
Marketed as "the original Cajun restaurant," Mulate's brought the flavors of the bayou to New Orleans in the 1980s. Owner Kerry Boutte transformed 201 Julia St. into the Cajun dance halls of his childhood. With a dance floor and lifted stage, Mulate's is the perfect spot to dance a Cajun jig, followed by a delicious bowl of gumbo de jour.
Mulate's is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Every night features a performance by local Cajun musicians, accompanied by guests dancing along to the band. Reserve a seat at Mulate's and take a trip down to Cajun Country.
10. Eat a Sweet from La Boulangerie
4600 Magazine St., (504) 269-3777
Enjoy NOLA's French Culture
This French American Heritage Month, celebrate the culture that makes New Orleans one of the most unique cities in the U.S. Book your museum tickets, attend a cooking class, or learn a new language. Most importantly, remember "la vie est belle, surtout à la Nouvelle-Orléans," or life is beautiful, especially in New Orleans.
