French Quarter Ghosts and Spirits Tour with Augmented Reality

If you’re seeking a unique ghost tour experience in New Orleans, the French Quarter Ghosts and Spirits Tour with Augmented Reality offers a compelling blend of history, haunted tales, and technology for just $27 per person. Starting at 7:00 pm from the Jackson Brewery, this approximately 2-hour walking tour takes small groups through the dark corners of the French Quarter, where the city’s most famous haunted sites await. What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of augmented reality experiences created by local artist Marcus Brown, adding an innovative twist to traditional ghost storytelling.

While the tour is packed with highlights like the Lalaurie Mansion and the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, potential guests should note that the tour requires walking on uneven streets and involves some outdoor exposure, so comfortable shoes are recommended. It’s especially appealing for those interested in history, paranormal tales, and modern technology, although some reviews point out that guides can vary in storytelling style.

Key Points

• Two-hour guided walking tour of the French Quarter’s haunted sites at 7:00 pm.
• Includes augmented reality experiences designed by Marcus Brown, a local artist.
• Visit iconic haunted locations such as the Lalaurie Mansion and Old Ursuline Convent.
• Small group size (maximum 22 participants), ensuring a personalized experience.
• History Channel and Discovery Channel stories are featured during the tour.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Starting Point at Jackson Brewery in the French Quarter

The tour begins at the Jackson Brewery, located at 400 Toulouse Street, right at the Steamboat Natchez Dock. This lively spot serves as a perfect meeting place in the heart of the French Quarter, close to most downtown hotels and accessible public transportation. Guests should aim to arrive a few minutes early to meet the guide, as the tour departs promptly at 7:00 pm.

Walking to the departure point is encouraged to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, with nearby parking options like the Jax Lot P401 on Decatur Street. The start location offers a relaxed atmosphere to meet the local guide and get ready for an evening of spooky stories.

What You See and Hear at Each Haunted Site

The tour takes you through several key locations with haunted stories that have gained notoriety. Each stop offers a different glimpse into New Orleans’ eerie past.

The Creole Cookery and the Love Triangle Tale

Your first stop is New Orleans Creole Cookery, where the guide recounts the bizarre story of a love triangle that ended in tragedy. The intimate setting makes it easy to listen closely and get immersed in the city’s dark passions. This site offers a taste of the city’s romantic and sinister past.

The Lalaurie Mansion: The Most Haunted House

Next, the Lalaurie Mansion stands as the tour’s centerpiece. Known widely as the most haunted house in New Orleans, this historic mansion in the French Quarter draws attention for its gruesome past and ghostly reputation. While admission isn’t included, the stories surrounding its former residents and twisted history make it a must-visit stop.

Muriel’s Jackson Square and the Ghost Table

The guide then leads you to Muriel’s Jackson Square, famous for the Ghost Table. This spot offers a chance to hear about the spirits believed to linger at the restaurant, with stories that have been featured on television channels like History and Discovery. The Ghost Table adds a spooky element to the dining history of the city.

The Old Ursuline Convent and the Casket Girls

At the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, the tour unfolds stories of the Casket Girls, young women sent to New Orleans with mysterious caskets. The site is steeped in history and ghostly legends, offering insight into the city’s early female inhabitants and their haunted reputation.

The Pharmacy Museum and Doctor Dupas’ Secrets

Your final stop is the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, where the guide shares chilling tales of Doctor Dupas’ secret experiments. This location ties in the city’s medical history with supernatural stories, providing a fascinating ending to the tour.

The Augmented Reality Experiences by Marcus Brown

What truly sets this tour apart is the inclusion of two augmented reality (AR) experiences. Created by Marcus Brown, a local artist, these experiences bring ghostly shapes and haunted scenes to life through digital overlays. The AR elements are designed to enhance storytelling with visual effects, making the paranormal tales more vivid and engaging.

While the AR is compatible with iPhones and iPads, Android users are accommodated through alternative viewing options. The guide will assist with viewing these digital exhibits, which require standard data and internet connection. These innovations add a modern layer to the traditional ghost tour, offering a fresh perspective on haunted New Orleans.

Practical Details and Group Size

This tour is operated by Gray Line New Orleans, with a maximum group size of 22 travelers. This smaller group setting helps facilitate a more intimate and personalized experience, allowing for better interaction with the guide.

Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, casual attire suitable for walking on uneven sidewalks in the evening. The tour is accessible, though some narrow or uneven paths may require alternate routes for wheelchair users.

Cost and Booking

The ticket price is $27 per person, providing good value given the inclusion of expert guides, local taxes, and AR experiences. Most bookings are made 81 days in advance, indicating high demand, so early reservations are recommended.

Cancellation and Policy

Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.

The Experience: Pacing and Guide Quality

Reviews highlight the skill of various guides, with some praised for entertaining storytelling and others noting variability in delivery. Guides like Rebecca and Todd receive special mention for their knowledge and engagement, while some guests report less satisfying experiences due to scattered storytelling or guide absence.

The paced walking route covers key haunted sites in the French Quarter, with stops designed to maximize storytelling and atmosphere. The tour begins at Jackson Brewery and ends back at the same location, making logistics straightforward.

Family-Friendliness and Suitability

The tour is family-friendly, suitable for older children who can handle spooky stories. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the guide is conscious of the audience, choosing language appropriate for young guests. While not overly frightening, some stories may be intense for very young children.

Guests with mobility challenges should note that some paths are uneven, but the tour is generally accessible with minor adjustments. The experience is ideal for those interested in history and paranormal tales but less so for those seeking intense scares.

Final Thoughts on the Ghost and Spirits Tour

This French Quarter ghost tour offers a balanced mix of haunted locations, historical tales, and augmented reality experiences. Its affordable price and small group size make it a popular choice, especially for those curious about New Orleans’ paranormal side. The stories featured on TV channels add credibility and interest, while the AR elements bring a modern twist to ghost storytelling.

Potential guests should plan for comfortable walking and consider guide variability, but overall, this tour provides an entertaining and atmospheric evening in New Orleans’ most haunted district. It is best suited for history buffs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a spooky glimpse into the city’s dark corners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from the Gray Line “Lighthouse” Ticket Office at Toulouse Street & the Mississippi River, near the Steamboat Natchez Dock.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, there are public parking lots on Decatur Street, with the closest being Jax Lot P401 at 500 Decatur Street. Some lots charge hourly rates, and prepayment may be required.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable attire is best for walking on uneven streets. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, and avoid tank tops or short shorts for evening comfort.

Can I take photos and videos?
Absolutely! Bring your camera or phone to capture the haunted sights and AR experiences, as many spots are photogenic.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
The tour is accessible, but some narrow or uneven paths may require alternate routes. Guests with mobility challenges should inform the guide at the start.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While children are welcome, the stories may be spooky for very young guests. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to download an app for the AR exhibits?
No app downloads are necessary for iPhones or iPads. Android users can view AR through alternative options provided by the guide. Internet connection is required.

This French Quarter Ghosts and Spirits Tour with Augmented Reality combines history, haunted tales, and digital innovation for an engaging evening in New Orleans. With expert guides, iconic locations, and modern AR features, it offers a memorable way to explore the city’s ghoulish side.