Gilded Grit is a walking tour that peels back the layers of lace and legend to reveal the fiercely complex women who shaped the heart of New Orleans. Their names echo like hymns and hexes across the cobblestones: Baroness Pontalba, Elizabeth Werlein, Madame LaLaurie, Marie Laveau, Saint Frances Cabrini, Rose Nicaud—each one bending the city to her will in ways history dares not forget.
We begin with the iron will and ironwork of Micaela Leonarda Antonia de Almonester Rojas y de la Ronde, the Baroness de Pontalba, who stamped her initials—and her vision—into the architecture of Jackson Square after surviving an assassination attempt by her own father-in-law. Her story is one of defiance and civic rebirth.
From there, we trace the preservationist fire of Elizabeth Werlein, the grande dame who fought to keep the Quarter’s famous structures & soul intact. We’ll speak of Madame LaLaurie—but not through haunted legend alone. Her cruelty will be laid bare as a testimony to racial violence cloaked in wealth and elegance.
And of course, we summon Marie Laveau—Queen of the Voodoo world, healer, mystic, and matriarch of mystery. Her spirit still coils through Congo Square and whispers through shutters. We'll pass the places she touched, the myths she mastered, the people she protected and terrified.
And we’ll honor Rose Nicaud, a once-enslaved woman who carved out a life selling coffee on the streets—one of the city’s first Black entrepreneurs, sweetening the morning air with roasted beans long before cafés lined every corner.
These women didn’t just live in New Orleans. They built her, broke her, resurrected her.
Audience: This tour is for ages 13+. It may contain story scenes of violence, sexual situations, and strong language.
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Where: French Quarter (starting location provided upon booking)
Includes: Riveting stories, landmark stops, and intimate histories of the women who walked boldly through—and into—the legend of the Quarter.

Key Info

  • alarm Duration: 105
  • person Age: All Ages
  • people Group Size: Min 1 Max 16

info Information

  • Available for all ages
  • Packages start from $48.00pp

Address: New Orleans, Louisiana

Book Now

Loading Availability...
Call 0800 876 0111 for bookings and enquiries.
Or if the availability doesnt load.

question_answer Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the minimum age for Walking Tours at New Orleans?

    The minimum age for Walking Tours at New Orleans is suitable for all ages.

  • How long does an Walking Tours session at New Orleans last?

    The average Walking Tours session at our New Orleans centre is 2 to 3 hour.

  • Is Walking Tours New Orleans open for bookings during the week?

    Absolutely, however Walking Tours is busiest at the weekend - and our New Orleans centre is no exception. This means you might need a larger group monday through friday.

  • Is Walking Tours New Orleans open for bookings at weekends?

    Walking Tours at New Orleans is busiest at the weekends so we'd definitely recommend booking in advance! Obviously, we'll always try to accommodate last minute Walking Tours bookings but once the spots are booked up they are booked up!

  • How popular is the Walking Tours New Orleans center?

    Geronigo® aims for all of our Walking Tours locations to be amongst the the best and most popular, our Walking Tours New Orleans center is no exception. Book with confidence!

  • Can I buy a gift voucher for Walking Tours New Orleans?

    Yes you can buy Walking Tours New Orleans gift vouchers either online or over the phone. Geronigo® gift vouchers are valid for 12 months, can be gift wrapped or for a last minute gift idea can be instant email delivered. Remember that any gift experience voucher from Geronigo® including our Walking Tours New Orleans vouchers can be used for booking at any of our thousands of Geronigo® adventure locations (for no extra charge!).

  • What is the postcode for Walking Tours New Orleans?

    The postcode for Walking Tours New Orleans is 702 Decatur Street. Please note that sometimes our Walking Tours centers are difficult to find from a postcode and satnav. We will supply detailed directions to Walking Tours New Orleans on your booking receipt.

  • Where is Walking Tours New Orleans?

    The Walking Tours New Orleans center is located at the following address: 702 Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. Please note that sometimes our Walking Tours centers are difficult to find, please follow the directions on your booking receipt!

  • How much is Walking Tours at New Orleans?

    The average package price of Walking Tours at New Orleans 48.00. The lowest price is 48.00 with the most expensive option being 48.00.

AvailabilityCalendar

One Gift Card...Every Adventure!

  • event

    24 Months

    Valid for 24 Months
  • place

    768 Locations

    Redeem at 768 Walking Tours Locations
  • local_shipping

    Free Delivery

A Further 5000 Locations Worldwide...

Our Gift Cards are not just awesome for our 768 Walking Tours locations, they can be redeemed against any Geronigo adventure at nearly 5000 locations worldwide! Literally giving the lucky recipient access to over ten thousand action packed experience days.

If, within 7 days of purchasing your Geronigo® gift card, you change your mind for any reason. We will offer you a full refund, no questions asked! Subject to the voucher being unused and any postal vouchers being returned in good condition.

Other Experiences at this location

Venue Ref: 1029644-254

Customer First Experiences 100% enjoyment from beginning to end

verified_user

Best Prices

We work with thousands of providers across the UK to find the best value experiences on the market.

important_devices

Easy Bookings

Find your adventure, book your adventure and then manage your bookings easily on our website or mobile apps.

Money Back Guarantee

If you change your mind within 24 hours of making a booking we offer 100% money back guarantee. Applies to bookings made at least 14 days in advance of event date.

thumb_up

Pay With Confidence

Make payments with Paypal or credit card safely and securely. Secure payment processing via Stripe.