Chalmette

Understand

Like New Orleans, Chalmette was damaged severely by the flooding which came with levee failures from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. While 20% of New Orleans was above the flooding, Chalmette experienced the disaster of 100% flooding. The largest concentration of businesses and restaurants of the rebuilt Chalmette are along the major streets of Paris Road, St. Bernard Highway, and Judge Perez Drive.

Getting there

From central New Orleans, drive down Claiborne Avenue, which becomes Judge Perez in the Parish, or Rampart Street/St. Claude Avenue in New Orleans, which becomes St. Bernard Highway in the Parish. From I-10 in Eastern New Orleans, take 510 South which becomes Paris Road.

Getting around

Drive. If you get off the main thoroghfares, drive with extra attention, as some side streets are still in need of repaving after buckling in the flood.

See

Battle of New Orleans site 8606 West St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette. This is where Andrew Jackson stopped the British invasion during the War of 1812. Informative displays explain the battle. Chalmette National Cemetery is adjacent. De la Ronde Plantation ruins The remains of the old plantation house that served as British headquarters during their unsuccessful campaign to conquer Louisiana is now on the median of St. Bernard Highway a block up from Paris Road. Not much is left other than sections of ruined brick walls, but worth a quick look for history buffs if you're in the area.

Eat

Some of the restaurants in Chalmette, and in the town of Meraux which is just to the east of Chalmette.

Jeanfrau's, 2324 Paris Road. M-Sa 8AM-7PM. Half grocery store, half restaurant, serving po-boys and simple local fare. Crave 3201 E. Judge Perez, Meraux. Hearty Cajun-style food. Tel: +1 504-676-3697 Rocky & Carlo's Restaurant & Bar, 613 W. St. Bernard Hwy. A favorite local institution for generations, serving ample portions of po-boys, New Orleans style and Louisiana Italian cooking. Lunch and dinner, Tel: +1 504-279-8323

Drink & nightlife

Rocky & Carlo's, listed above More bars on and around Paris Road at St. Bernard Highway.

Go next

The picturesque Terre-aux-Boeufs region along Bayou Road is to the south-east Fishing trips from eastern St. Bernard Parish New Orleans is a short drive to the west.