New Orleans: French Quarter Saints & Sinners History Tour

New Orleans’ French Quarter is a tapestry of rich religious and cultural history. The "Saints & Sinners History Tour" explores this captivating interplay between voodoo and Catholicism, guided by knowledgeable hosts. Participants can dive into the fascinating tales of iconic figures like the "Voodoo Queen" Marie Laveau and visit significant landmarks. This 95-minute tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s vibrant identity, blending themes of sin and redemption. What secrets lurk within the French Quarter’s past?

Good To Know

• Immersive tour exploring the diverse religious and cultural landscape of New Orleans’ French Quarter, focusing on themes of sin, forgiveness, and the city’s unique identity.
• Guided by live English-speaking experts, with visits to significant sites like the St. Louis Cathedral and the Ursuline Convent.
• Blends themes of voodoo and Catholicism, providing insights into the eclectic belief systems shaping the French Quarter.
• Priced at $18 per person for a 95-minute tour, with a buy one get one free Hurricane drink offer prior to the tour.
• Tour is wheelchair accessible and has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, with a minimum age requirement of 17 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The French Quarter Saints & Sinners History Tour in New Orleans offers an immersive experience exploring the city’s diverse religious and cultural landscape.

Priced from $18 per person, the 95-minute tour is led by live English-speaking guides. It’s wheelchair accessible, and participants can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes a visit to significant sights in the French Quarter and highlights tales of the faithful and fallen, including voodoo and Catholicism.

Participants must be 17 or older, and a buy one get one free Hurricane drink offer is available prior to the tour.

Tour Highlights and Experience

The French Quarter Saints & Sinners History Tour offers an immersive experience exploring New Orleans’ diverse religious and cultural landscape.

The French Quarter Saints & Sinners History Tour offers an immersive experience exploring New Orleans’ diverse religious and cultural landscape.

Participants will experience tales of the faithful and fallen, including voodoo and Catholicism, gaining a unique perspective on the city’s history. The tour blends the themes of sin and forgiveness, allowing visitors to discover the eclectic belief systems and their impact on the city’s identity.

Key highlights include:

• Visit to significant sights in the French Quarter

• Insights into the city’s religious and cultural influences

• Exploration of New Orleans’ eclectic identity shaped by faith and vice

Meeting Point and Important Information

Participants meet at The Voodoo Lounge, located at the corner of Orleans and N Rampart Streets in the French Quarter.

The tour is only open to those 17 years and older. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the buy one get one free Hurricane drink offer, which they can enjoy on the tour.

Lastly, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to reviews, the French Quarter Saints & Sinners History Tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 52 reviews.

Tourists praise the tour’s knowledgeable and entertaining guides, rating them an impressive 4.9 out of 5. The value for money is also highly rated at 4.5 out of 5, with reviewers highlighting the tour’s unique perspective on the city’s history, blending sin and forgiveness.

• "Our guide was fantastic – so informative and engaging."

• "Loved the mix of history, culture, and sin. Definitely worth the price."

• "This tour gave us a whole new appreciation for New Orleans’ complex past."

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Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The French Quarter Saints & Sinners History Tour includes a knowledgeable guide and gratuity, but excludes food, drinks, and hotel pickup/drop-off. Participants are responsible for their own expenses not covered by the tour price. To help visualize the inclusions and exclusions, here is a table:

| Included | Not Included |

| — | — |

| Guide | Food and drinks |

| Gratuity | Hotel pickup and drop-off |

The tour is not suitable for participants under 17 years old. Visitors should arrive early to take advantage of the buy one get one free Hurricane drink offer, which can be enjoyed during the tour.

The Faithful and the Fallen

New Orleans’ French Quarter is a tapestry of diverse belief systems, where the faithful and the fallen coexist.

From the towering St. Louis Cathedral, a beacon of Catholicism, to the shrines and rituals of Voodoo practitioners, the quarter’s religious landscape reflects the city’s complex history.

Explore:

• The legend of Marie Laveau, the "Voodoo Queen" who blended African traditions with Catholic iconography.

• The Ursuline Convent, a former school for girls that allegedly harbors ghosts of the faithful.

• The gritty tales of vice, corruption, and redemption that have shaped the French Quarter’s identity.

Voodoo and Catholicism in the French Quarter

Although the French Quarter in New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere, it also boasts a rich tapestry of diverse religious beliefs.

The neighborhood is a melting pot of Voodoo and Catholicism, each leaving an indelible mark on the city’s culture. Voodoo, with its roots in West African traditions, has been a significant part of New Orleans’ history, while Catholicism’s influence can be seen in the numerous churches and cathedrals that dot the landscape.

Exploring the interplay between these belief systems offers visitors a unique perspective on the Quarter’s intriguing past.

The Impact of Eclectic Beliefs on the City’s Identity

As visitors explore the diverse religious landscape of the French Quarter, they discover how the eclectic beliefs of Voodoo and Catholicism have profoundly shaped the city’s identity.

The coexistence of these seemingly contrasting faiths has resulted in a unique cultural tapestry that’s integral to New Orleans’ character.

Some key ways this impact is manifested:

• The fusion of Voodoo rituals and Catholic iconography in spiritual practices

• The prevalence of both Voodoo queens and Catholic saints in the city’s folklore and mythology

• The tolerance and reverence for religious diversity, which is reflected in the city’s vibrant festivals and celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Strenuous Is the Walking During the Tour?

The walking during the tour is generally moderate, with participants covering a distance of around 1 mile at a leisurely pace. The tour is wheelchair-accessible, making it accessible for guests with mobility considerations.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but participants are asked to be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide or blocking the view of others. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is required for the tour. Just bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes, as the tour involves exploring the French Quarter on foot. Any camera or smartphone can be used to capture photos during the tour.

Can I Leave the Tour Early if Needed?

Yes, you can leave the tour early if needed. The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, and participants are free to leave the tour at any time during the 95-minute duration.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for students or seniors. However, the website mentions a "Reserve now & pay later" option, which could provide some flexibility for budgets. It’s best to check directly with the tour provider for any available deals.

The Sum Up

The "New Orleans: French Quarter Saints & Sinners History Tour" provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich religious and cultural heritage. Delving into the interplay between voodoo and Catholicism, the tour offers a unique perspective on New Orleans’ vibrant past, captivating participants with the stories of iconic figures and landmark sites. It’s a must-experience for those seeking to uncover the complexities and contrasts that have shaped the city’s identity.

You can check availability for your dates here: