Coordinates
812 Decatur St.
Dutch Alley, near French Market.
The Lady of Dutch Alley
"Michelle"
The Muse.
French Quarter Icon
812 Decatur St • Artist: Paul Perret Jr.
The Sculpture
Officially titled "Michelle," this life-sized bronze depicts a woman sitting on a bench with a basket of fruit and nuts. Modeled by Gayle de la Houssaye in 1983, it was originally intended to be a nude but was clothed for public display.
The "Mermaid" Myth: Often informally nicknamed "the mermaid" by locals and tourists, despite clearly having legs and no tail.
Dutch Alley Context
Situated in the heart of the French Market district, the statue sits in an open-air plaza known as Dutch Alley. Its accessible, seated pose makes it one of the most popular photo opportunities in the Quarter.
High-Traffic Photo Spot
Visitor Protocol
Access Level
Free / 24 Hours. Outdoor public plaza setting.
Proximity
Steps from Café du Monde and Jackson Square.
Tribute: The Lady of New Orleans
Capturing the spirit of the French Market