French Quarter Mule Carriage Ride New Orleans

The French Quarter by mule-drawn carriage

Founded by the French in 1718, the French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighbourhood in New Orleans. Two great fires in the late 1700s destroyed most of the early buildings, and the Spanish rebuilt it with courtyards, arcades and iron balconies, which is why much of what you see feels Spanish as well as French. A French Quarter carriage ride lets you take it all in at a gentle pace.

The guide sits up front with the driver and tells stories of the buildings, the families and the events that shaped the district. Mules are the traditional carriage animals in New Orleans because they cope well with the heat. If you are looking for a French Quarter carriage tour that is relaxed and informative, this one-hour ride gives you a lot of history in a short time.

Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral

The heart of the ride is Jackson Square, the green plaza that was the original parade ground of the city. On one side stands St. Louis Cathedral, its three spires among the most recognisable in the United States, and beside it are the Cabildo and the Presbytère, two Spanish colonial buildings that now hold state museums. Street artists and musicians usually gather along the square's railings.

Your guide explains the transfer of Louisiana between France, Spain and the United States, and why the square is named for Andrew Jackson. The carriage then follows streets such as Royal Street, known for its antique shops and galleries, past cast-iron balconies and hidden courtyards you can glimpse through the gates.

The Faubourg Marigny, where locals go

The main option continues beyond the French Quarter into the Faubourg Marigny, a neighbourhood laid out in 1806 by a Creole landowner on his family's plantation. Today it is known for its colourful Creole cottages, small live-music clubs on Frenchmen Street and a relaxed local atmosphere. Many visitors say this part of the ride feels like the real city.

The pace slows through the quiet residential streets, and the guide explains how the neighbourhood developed and why it remains a favourite of musicians and artists. The Faubourg Marigny gives the ride variety, and if you would like to return on foot for the evening music, you can see exactly where to go.

History and haunts, and planning your ride

The history and haunts option covers the French Quarter only, and it adds tales of fires, epidemics and ghosts to the story of the streets. Depending on the option you choose, the guide gives a wider historical tour or a spookier one. Both rides last one hour in a shared carriage.

Departures run from about 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and the meeting point is in the French Quarter; the exact location is shown on your voucher after booking. Tips are not included, and 15 to 20 percent for the guide is customary. Carriages can be hot in summer, so bring water, a hat and sunscreen, and check the booking panel for the time you like.