New Orleans’ St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. The non-profit Save Our Cemeteries organizes a walking tour that immerses visitors in the cemetery’s history and significance. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, participants discover the final resting places of notable figures and learn about the area’s distinctive burial practices. Though the tour lasts just an hour, it provides a powerful …
Key Points

- Explore the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 in New Orleans on a guided walking tour run by the non-profit Save Our Cemeteries.
- Learn about local burial practices and hear the stories of notable individuals like chef Paul Prudhomme and architect James Gallier.
- The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and ends back at the starting point, providing insights into the cemetery’s history and significance.
- The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, with service animals allowed, and is near public transportation.
- Reviews indicate the tour is highly recommended, with a 4.9 out of 5 star average rating from 19 reviews.
Tour Overview and Purpose

The St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 Walking Tour is run by the non-profit Save Our Cemeteries.
Booking this tour helps preserve and protect historic cemeteries in New Orleans. It’s a small, historically accurate tour that provides insights into local burial practices.
Visitors can learn about notable individuals buried here, including chef Paul Prudhomme and architect James Gallier.
The tour meeting point is at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, and it lasts approximately 1 hour, ending back at the starting point.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and near public transportation.
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Tour Highlights
On the St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 Walking Tour, visitors learn about local burial practices and hear stories of notable individuals interred here.
The tour highlights include the final resting place of renowned chef Paul Prudhomme and architect James Gallier. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the cemetery’s history and significance.
Guests explore the unique aboveground tombs and uncover the fascinating tales behind them. The tour offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage and the importance of preserving historic cemeteries like this one.
It’s an informative and engaging experience for all participants.
Tour Logistics

The St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 Walking Tour starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point. Visitors meet at the cemetery entrance located at 3421 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119. This is a private tour, with only your group participating. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. The surrounding area is near public transportation, and the surfaces are wheelchair-friendly.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Start Time | 10:00 am |
| Meeting Point | St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 |
| Tour Format | Private, your group only |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair, stroller, service animals allowed |
| Transportation | Near public transportation, wheelchair-accessible surfaces |
Accessibility and Additional Information

The St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 Walking Tour is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers. Service animals are welcome to join the tour.
The meeting point is located near public transportation, and the surfaces within the cemetery are wheelchair accessible. This ensures that the tour is inclusive and caters to the needs of all visitors.
The non-profit organization, Save Our Cemeteries, takes great care to preserve and protect the historic cemeteries in New Orleans, making the walking tour a meaningful experience for participants.
With these accessibility features, the tour is open to a diverse range of visitors.
Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 Walking Tour, with 100% of reviewers recommending it.
The tour boasts an impressive average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 19 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and informative experiences, providing valuable insights into local burial practices and the notable individuals buried in the cemetery.
The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a lowest price guarantee, making it an accessible and flexible option for visitors.
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Notable Individuals Buried in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3

Among the notable individuals laid to rest within the hallowed grounds of St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 are esteemed figures from New Orleans’ rich history. These include renowned chef Paul Prudhomme, whose culinary legacy continues to inspire, and renowned architect James Gallier, whose grand designs shaped the city’s iconic landscape. The cemetery also holds the remains of influential political leaders, artists, and community pioneers, each with their own remarkable stories. Their legacies live on, honoring the diverse tapestry of New Orleans’ past.
| Name | Profession | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Prudhomme | Chef | Popularized Cajun and Creole cuisine |
| James Gallier | Architect | Designed iconic New Orleans buildings |
| [Additional Notable Individual] | [Profession] | [Significance] |
Local Burial Practices

New Orleans’ unique burial practices have long captivated visitors to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. The above-ground tombs, known as "vaults," are a result of the city’s high water table.
Families often own these ornate, multi-tiered tombs, where new burials are placed on the top level. This allows the remains to decompose naturally before being moved lower, making room for the next interment.
Guides on the walking tour explain these intriguing customs and their historical significance, highlighting how local geography and culture have shaped the cemetery’s distinctive appearance over centuries.
Preserving and Protecting Historic Cemeteries in New Orleans

As the non-profit organization Save Our Cemeteries runs the St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 Walking Tour, their efforts help preserve and protect the historic cemeteries of New Orleans.
By offering these small, historically accurate tours, they generate funds to maintain and safeguard these revered sites. Booking the tour not only provides an informative experience, but also contributes directly to the conservation of these sacred spaces.
Save Our Cemeteries’ dedication ensures that the stories and legacies of the notable individuals buried here, like chef Paul Prudhomme and architect James Gallier, will be shared for generations to come.
Sum Up
The St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 Walking Tour offers a captivating journey into New Orleans’ rich burial heritage. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour provides valuable insights into the cemetery’s history, architecture, and the final resting places of renowned figures. By supporting this tour, participants contribute to the preservation of these historic cemeteries, ensuring their cultural significance endures for generations to come.
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