French painter Edgar Degas spent time with his New Orleans relatives here at Degas House in the 1870s-New Orleanians of French ancestry often maintained close ties with France during the 19th century. In those days, official business in the state might even be conducted in French. When these Creoles, such as Degas’ family, left the French Quarter, they often moved out to Esplanade Avenue. Now a bed and breakfast, the Degas House is open to visitors.