Gilded Grit: Women of the Vieux Carré Walking Tour
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The French Quarter has always belonged to its women—painted or pious, dangerous or divine, sometimes all at once.
We reveal the fiercely complex women who shaped the heart of New Orleans. Their names echo like hymns and hexes: Baroness Pontalba, Elizabeth Werlein, Madame LaLaurie, Marie Laveau, Saint Frances Cabrini, & Rose Nicaud.
The Baroness de Pontalba, who stamped her initials—and her vision—into the architecture of Jackson Square. Her story is one of defiance and civic rebirth.
The preservationist fire of Elizabeth Werlein - this woman's fire saved rather than destroyed.
Madame LaLaurie's horrors told not through haunted legend, but the cruelty of racial violence cloaked in wealth and elegance laid bare.
Marie Laveau—Voodoo Queen, healer, mystic, and more.
Rose Nicaud, once-enslaved, she carved out a life selling coffee —one of the city’s first Black, female entrepreneurs.
Women who didn’t just live in New Orleans. They built her, saw her broken, and resurrected her.
Available options
Private
Private -only you & your guest
Gilded Grit: Women of the Vieux Carré Walking Tour
No-Walk
Content presented one location
What's included
Licensed Tour Guides
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Brief history of New Orleans founding, the stories of Baroness Pontalba, and Rose Nicaud.
2
Stop 2
The real story of Madame & Dr. LaLaurie's horrors told not through haunted legend, but their cruelty of racial violence cloaked in wealth and elegance laid bare.
3
Tour will have a break at Lafitte's
What's not included
Alcoholic Beverages
Government Fees
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
702 Decatur Amphitheater Steps leading up to Washington Artillery Park between Cafe du Monde and Landry’s. Directly across from Jackson Square
About New Orleans
New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.
Top Attractions
French Quarter
The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to explore, attractions vary
Garden District
A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.
Historical
Half day
Free to explore, tours available
National WWII Museum
A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate to expensive
City Park
A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.
Nature
Half day
Free to enter, attractions vary
Frenchmen Street
A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
Entertainment
Evening
Varies by venue
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gumbo
A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).
Main Course
Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.
Jambalaya
A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.
Main Course
Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.
Beignets
A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy.
Po' Boy
A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.
Sandwich
Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.
Popular Activities
Swamp tours
Kayaking
Biking
Spa treatments
Park picnics
Café hopping
Museum visits
Historic site tours
Best Time to Visit
February to April
This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.
15-25°C
60-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance
Getting there
By air
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown
By train
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
French Quarter
Garden District
Warehouse District
Faubourg Marigny
Mid-City
Day trips
Plantation Country
30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day
Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.
Swamp and Bayou Tours
30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day
Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
Baton Rouge
80 miles (129 km) • Full day
Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.
Festivals
Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year)
Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends)
French Quarter Festival • April (four days)
Pro tips
- Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
- Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
- Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
- Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
