French Quarter and Cemetery Architecture Tour

Departing from the meetup point, you'll be given a brief overview of New Orleans history from the founding in 1718 to 1803, a period of changing government rule which sets the backdrop for a period of explosive building through 1861. Guests will view Jackson Square and the Mississippi from atop the Washington Artillery Park, providing some of the most picturesque views in the city. The tour continues downriver to Dumaine Street, exploring the differences in architectural periods, the effects of the Spanish Fire Code on building layout and composition, and the distinctive features of Creole Townhouses, Creole Cottages, Shotgun Houses, and American Townhomes. The tour then takes guests for a stroll down Royal Street to St. Louis Street, viewing the Garden of St. Anthony at the rear of St. Louis Cathedral, the interior of a 19th-century courtyard (when available), the New Orleans Exchange Hotel (now the Omni Royal Orleans), and the Louisiana Supreme Court building. Our walk to the cemetery takes us by Antoinne's Restaurant; several excellent examples of 19th-century Creole building; and the Hermann-Grima House, one of the most important examples of Federalist-style building in New Orleans. Once in the cemetery, guests learn about our system of above-ground burial, exploring the types of tombs (family, society, step), burial traditions, and viewing several world-famous tombs, including Marie Laveau and Nicholas Cage. Our tour ends at the cemetery, and our guide accompanies guests back to the French Quarter.