Founded in 1718, French Quarter is a rectangular area surrounded by Canal Street Esplanade Avenue Rampart Street on the Mississippi River. There are more than a dozen streets of delicate bars, restaurants, shops and streets in the area with colorful and distinctive diet that blends French, Spanish, Caribbean and Africa. Artists perform during the day, tourists like knitting and enjoying the "France" architecture with strong Spanish flavor. The bustling and unrestrained French area is more attractive when the lights are on.