‘Sentimental’ France Aids Relief Effort

In 1803, Napoleon sold the vast French territory of Louisiane and its urban jewel, La Nouvelle-Orleans, to an eager United States so he could focus on conquering Europe.

Two centuries later, many French are remembering the historic connection to the former colony as they lend a helping hand to areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

The French government shipped in food and supplies. Orleans is raising funds for its American namesake. Parisians, whose passion for jazz is legendary, are also reaching out.

“If it hadn’t been New Orleans, I think I can say this honestly

While many countries have contributed aid, France’s support for its longtime ally takes on extra significance at a time when the nations have been working to restore ties frayed over French opposition to the U.S.-led war in Iraq.

At the grass-roots level, well-wishers have offered lodging, student loans, money and sympathy -- often motivated by France’s long-overlooked link to “La Nouvelle-Orleans,” founded in 1718 by French settlers who named it for the Duke of Orleans, then the regent of France.

Today, New Orleans mostly means jazz to the French (and for many others around the world). Louisiana, however, conjures up images of plantations and crinoline antebellum dresses, even if French surnames such as Breaux and Hebert remain common.