How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately two hours, covering both the Pitot House and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.

Are there any age restrictions?

This tour is suitable for all ages with no minimum age required.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Due to uneven terrain and historic structures, it may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes, photography is allowed, but please respect other visitors and site rules, especially in the cemetery.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and dress according to the season, with sun protection recommended.

Is this tour offered daily?

Tour availability varies; check with Save Our Cemeteries for specific dates and times.

Historic Pitot House & St. Louis Cemetery Tour by Save Our Cemeteries

Set just off Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana, the tour offered by Save Our Cemeteries presents an immersive dive into two iconic local landmarks: the Pitot House and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. This experience weaves together architecture, cultural heritage, and hauntingly beautiful burial grounds, positioning itself as a distinctly reflective outdoor adventure within the urban fabric of New Orleans.

The journey begins at the Pitot House, a rare surviving example of West Indies-inspired design in Louisiana, constructed in 1799 by Spanish merchant Bartholome Bosque. Its raised wooden structure and wide gallery reflect a time when climate and trade shaped architecture. Inside, visitors step through layers of history marked by eleven different family residencies and later use by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart as a convent. Preservation efforts highlight the home’s significance, making it a crucial parcel of the city’s material heritage.

Next, the tour shifts to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, near the peaceful waters of Bayou St. John. This Catholic cemetery is less frequented than the more famous St. Louis No.1, lending a quieter, contemplative atmosphere to stroll among above-ground tombs and ornate crypts. Here, guide-led stories reveal burial customs unique to New Orleans, alongside the lives of notable figures like architect James Gallier, photographer E.J. Bellocq, and culinary legends Leah Chase and Paul Prudhomme. The intertwining of personal histories with the city’s complex cultural tapestry offers visitors more than sightseeing—it connects them with the pulse of New Orleans’ soul.

Unlike typical outdoor recreation, this tour embodies a crossroads of history, architecture, and local lore, making it a rare entry in the landscape of urban heritage adventures. For those drawn to underscored narratives and the stories etched into New Orleans’ historic spaces, Save Our Cemeteries provides a distinct gateway just beyond the beaten path.

About Save Our Cemeteries

Save Our Cemeteries is an organization based in New Orleans, Louisiana, dedicated to preserving, documenting, and promoting the city's historic burial grounds. The organization offers guided tours and educational experiences that highlight the architecture, cultural traditions, and stories embedded in local cemeteries. Notable guided experiences include visits to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 near City Park, a combined Tour of the Historic Pitot House and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, the monthly St. Roch Cemetery tour with its chapel of local offerings, and a guided exploration of Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery, known for its sculptures and notable interments.

Tours balance historical context with on-site interpretation, helping visitors understand cemetery design, funerary art, and community heritage. In addition to public tours, the organization engages in cemetery documentation and community outreach to support ongoing care and awareness. Tour schedules and special events are announced by the organization; some tours operate on set dates such as the first Friday of the month for St. Roch Cemetery.

Save Our Cemeteries works with local stakeholders, volunteers, and preservation professionals to maintain respectful access to sensitive sites while sharing accurate historical information. For visitors seeking thoughtful, place-based learning about New Orleans history, these guided experiences provide a structured way to explore cemeteries, learn about prominent local figures, and witness distinctive funerary art. The organization documents funerary markers, provides interpretive materials for visitors, coordinates volunteer days, and collaborates with municipal partners to ensure site stewardship. Visitors should check schedules and respect site rules during visits and traditions.