The New Orleans French Quarter Historical tour

Explore the remarkable streets of the Vieux Carre where the documented history is better than fiction. From the dynamic Mississippi River to the serene courtyards, discover everything from the colonial history to Creole culture, piracy and architectural masterpieces. The French Quarter walking tour includes the Mississippi River or the “Father of Waters” – this mythological body of water has provided New Orleans with its reason for being. We also tour the French Market, the oldest open-air market in the nation, and see the Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley. Enter Jackson Square and views its architectural magnificence, including St. Louis Cathedral; the Cabildo and the Presbytere, Spanish colonial buildings which flank the cathedral; the Pontalba Buildings, the oldest apartments in the U.S.; and the statue of Andrew Jackson. Experience the lush atmosphere of a Creole courtyard where you will learn about the complexities of Creole society, including the system of "placage" at the Quadroon Ballroom. The tour includes New Orleans’ singular history of slavery and the St. Louis Exchange. The tour also stops at Pirate’s Alley, the scene of daring pirate prison escapes and a legendary dueling ground.