French History Tour of Detroit A Self-Guided Audio Tour App

Uncover the fascinating French origins of Detroit with this self-guided audio tour app offered by French Detroit History Tours. Priced at $20 per person, this 6-hour exploration takes you through iconic sites, cemeteries, parks, and museums that tell the story of Detroit’s early French settlers and their enduring legacy. Designed for flexibility, the tour allows you to listen at your own pace, whether in one day or over multiple visits, making it a versatile choice for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

The tour begins at the Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit, the city’s oldest church, and concludes back at the same meeting point. With a series of 10 stops, including historic cemeteries, parks, and museums, it offers a comprehensive look at Detroit’s French past. The mobile app provides narration as you approach each site, ensuring an engaging experience with minimal planning. While the tour is primarily a self-guided experience, it features free entries to cemeteries and parks, with some stops like the Detroit Historical Museum and Detroit Institute of Arts requiring admission tickets.

This tour is particularly suitable for independent travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, and those interested in Detroit’s lesser-known history. The price point, combined with the flexibility of a self-guided format, makes it an accessible way to deepen understanding of the city’s French heritage without the constraints of group tours. However, visitors should note the non-refundable policy and plan accordingly to maximize their time and interest.

Key Points

• Self-guided audio tour focusing on Detroit’s French history and sites
• Price: $20 per person with a tour length of approximately 6 hours
• Starts and ends at Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit, with 10 stops along the route
• Includes historic locations such as Ste. Anne de Detroit Church, Hart Plaza, Mt Elliott Cemetery, and Belle Isle Park
• Features free entries to cemeteries and parks, while museums like the Detroit Historical Museum and Detroit Institute of Arts require admission tickets
• Designed for flexible exploration, suitable for independent travelers

Starting at Sainte Anne de Detroit: The Historic Heart of French Detroit

The tour kicks off at the Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit, a key landmark dating back to the early 1700s. This sacred site is celebrated as the oldest continuously operating church in Detroit and offers insight into the city’s French Catholic roots. The self-guided narration introduces the early French settlers and the significance of the church in community life, setting a historical tone for the day.

From there, the tour leads to Riverside Park and Hart Plaza. These locations highlight Detroit’s Native American history, with Hart Plaza specifically tied to the Wendat people and other indigenous tribes**. The 15-minute stop provides context about the land before European settlement, making it a meaningful transition from French to Native American history.

Visiting Mt Elliott Cemetery and the French Settlers’ Heritage

A key stop is Mt Elliott Cemetery, where the remains of 1,800 original settlers buried at Ste. Anne’s Cemetery were re-interred. The 20-minute visit emphasizes the tragic loss of original markers and the importance of preserving French settler history. The notable tombs and family plots tell stories of the early community, offering tangible links to Detroit’s French past.

Next, the tour moves to Elmwood Cemetery. Here, visitors learn about Bloody Run—a site where more than a hundred British redcoats were ambushed by Native Americans during the Pontiac Indian uprising. The 15-minute stop features notable tombs and provides a vivid glimpse into the violent clashes that shaped Detroit’s early history.

Exploring Belle Isle Park and Native American History

Belle Isle Park is a significant site where the first victims of the 1763 Indian Uprising are remembered. Once called Swan Island, Hog Island, and now Belle Isle, this location offers a peaceful setting rich with history. The 30-minute visit includes narration about the French influence on the island and its strategic role in early conflicts.

Mariner Park follows, with a focus on Windmill Point Lighthouse, one of Michigan’s oldest lighthouses, and Fox Creek, named after the Fox Indian tribe. The 10-minute stop introduces stories about Grand Marais and Fox Run, highlighting the region’s indigenous and maritime history.

Grosse Pointe’s French Roots and the Provençal House

A short drive takes visitors to 376 Kercheval Ave, where the Provençal House stands as the oldest house in Grosse Pointe. Built before the area was officially called Grosse Pointe, this site tells the story of Pierre Provençal and his wife Euphemia St Aubin. The 10-minute stop emphasizes the deep roots of French settlers in the early development of the region.

Museums Showcasing French Detroit’s Cultural Impact

The tour dedicates significant time to exploring Detroit’s French influence through museum visits. At the Detroit Historical Museum, the “Where the River Bends” exhibit showcases artifacts and narratives from the French era, providing a detailed contextual understanding. The one-hour visit offers insights into early settlement patterns and cultural connection.

Following that, the Detroit Institute of Arts features the “Fashionable Living” exhibit, displaying furniture and furnishings from 1700s French citizens. Recognized as the top-rated museum in the U.S. by USA Today, the two-hour exploration highlights French aesthetic influences on Detroit’s material culture.

Finally, the Detroit Public Library houses the Burton Collection, the world’s largest collection of books, documents, and maps related to Detroit’s French heritage. The one-hour visit offers a wealth of primary sources for history buffs.

Logistics and Accessibility

The tour begins at the Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit at 1000 St Anne St and concludes at the same location. It operates daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, giving flexibility for scheduling. The mobile app ensures narration is available near public transportation, making access convenient.

Participants should plan for most travelers to participate, as the tour involves walking and driving between sites. The app’s alerts and narration help maintain an engaging pace while allowing for personal exploration.

Cost and Booking Considerations

At $20 per person, this tour provides a cost-effective way to access a broad swath of Detroit’s French history. Since it is self-guided, it offers complete control over timing, enabling visitors to spend more or less time at each site. However, some stops, like the museums, require separate admission tickets, which should be purchased in advance or on-site.

It is important to note that the tour is non-refundable, so travelers should ensure their plans accommodate the schedule and their interests.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This experience suits independent explorers who prefer a flexible schedule and enjoy learning at their own pace. It’s ideal for those interested in early American history, French colonial influence, and Detroit’s Native American heritage. The combination of outdoor sites and museums makes it a well-rounded choice for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, but since it is self-guided, you can adjust the timing to suit your interest.

How do I access the narration during the tour?
The SmartGuide app delivers narration when you approach each point of interest after downloading the tour.

Are there any admission fees for the sites?
Most cemetery and park entries are free, but museums like the Detroit Historical Museum and Detroit Institute of Arts require admission tickets.

Can I do this tour in one day?
Yes, the 6-hour duration makes it feasible to visit all sites in a single day, though some may prefer to spread it out.

Is this tour suitable for all physical abilities?
The tour involves walking and driving, so it’s best suited for travelers with moderate mobility. Specific accessibility details are not provided.

What should I bring?
A smartphone with the app installed, comfortable walking shoes, and water are recommended.

Can I visit this tour during the evening?
Yes, the tour operates from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing flexibility for evening visits.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While designed for independent exploration, families with children who can walk and listen to narration will find it suitable.

Do I need to book in advance?
Booking is recommended 6 days in advance for best availability, especially during peak times.

Are there guided tour options available?
This particular experience is self-guided; for group or guided options, other tours may be available.

This French History Tour of Detroit offers a detailed, flexible way to explore the city’s French roots. It balances outdoor historical sites with cultural museums, all accessible through an easy-to-use app for $20. If you’re interested in uncovering Detroit’s colonial past at your own pace, this tour provides a meaningful and engaging experience.