New Orleans Garden District Tour: Private Mansion Access, Lafayette Cemetery & Local Praline Maker

COVID UPDATE. Effective August 16, 2021, proof of Covid-19 vaccination (over the age of 12) or negative PCR test within 72 hours is required to enter sites on this tour. Everyone is required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. For full requirements, please check here.

Start your day on the sweetest of notes at a historic praline-makers shop, sample the confectionary treat as it comes straight out of the copper pot - a sweet introduction to southern culture.

Stroll over to a nearby streetcar - a beloved icon of New Orleans life and roll your way down famed St. Charles Avenue as more and more stately mansions start to appear until you are right in the midst of the Garden District. During the late 19th century, as New Orleans started to fully enjoy its prosperity, wide-lot homes of opulent nature began to arise where once plantations sprawled. Wander through the streets, as harmless insects buzz about, ferns sway on porches and these southern belles lounge about. Stop by famed homes, as your guide not only shares the stories of their former and famed owners - but points out the particular articles of interest within their architecture, especially the varied balconies, a testament to the long, warm summers in the South.

Passing through, peek into one of America’s most historic graveyards - Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 with its famous family plots and gray stone mausoleums. Here your guide will share some intriguing stories on the practical difficulties of building and maintaining a cemetery below sea level. As you return to the wide avenue of St. Charles, wander a bit more to end your tour in front of the Elms Mansion, one of the best-preserved old Southern mansions in America. As your time with your guide draws to a close, reflect on the beautiful, often troubled history of New Orleans and celebrate the preservation to keep this special corner of the world for all to enjoy.