At the beginning of the 18th century, French explorers landed on the shores of a Native American trading ground called Balbuncha, and re-christened it La Nouvelle Orleans. Over the next century and a half this humble French port would transform into the busiest, most profitable Port-of- Call in the American South.
Today, New Orleans is one of the world’s most interesting, culturally vibrant cities. NOLA, as the locals call her, is the center of Creole Culture in the United States. It has given birth to Creole Cuisine, Jazz, and some of the world’s most recognized artists, chefs, and musicians. Every year locals and visitors alike gather in the streets to celebrate Mardi Gras, the greatest free show on earth. In New Orleans we know how to eat, dance, pass a good time, and celebrate EVERYTHING!
The New Orleans Metropolitan area covers both banks of the Mississippi River, and connects to the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain via the Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge – the world’s longest bridge over a body of water. The city of New Orleans alone contains 72 distinct, city recognized neighbors within 13 districts, each with its own unique vibe. Whether you prefer quiet, family friendly streets, high walkability, a lake or bayou view, or a bustling urban vibe, New Orleans has a neighborhood to suite any preference.