One of the most fascinating characters in New Orleans’ long and colorful history is the famous Micaela Almonester, Baroness de Pontalba who designed and built the famous Pontalba Buildings around Jackson Square in the French Quarter.

To get a glimpse of the historical apartments, au pairs visited the 1850 House museum located within the Pontalba complex. The museum docent narrated some of the Baroness’ fascinating life story, complete with her unfortunate marriage, persecution and shooting by her father-in-law, and success as a shrewd business woman and developer. After visiting the two story house furnished with period furniture and memorabilia, au pairs walked down the block to Café du Monde for café a’lait and begniets.

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