New Orleans: Laura Plantation Tour with Transportation

Exploring the Laura Plantation: A Journey Through Louisiana’s Sugar Country

If you’re heading to New Orleans and want to step back into the past of Louisiana’s sugar plantation era, a guided visit to Laura Plantation offers a compelling glimpse. Priced at $82 per person and lasting around 6.5 hours, this tour combines comfortable transportation, expert storytelling, and access to a 200-year-old site filled with history, gardens, and stories of resilience.

What we particularly love about this experience is how well it balances interactive storytelling—especially about the influential Creole women who managed the land for decades—and the chance to explore multiple historic buildings, including the 1829 Maison de Reprise and original slave quarters. The second highlight is the scenic ride from New Orleans, offering a relaxing introduction to the countryside and a glimpse of Oak Alley Plantation en route.

A potential consideration is that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which is worth noting if mobility is a concern. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic choice for history buffs, culture seekers, and those interested in authentic stories behind Louisiana’s plantation past. If you’re eager to see a well-preserved site with guided insights and stunning gardens, this tour fits the bill nicely.

Key Points

• Historic Site: Visit a 200-year-old sugar plantation with 12 historic buildings.
• Guided Experience: Learn from a knowledgeable guide who shares fascinating stories about the inhabitants.
• Beautiful Gardens: Walk through three gardens, including the Jardin Français and Banana Land grove.
• Historic Buildings: Explore the Maison de Reprise, slave quarters, and overseers cottages.
• Convenient Transportation: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from most New Orleans hotels.
• Authentic Stories: Hear about the Creole women who managed the plantation and the lives of enslaved people.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Laura Plantation Tour

Starting with Comfort and Convenience

One of the tour’s strongest selling points is the hotel pickup, which takes the hassle out of figuring out transportation. Most of the pickup spots are within a few blocks of central hotels, making it easy to hop on the bus and start your day without stress. The ride itself is about 70 miles—a scenic journey that sets the tone for the day ahead.

The bus is operated by Crescent City Tours & Transportation, renowned for their reliable service and friendly drivers, as some reviewers noted. The ride offers views of the Louisiana countryside, giving you a break from city streets and a taste of the vast, green landscape that fuels the region’s sugar industry.

Arriving at Laura Plantation: First Impressions

Once you pull up to the plantation, the first thing that captures your attention is the grandeur of the historic homestead. The plantation’s architecture reflects its 200-year history, and the guide will lead you through the grounds with stories that bring the place to life.

The main house, the Maison de Reprise, built in 1829, is a key highlight, and walking through it reveals the craftsmanship and style of the period. From the guide, you’ll learn about the plantation’s evolution, the lives of the Creole families, and how this site was a hub of agriculture and social change.

The Guided Tour: Stories That Stick

The guided tour is the centerpiece—expect about an hour of walking through the house and grounds. The guide, often praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, will share tales of the people who lived and worked there. One reviewer raved about the guide Lindie, saying she was “really awesome,” which speaks to the quality of the narration.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the Creole women who managed and influenced the plantation for over 60 years—a fact that often surprises visitors. You’ll hear about their resilience, leadership, and the complex social dynamics of the time. The stories of the enslaved people, told with sensitivity, are equally important, especially when you explore the slave quarters from the 1840s.

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Gardens and Historic Buildings

After the house tour, you’re free to wander through three beautifully maintained gardens:

• The Jardin Français, with its formal layout
• The kitchen potager, where vegetables and herbs were grown
• The Banana Land grove, filled with lush banana plants

These gardens aren’t just pretty—they are part of the historic landscape, illustrating how the plantation functioned day-to-day.

You’ll also see 12 historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including animal barns and overseer’s cottages, giving a comprehensive sense of plantation life.

Exploring the Slave Quarters and Beyond

The tour includes a visit to the 1840s slave quarters, which provides a poignant look at the lives of the enslaved. Stories shared here are impactful, emphasizing the humanity of those who endured these conditions. One reviewer mentioned how hearing about “the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked there” made the experience meaningful and eye-opening.

The guide will also tell you about the plantation’s connection to the “Br’er Rabbit” stories, written here, which adds a fascinating cultural layer to the history.

The Fire and Reconstruction

A notable part of the story is that the plantation house nearly burned down in 2003. The meticulous reconstruction used materials from antique homes, and this effort highlights the importance of preservation. You’ll get a sense of both the fragility and resilience of this historic site.

Leisure and Souvenirs

After the guided tour, you have time to explore at your own pace, take photos, and visit the gift shop. Some visitors appreciate the chance to linger and absorb the atmosphere, especially since the grounds are so well-kept.

The Bonus: Oak Alley Peek

On your way back, you’ll briefly see the front of Oak Alley Plantation, famous for its iconic alley of live oaks, adding a touch of postcard-perfect scenery to your day.

The Return Journey

The ride back to New Orleans offers a relaxing end to a day filled with history and storytelling. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for questions and personalized insights, which reviews consistently praise.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is especially suited for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone interested in Louisiana’s plantation history. It’s not overly commercialized but focused on authentic stories, which appeals to travelers looking for meaningful, educational experiences. The guides’ storytelling and the well-preserved buildings make this a compelling visit.

However, if mobility is an issue, keep in mind that the tour isn’t designed for wheelchair users. The walk around the grounds and inside buildings might be challenging for some.

Price and Value Analysis

At $82 per person, the tour offers good value given the all-inclusive nature—hotel pickup, transportation, entry to the site and gardens, and a guided experience. Compared to other options that might charge extra for transportation or skip the detailed narratives, this tour provides a comprehensive package.

The stories about the Creole women and enslaved people elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing, making it an educational journey that justifies the price for many visitors.

The Sum Up

The Laura Plantation tour delivers an engaging, well-rounded look at Louisiana’s plantation history, emphasizing authentic stories, scenic gardens, and expert guides. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Creole culture and the lives of those who built and kept the plantation running. The mix of stunning architecture, insightful storytelling, and carefully preserved grounds makes it a worthwhile addition to your New Orleans itinerary.

If you’re seeking a respectful, insightful journey into Louisiana’s past—beyond the superficial—this tour hits the mark. Expect meaningful stories, beautiful scenery, and a chance to connect with the local history that shaped this region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour fee?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from most New Orleans hotels are included, making it a hassle-free day out.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 6.5 hours, including transport, guided tour, and free time to explore afterward.

Are meals included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, so plan to bring water or snacks if needed.

Can I visit Oak Alley Plantation during this tour?
You will get a glimpse of the front of Oak Alley Plantation during your return trip, but it’s not a guided tour of Oak Alley.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour is family-friendly, it may not be suitable for very young children due to the walking involved and mature themes related to slavery.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Laura Plantation tour thoughtfully combines history, scenery, and storytelling—making it a memorable way to connect with Louisiana’s past. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the stories behind the antebellum South, it offers a meaningful day out.

You can check availability for your dates here: