Creole Neighborhoods Bike Tour New Orleans
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Cruise through Creole NOLA
Take a bike tour of the storied streets of New Orleans' five oldest Creole neighborhoods to learn about the city's colonial history and the resulting resilience, diversity, and cultural riches that endure. You'll begin in the spirited and scintillating French Quarter before cycling along a portion of the Mississippi River, through the Faubourg Marigny, Bywater, and Faubourg St. Roch neighborhoods, stopping at the St. Roch Cemetery, before concluding the tour in the Faubourg Tremé district.
You'll start this bike tour by exploring the most famous neighborhood in New Orleans, the French Quarter. Situated at the very center of this fascinating city, this was the area favored by the French settlers who arrived in 1718. This district is a living testament to the city's French and Spanish colonial past, with its enchanting architecture, vibrant streets, and iconic landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. The centrality and diversity of this district at NOLA’s beating heart is the perfect setting to start this day tour.
From the French Quarter, you’ll pedal along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Watch the paddle steamers glide towards Algiers Point as your guide explains the crucial role the river played in the city's development.
Your bicycle tour then continues to Faubourg Marigny, a neighborhood that was originally developed as a plantation in the 18th century. Cycle past the quaint Creole cottages and charming shotgun houses as your guide explains how the district later transformed into a diverse and eclectic community, known for its vibrant music scene and artistic spirit.
Cycle on to the Bywater, an up-and-coming neighborhood that has undergone a renaissance in recent years. This formerly industrial area has been transformed into a youthful and creative community, attested to by the vibrant street art and murals you'll pedal past on your route.
Established in the early 19th century, Faubourg St. Roch, your next stop on this bike tour, is quite the contrast to the developing Bywater district. Steeped in history, the St. Roch district has long been a melting pot of cultures, making it one of the most fascinating and storied stops on this guided tour. From here, you'll visit St. Roch Cemetery, known for its distinctive above-ground tombs, which offer an insight into the various mortuary practices of New Orleans' diverse cultures.
This bike tour's final stop is in Faubourg Tremé. As one of the oldest African-American neighborhoods in the United States, Tremé has been a crucible of culture, resilience, and creativity. As you cycle around, your guide will provide insight into how its vibrant music scene and historic landmarks like Congo Square have played a vital role in shaping New Orleans' cultural landscape.
Schedule
Days Start Finish Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9:30 am ~12:30 pm Please arrive for the tour 15 minutes before departure time.
Prices
Rate USD Rider $50 The minimum number of participants for this tour to operate is 2.
Highlights
French Quarter, Mississippi River, Faubourg Marigny, Bywater, Faubourg St. Roch, St. Roch Cemetery, Faubourg Tremé
What’s included
- Bike rental
- English-speaking guide
- Cool water
Meeting place & directions
Flambeaux Bicycle Tours - 626 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116, United States
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Traveler photos
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Reviews
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★★★★★ Roz 6 months ago
Incredibly interesting tour
· Creole Neighborhoods Bike Tour New Orleans
I learned so much about New Orleans by taking this tour, and I'd recommend it to anyone visiting the city - it will help you get the most out of your stay. We cycled from the center to the Mississippi River, where our guide told us all about the founding of the city. We took a varied route through the very exciting neighborhoods that make up NOLA, keeping to cycle paths so we felt safe all the way. Each neighborhood had its own story to tell and our guide was amazing at describing the different histories and cultures; voodoo, Senegalese, Creole etc.
Halfway through, we stopped at a really nice local cafe for the chance to get a cold drink, and then we carried on to the cemetery. It was fascinating to hear about the different burial methods and to walk around the grand tombs.
Eric was a really engaging, genuine guide who got to know us and made sure we were hydrated and entertained the whole way.
I'd fully recommend taking this tour. If you do it early on in your trip to New Orleans, you'll really be set up with an appreciation of its history and culture, and you'll have time to act on your guide's local recommendations for places to eat and see live jazz music.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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