Discover the captivating history of New Orleans’ Esplanade Ridge through a self-guided audio tour. Starting at the charming Ashtons Bed and Breakfast, this immersive experience guides you through the picturesque Creole Garden District and Faubourg St. John neighborhoods. With GPS navigation and offline access, you can explore at your own pace, uncovering the area’s rich cultural heritage. Ideal for all travelers, the tour reveals intriguing stories that’ll have you eager to learn more.
Key Points

- Downloadable self-guided audio tour highlighting the Creole Garden District and Faubourg St. John neighborhoods in New Orleans.
- Tour starts at Ashtons Bed and Breakfast, a former antebellum plantation home, and ends at Grand Rte Saint John St.
- Features automatic GPS start, lifetime access through VoiceMap app, and accessibility for wheelchairs, strollers, and service animals.
- Focuses on stories related to the area’s response to Americanism and the Creole culture.
- Tour priced starting from $7.99 per person, with no refunds or cancellations allowed.
Overview of the Tour
The New Orleans Esplanade Ridge: A Self-Guided Audio Tour provides an acclaimed exploration of the Creole Garden District and Faubourg St. John neighborhood.
The tour starts at Ashtons Bed and Breakfast, a former antebellum plantation home, and highlights the stories of this neighborhood built by French Creoles in response to Americanism.
The downloadable tour features automatic GPS start on smartphones and provides lifetime access through the VoiceMap app, with offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
Detailed starting point instructions are provided after downloading the app, making this an accessible and convenient way to discover the unique history of this vibrant New Orleans area.
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Tour Features

This self-guided audio tour offers several convenient features for visitors.
It’s downloadable for offline use, ensuring you can access the tour even without internet connectivity. The tour automatically starts via GPS on your smartphone, making it easy to follow along.
You’ll also enjoy lifetime access to the tour through the VoiceMap application, which provides offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata.
Whether you’re exploring on foot or using public transportation, this tour is accessible to most travelers, including those with wheelchairs, strollers, or service animals.
Meeting and End Points

The tour starts at 2023 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA, which is the location of Ashtons Bed and Breakfast, a former antebellum plantation home.
The tour begins at 2023 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, at the site of Ashtons Bed and Breakfast, a former antebellum plantation home.
From there, the tour winds through the Creole Garden District and Faubourg St. John neighborhood, highlighting the stories of the area built by French Creoles in response to Americanism.
The tour ends at 3202 Grand Rte Saint John St, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA.
Detailed starting point instructions are provided after downloading the VoiceMap app, which offers the tour with offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
Accessibility and Participation
The Esplanade Ridge Audio Tour is wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, and allows service animals.
It’s located close to public transportation, making it convenient for travelers. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
The tour is suitable for most travelers and can be experienced as a private tour exclusively for your group.
Whether you’re exploring the Creole Garden District and Faubourg St. John neighborhood or simply taking in the historic charm of New Orleans, this self-guided audio tour provides an accessible and enjoyable experience for visitors of all abilities.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy
Although the Esplanade Ridge Audio Tour is non-refundable, with no cancellations allowed, the price per person starts from $7.99.
Once booked, travelers will receive confirmation immediately. The tour offers lifetime access through the VoiceMap application, with offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata.
While the pricing may seem reasonable, it’s important to note the lack of refund or cancellation options. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the tour should be carefully considered, as the non-refundable nature means any changes or unexpected circumstances could result in the loss of the tour fee.
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Reviews
How do the reviews for the Esplanade Ridge Audio Tour look?
The tour has a total of 5 reviews with an overall rating of 4.2 based on Viator and Tripadvisor. While there are no 5-star reviews recorded, all ratings are below 5 stars. The review checks performed indicate the authenticity of the feedback.
To help you enjoy the tour, here are 4 key takeaways from the reviews:
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The tour provides an immersive experience, bringing the neighborhood’s history to life.
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The audio guide is informative and well-researched, offering valuable insights.
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The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for various travelers.
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Some reviewers suggest the tour could be improved with better signage or more engaging content.
Exploring the Creole Garden District
One of the highlights of the Esplanade Ridge Audio Tour is the exploration of the Creole Garden District. This neighborhood, built by French Creoles, showcases the architectural legacy of the region.
Visitors will discover stately antebellum homes, lush gardens, and the unique cultural blend of French, Spanish, and African influences. The tour guides listeners through the charming streets, sharing stories of the neighborhood’s history and the resilience of its residents.
Guests can enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors that make this district so captivating. The audio tour provides an engaging, informative journey through this vibrant Creole enclave.
The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood
As the Esplanade Ridge Audio Tour continues, it takes visitors beyond the charming Creole Garden District and into the equally captivating Faubourg St. John neighborhood. This historic area, home to a vibrant community of French Creoles, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Highlights of this section include:
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Exploring the grand antebellum homes and lush gardens that line the picturesque streets.
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Discovering the influence of French and Creole architecture, with its intricate ironwork and distinctive style.
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Visiting the iconic St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, a must-see for its elaborate above-ground tombs.
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Experiencing the lively local shops, restaurants, and public spaces that give the neighborhood its unique character.
The Sum Up
The "Esplanade Ridge: A Self-Guided Audio Tour" offers an immersive exploration of New Orleans’ Creole Garden District and Faubourg St. John. With GPS navigation and offline access, travelers can discover the area’s rich history and cultural heritage at their own pace. Ideal for all visitors, including those with mobility needs, this tour provides a unique and captivating experience of the city’s charming neighborhoods.
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