Older than the French Quarter, home to more historic houses than the Garden District, and gifted with one of the largest park spaces in the United States, the Bayou St. John area is one of New Orleans’ most beautiful and important neighborhoods.
The bayou itself is the namesake and heart of the area.
A natural waterway formed by the Mississippi provided a route for Native American trade and travel for many centuries before European colonization.
Later, it became one of the first footholds of French settlement and one of the most active shipping routes in the United States.
Its surrounding countryside slowly gave way to streets lined with the impressive homes of the Creole elite, especially Esplanade Avenue.
Near Esplanade’s end lies St. Louis Cemetery #3.
Built to beautify death in the aftermath of a yellow fever epidemic, St. Louis #3 is one of the great showcases of New Orleans’ above-ground burial tradition, with monuments that sometimes rival the homes of the living.
Those tombs honor New Orleanians of many kinds, including the wealthy Creoles who controlled much of 19th-century life, free people of color whose mixed-race birth landed them in a caste largely unknown elsewhere in the U.S., and groups of hopeful immigrants who banded together in both life and death.
Sights and subjects we cover on the St. Louis #3 Cemetery and Bayou St. John Tour:
- The Old Spanish Custom House and the Pitot House: Step back in time as you explore two of the oldest surviving houses in New Orleans. These architectural gems offer a glimpse into the city's storied past.
- Bayou St. John: Enjoy the serene beauty of Bayou St. John, a historic waterway vital to New Orleans for centuries.
- St. Louis #3 Cemetery: Visit the final resting place of some of New Orleans' most notable figures:
- Paul Prudhomme – The legendary Cajun chef who brought Creole cuisine to the world.
- James Gallier Sr. and Jr. – Father and son architects who left an indelible mark on the cityscape.
- Ernest “Dutch” Morial – The trailblazing first black mayor of New Orleans.
- Margaret Haughery – One of the first women in the U.S. to be honored with a public monument, celebrated for her philanthropy.
- New Orleans City Park and Bayou Metairie: Stroll through one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., home to ancient oak trees and picturesque waterways. Bayou Metairie adds a touch of natural beauty to your tour.
- The New Orleans Museum of Art: Cap off your tour with a visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art, where you'll find an impressive collection of fine art worldwide.
Tour Information
Request to book this as a private tour
Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Approximately 1 mile in length.
Save more money in New Orleans with a tourist discount pass and consider a swamp tour and a plantation tour.