The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour

Explore the Revelations of the Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour

For those curious about the hidden, perhaps risqué side of New Orleans, the Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour offers a captivating 2-hour journey through 300 years of unconventional history. Priced at $30 per person, this tour is designed for anyone interested in the city’s more colorful past, from its origins in the 1700s to the legendary Storyville district. With a rating of 5.0 from 5 reviews, it clearly appeals to visitors seeking a lively and informative experience, especially considering most bookings are made about 39 days in advance.

This tour departs from Chartres Street & Ursulines Avenue at 2:00 pm, with mobile ticketing making it easy to join. Its relatively short duration of around 2 hours makes it an accessible way to get a quick yet rich taste of New Orleans’ less respectable history. While not a typical sightseeing tour, it combines historic sites with fun stories, guided by knowledgeable hosts. The tour’s small group size—capped at 15 travelers—ensures a personal feel, making it ideal for those who want an engaging, less rushed exploration.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Only $30 for about 2 hours of walking through New Orleans’ vice history.
• Historical Focus: Explores vice districts, the French Market, and Storyville’s legendary madams.
• Interesting Stops: Includes visits to Ursuline Convent, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and Louis Armstrong Park.
• Unique Stories: Details sex trafficking in the 1700s, the first legal brothel, and the story of Marie Laveau.
• Expert Guide: Guided by a knowledgeable host, praised for adding extra historical insights.
• Booking & Accessibility: Easy online booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The Starting Point at Chartres Street & Ursulines Avenue

This tour begins at the historic Ursuline Convent, built starting in 1727, recognized as the oldest building in the French Quarter. Here, the guide explains how the church and King Louis XV were complicit in the early exploitation of women, including tales of public lashings used to control “correction girls.” These stories set the tone for a revealing look at the city’s deep historical relationship with vice and morality.

Visiting Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Its Smuggling Past

A popular stop during the tour is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, renowned as the oldest bar building in North America. Though not an actual historic cocktail spot, the guide shares its intriguing history as a smuggling front. The 10-minute visit allows travelers to appreciate its storied past while taking a quick break in the summer heat. The relaxed pace makes this a comfortable pause before continuing into the district’s more controversial sites.

The True Marie Laveau and Her Role in New Orleans Voodoo

While many are familiar with Marie Laveau as a Voodoo leader, this tour clarifies her actual story, emphasizing her role as a high-class madam who made most of her money from the sex trade. The visit takes travelers to her birthplace rather than the more touristy Marie Laveau House of Voodoo shop, offering a more authentic look at her influence beyond mysticism. This segment runs for about 7 minutes, providing a concise yet enlightening perspective on her complex legacy.

Reflection at Louis Armstrong Park and the Story of Storyville

The tour takes a 25-minute break at Louis Armstrong Park, which overlooks where Storyville’s legendary red-light district once thrived. The area’s opulent palaces of sin on Basin Street gave way to the Iberville Projects, but the park provides a shaded space to view historic photos and listen to tales of wild characters and decadent nightlife. This stop offers a chance to reflect on how the city’s history of vice has shaped its culture, with plenty of outdoor seating for a relaxed discussion.

The Golden Lantern and Southern Decadence

A highlight includes hearing the story of Southern Decadence at the Golden Lantern. This event, celebrated as a major LGBTQ+ festival in New Orleans, ties into the tour’s focus on naughty history, emphasizing the city’s long-standing reputation for embracing sexual freedom and diverse identities. The guide shares stories that highlight how these traditions trace back through the decades, woven into the broader narrative of vice and liberation.

The Significance of May Baily’s Place

The tour visits May Baily’s Place, recognized as the first legal brothel in New Orleans. This historic site stands out as a symbol of changing attitudes towards sex work and regulation. The guide explains its importance in the city’s legal history, contrasting it with the earlier illegal vice districts, and offering insight into how morality laws evolved over time.

Practicalities: Meeting, Group Size, and Accessibility

This tour departs from Chartres Street and Ursulines Avenue at 2:00 pm, with the meeting point in the heart of the French Quarter. It’s designed for most travelers and welcomes service animals. The group size is limited to 15 people, ensuring a more intimate experience. The mobility of tickets allows for easy access, and the tour is conveniently close to public transportation options.

The Guide’s Approach and Guest Experience

Based on the reviews, the guide, named Tracy, is appreciated for her wealth of knowledge and engaging storytelling. She maintains a comfortable pace, allowing participants to absorb the stories without feeling rushed. Her ability to add tidbits of historical context enhances the overall experience and makes the tour both fun and educational.

Review of the Tour’s Value and Overall Experience

With a perfect rating of 5.0 from 5 reviews, this tour offers excellent value for $30. Its concise 2-hour duration makes it accessible for travelers with limited time, yet it covers enough ground to provide a thorough glimpse into the city’s naughty history. The small group size and knowledgeable guide contribute to an enjoyable and personalized experience.

Suitability and Final Recommendations

This tour is ideal for those interested in historical stories of vice, fun facts about New Orleans’ past, and local legends. It’s suited for visitors who prefer a paced, informative walk rather than a full-day tour, and who appreciate a small-group environment. People looking for a lighthearted but insightful exploration of New Orleans’ less conventional side will find this tour particularly engaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the content focuses on adult themes related to vice and sex history, the overall tone is educational and suitable for most older teenagers.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

How accessible is the tour for people with mobility issues?
The tour begins at a central location in the French Quarter and involves walking. While specific accessibility details aren’t provided, the stops are within a walkable area.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended, especially during summer months, as the tour involves outdoor stops.

Is there any food or drink included?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks, but the stops and routes are designed for sightseeing and storytelling.

Will I see Marie Laveau’s actual residence?
The tour visits her birthplace and discusses her legacy, but it does not specify visiting her private residence.

This Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans tour offers an engaging, well-paced look into some of the city’s most provocative and fascinating stories, perfect for history buffs and curious explorers alike.