New Orleans Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour – A Complete Guide

Looking for an authentic and informative plantation tour in Louisiana? Then the New Orleans Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour is the perfect fit for you. This tour is a personal and heart-wrenching account of the lives of the Louisiana Creole family and the enslaved community who worked for them. With a 75-minute guided tour covering the Laura Plantation main house gardens and slave quarters, this is an excellent opportunity to experience the world of Creole Louisiana before it disappears. Here’s a complete guide on what to expect from the tour and how to plan your visit.

Experience

This guided tour of the Laura Plantation takes you back to the world of Creole Louisiana. You’ll get to explore the main house, the gardens, and the slave quarters of this 200-year-old sugar plantation. The tour guides are passionate and knowledgeable about the history of the Laura Plantation, and they’ll share personal stories of four generations of the Louisiana Creole family and the enslaved community who worked for them. You’ll come away with a better understanding of how the Creole family and the enslaved community lived during this period of history.

Highlights

The highlights of the New Orleans Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour include:

Hear personal stories of four generations of the Louisiana Creole family

The tour guides share personal stories of four generations of the Louisiana Creole family who lived on this plantation. This provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the family’s history and their way of life.

Tour the 1805 “Maison Principale” the heart of a vast sugar plantation

The 1805 “Maison Principale” is the heart of the Laura Plantation. You’ll get to explore the raised basement and galleries, men’s and women’s parlors, service rooms, and common rooms.

Visit the original 1840s slave cabins where the Louisiana stories of Compair Lapin were recorded

You’ll also get to see the original 1840s slave cabins where the Louisiana stories of Compair Lapin were recorded. The Compair Lapin stories are an important part of the Louisiana Creole culture, and you’ll get to learn more about them during the tour.

Discover the authentic story of the enslaved community on this Créole Plantation.

This tour provides a genuine insight into the lives of the enslaved community who worked on the Laura Plantation. You’ll hear their stories and learn about their struggles, which is an essential aspect of the plantation’s history.

Learn how the Laura Plantation got its name.

You’ll also learn about how the Laura Plantation got its name, which is an interesting and informative aspect of the tour.

Full description

The New Orleans Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour is a 75-minute guided tour of the Laura Plantation main house gardens and slave quarters. The plantation is located on the West bank of the Mississippi in the heart of Plantation Country. The main house dates back to 1805 and has been restored to the time when it was both a family home and the office for the sugar plantation. During the tour, you’ll get to explore the raised basement and galleries, men’s and women’s parlors, service rooms, and common rooms. You’ll then move on to explore the gardens at the plantation, including Jardin Français, the kitchen potager, and Bana. The gardens are an excellent example of the Creole gardening style, with raised beds and plants that were typical of the time. The final part of the tour takes you to the slave quarters, where you’ll get to explore the original 1840s slave cabins. These cabins provide a unique insight into the lives of the enslaved community who worked on the plantation. You’ll learn about their everyday struggles, their customs, and their culture.

How to plan your visit

The New Orleans Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour is a popular attraction, and it’s essential to plan your visit in advance. You can book your tour online through GetYourGuide. The tour costs $22 per person, and you can book it by clicking on this link – book the tour here. The plantation is open seven days a week from 10 am to 4 pm. The tours run every day, and you have to arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour starts. The guided tours are in English, but you can request a brochure in French, Spanish, or German. The Laura Plantation is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes’ drive from New Orleans. You can either hire a car or take a tour bus from New Orleans to the plantation. Parking is available at the plantation.

Book Your Tour Now

The New Orleans Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour provides an unparalleled insight into the world of Creole Louisiana. The tour is informative, engaging, and thought-provoking. With knowledgeable tour guides and a beautiful setting, this tour is definitely worth a visit. Plan your visit today and take a step back in time to experience the disappearing world of Creole Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laura Plantation

If you’re looking for a unique and informative tour of Louisiana history, the Laura Plantation is an excellent choice. To help you prepare for your visit, here are some frequently asked questions about this historic plantation.

1. What is the Laura Plantation?

The Laura Plantation is an historic sugar cane plantation located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, about 50 miles from New Orleans. It was established in the early 1800s and was home to four generations of the Duparc-Locoul family.

2. Where is it located?

The plantation is located in Vacherie, Louisiana, about half way between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The street address is 2247 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090.

3. What are the hours of operation?

The Laura Plantation is open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. The last tour starts at 4pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

4. How much does it cost to visit?

The cost of admission varies depending on the age of the visitor, but generally ranges from $20 to $35. Children under six are free. Tickets can be purchased at the plantation or online in advance.

5. What should I wear?

Because the plantation is located in a hot, humid climate, it is recommended that visitors wear light, breathable clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as some of the tours involve walking on uneven ground.

6. What kind of tours are available?

The Laura Plantation offers several different tour options to choose from, including a standard guided tour, a Creole brunch tour, and a tour that focuses on the lives of enslaved people on the plantation.

7. How long do the tours last?

The length of the tours varies depending on which one you choose, but most last between 45 minutes and two hours.

8. Is the plantation accessible to people with disabilities?

The plantation is mostly accessible to individuals with disabilities, but some of the tours involve walking on uneven ground. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact the plantation in advance to discuss any accommodations that may be necessary.

9. Can I take photographs?

Visitors are allowed to take photographs of the exterior of the plantation, but photography is not allowed inside the buildings.

10. Is food available at the plantation?

The plantation does not have a restaurant on site, but visitors can purchase snacks and drinks from the gift shop.

11. What is the history of the plantation?

The Laura Plantation was established in the early 1800s by Guillaume Duparc, a Frenchman who had emigrated to the US. The plantation was later passed down through several generations of the Duparc-Locoul family before being sold to new owners in the mid-20th century.

12. What makes the Laura Plantation unique?

One of the things that sets the Laura Plantation apart from other historic plantations is its focus on the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation. The plantation offers several tours that highlight the experiences of enslaved individuals, including “From Slavery to Freedom” and “Becoming Creole.”

13. Is the plantation haunted?

There are many stories of ghostly sightings and strange occurrences at the Laura Plantation, and it has been featured on several paranormal television shows. However, there is no hard evidence of hauntings on the property.

14. Can I book a private event or wedding at the plantation?

Yes, the Laura Plantation offers a variety of event spaces for private events and weddings. Interested parties should contact the plantation for more information.

15. Is there lodging available on the plantation?

No, there is no lodging available on the Laura Plantation property. However, there are several hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Tour to Laura Plantation

If you are planning a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, you won’t want to miss a chance to visit the historic Laura Plantation. Laura Plantation is a museum in Vacherie, on the west bank of the Mississippi River, that highlights the life of enslaved people on a sugar plantation in Louisiana. This is a fascinating place to visit, as it gives visitors a chance to learn more about the area’s history and culture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the most out of your tour at the Laura Plantation.

1. Reserving a Tour Date and Time

To make your visit smooth and hassle-free, you can make reservations for your tour ahead of time. This can easily be done on-line by visiting their website or by giving them a call. The calendar of available tour dates and times is available on their website. You can even add a more personalized feel to your visit if you make a reservation for a private or a special tour.

2. Dress Appropriately

Laura Plantation is an outdoor museum where you will spend a significant amount of time walking outside. It’s advisable to dress comfortably and appropriately. The best dressing option when visiting the plantation is to wear light clothing and comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking a lot. The weather in Louisiana can be quite unpredictable, so it’s also a smart move to check the weather forecast before heading out.

3. Learn Some History before You Go

To make your visit even more interesting, it’s advisable to learn a little history about the place before going for the tour. This will give you a better understanding of the stories and characters that lived and worked on the plantation. Laura Plantation’s website and social media accounts are great resources for knowing more about the plantation’s history.

4. Take Your Time and Enjoy the Tour

Laura Plantation is a place that you should take your time to explore fully. Patience is key! The tour guides are knowledgeable and give the guests an in-depth history of the plantation. The guides will take you through different areas of the plantation, including the big house, gardens, and other notable buildings. Be sure to ask questions to the tour guide if you have any, and take as many photos as you like.

5. Explore the Gift Shop

You will likely pass through the gift shop after your tour. Be sure to stop by and check out the available souvenirs and other memorabilia. Here, you can find impressive books, unique gifts, and other mementos to remind you of your trip.

6. Nearby Attractions

To get the most out of your trip, you can also plan to visit other attractions that are near Laura Plantation. Nearby attractions include Oak Alley Plantation, St Joseph Plantation, and the Whitney Plantation. Oak Alley Plantation’s magnificent oak trees’ landscape is something worth seeing, and the Whitney Plantation is dedicated to preserving and remembering the lives of Africans who were brought to the US as slaves.

7. Getting to Laura Plantation

Laura Plantation is approximately sixty minutes away from downtown New Orleans. The plantation is easily accessible by car or by taking a tour bus. Also, many hospitable companies provide package tours that include transportation to and from Laura Plantation, together with visits to other attractions.

Book Your Tour Now

Laura Plantation is a captivating and serene place to visit. By following the steps outlined above, you will be able to make the most out of the tour. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take photos. Come to Laura Plantation with an open mind, and leave with a deeper appreciation of history and culture.