New Orleans: Felicity Plantation Guided Tour

New Orleans: Felicity Plantation Guided Tour

Location: Louisiana, United States
Price: $24 per person
Duration: 1.5 hours
Rating: 5/5 from 5 reviews
Supplier: St. Joseph Planting and Manufacturing CO LTD

When you think of visiting Louisiana, your mind might jump to jazz, gumbo, or lively city streets. But just outside the French Quarter, along the iconic River Road, lies a different kind of story — that of Felicity Plantation. For just $24, this 1.5-hour guided tour offers a window into the mid-19th-century architecture, the ongoing sugarcane farming, and a heartfelt look at the lives of enslaved and free laborers who worked here.

What makes this experience special? First, you’ll explore a working sugarcane farm that still harvests today — blending living history with modern agriculture. Second, the architecture of Felicity, with its Creole and Greek Revival influences, provides an authentic snapshot of Louisiana’s plantation design. And if you’re a film buff, you’ll enjoy recognizing scenes from movies like “12 Years a Slave” and “Skeleton Key.”

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour isn’t suitable for visitors with mobility issues or wheelchair users, since the grounds and interiors involve uneven surfaces and stairs. Also, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way here. This tour is best suited for those interested in history, architecture, or Louisiana’s agricultural roots, and who appreciate an intimate, personal experience over larger group tours.

Key Points

Authentic Working Farm: See sugarcane being grown and harvested today.
Architectural Highlights: Explore Creole and Greek Revival style buildings.
Filming Location: Recognize scenes from well-known movies and TV shows.
In-depth Stories: Hear about the lives of enslaved and free workers who lived and labored here.
Personal Experience: Smaller group tours make for a more personal and detailed visit.
Cost-Effective: At $24, it offers a meaningful connection to Louisiana’s past without breaking the bank.

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What to Expect on the Tour

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Visiting a Living Sugarcane Farm

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Felicity is more than just a historic site — it’s a working farm. You’ll start at the entrance where the guide explains how sugarcane is still cultivated daily. The sight of tall sugarcane stalks stretching across the fields anchors the experience in present-day agriculture, giving you a sense of how the plantation’s economy has evolved.

Exploring the Architecture and Grounds

As you walk through the grounds, you’ll admire the Creole and Greek Revival architecture. The house, built between 1844 and 1847, is a stunning example of Louisiana design — with its grand columns, large porches, and intricate woodwork. According to reviews, the interior has been lovingly preserved and decorated to reflect the period, which adds authenticity to the story. One guest noted, “Beautiful home with furniture and renovations that were true to the time period.”

Inside the Plantation House

The guide takes you through the main house, sharing stories about the families who lived there and the laborers who built and maintained the estate. It’s a chance to understand how privilege and hardship coexisted on these grounds. One review highlighted that the guide “knew the stories and told them like they were her ancestors,” making the experience both personal and impactful.

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Recognizing Film and TV Scenes

Felicity has doubled as a backdrop for several productions, including “12 Years a Slave,” “Skeleton Key,” and even the remake of “Roots.” As you recognize familiar scenes, you’ll appreciate how the setting’s dramatic architecture and lush grounds lend a sense of authenticity to Hollywood’s portrayal of history.

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Learning About the Labor Force

A significant part of the tour addresses the reality of enslavement and the post-emancipation lives of those who worked here. The guide discusses the families and workers who persisted through hardship — a narrative that many visitors find enlightening. One guest from the reviews shared, “We got a one-on-one history and agricultural lesson about the family and sugarcane industry,” which really underscores the tour’s depth.

Practical Details and Experience Quality

Group Size and Guides

With the reviews praising guides like Sylvie for their knowledge and storytelling, it’s clear that you’ll benefit from a personalized, engaging narration. The smaller groups mean fewer distractions and more opportunity for questions.

Cost and Value

At $24, this tour strikes a good balance between affordability and depth. You get access to the interior, grounds, and farm, along with stories that often aren’t covered in larger, more commercialized tours. The inclusion of a guided walk makes it a more enriching experience.

Timing and Booking

Tours are generally available in the morning and afternoon, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, offering flexibility if your plans change. Remember to check in at least 15 minutes early at the gift shop next door.

Accessibility

As noted, this tour is not suitable for visitors with mobility impairments or wheelchair users because of the uneven grounds and interior stairs. If mobility is a concern, consider whether the walk around the grounds and home is manageable for you.

What’s Not Included

Transportation to Felicity is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way here, which is typical for small, specialty tours. Food and drinks are also not part of the package, so plan accordingly before or after the tour.

Authentic Experiences That Make a Difference

What stands out most are the stories of resilience and hardship, giving voice to those who lived and labored here. One reviewer summed it up nicely: “It felt like we were in a movie,” emphasizing the visual power of the estate. The guide’s storytelling adds a warm, human touch, making history feel more immediate.

The architecture is another highlight that really brings the past to life. The Creole influence, with its broad porches and ornate woodwork, reflects Louisiana’s cultural crossroads. The Greek Revival touches showcase the influence of classical architecture on the American South, making the house a beautiful and educational stop.

The fact that Felicity remains a working farm today highlights the continuity of Louisiana’s sugar industry, providing a tangible link between past and present. This isn’t just a static museum — it’s a living piece of history.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in history, architecture, or film locations, you’ll find Felicity quite compelling. It appeals especially to those who want an intimate setting, as opposed to larger, more impersonal plantations like Oak Alley. The emphasis on labor stories and authentic preservation makes it a meaningful visit for travelers eager to understand the full story of the region.

It’s perfect for history buffs, film enthusiasts, or culture seekers who appreciate detailed storytelling and a connection to the ongoing agricultural tradition. The tour’s affordable price makes it accessible for most travelers, and the personalized guide offers a chance to ask questions and learn at your own pace.

The Sum Up

The Felicity Plantation tour delivers a well-rounded, authentic look at Louisiana’s plantation history while emphasizing its living agricultural tradition. For those seeking a deep, personal understanding of the region’s complex past, this experience offers stories, architecture, and scenery that resonate long after you leave.

The knowledgeable guides, along with the stunning vistas and film connections, make it a standout choice for visitors who value storytelling rooted in place. Its affordable price and small group format ensure that you won’t just passively observe — you’ll engage with history in a meaningful way.

While it’s not suited for travelers with mobility issues, those who appreciate regional culture, architecture, or film history will find this tour a rewarding, eye-opening addition to their Louisiana visit. If you’re looking for something more intimate, authentic, and educational, Felicity Plantation is a solid pick.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at St. Joseph Plantation.

What is the price of the tour?
The guided tour costs $24 per person, offering good value considering the in-depth stories and access provided.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including walking around the grounds and exploring the house interiors.

Are there any accessibility issues?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users because of uneven surfaces and stairs inside the house.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the grounds and inside the house.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Can I visit if I don’t like large groups?
Yes, the smaller group size makes for a more personal and less crowded experience.

What are the highlights of the tour?
You’ll see a working sugarcane farm, explore Creole and Greek Revival architecture, and hear about the lives of enslaved and free laborers who lived and worked here.

This tour is a thoughtful way to explore Louisiana beyond the usual city sights. It offers a genuine, respectful look at the region’s complex history, set against a backdrop of stunning architecture and ongoing agriculture. Whether you’re a history lover, film fan, or someone curious about Louisiana’s roots, Felicity Plantation provides a meaningful and memorable experience.