NEW ORLEANS WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Walking Among Tombs: A 90‑Minute Deep Dive into New Orleans’ Above‑Ground Burial Traditions
A guided, 1.5‑hour cemetery walking tour with DuPont & Company that explains New Orleans’ distinctive family, society and coping tombs and the custom of rotating remains.
Walking Among Tombs: A 90‑Minute Deep Dive into New Orleans’ Above‑Ground Burial Traditions.
Adventure brief
Walking Among Tombs: A 90‑Minute Deep Dive into New Orleans’ Above‑Ground Burial Traditions
Discover the distinctive burial landscape of New Orleans on a guided cemetery walking tour led by DuPont & Company. The guide— a New Orleanian with ancestral ties in the grounds—walks you among above‑ground family tombs, coping tombs, society tombs and the old wall vaults while explaining local practices such as the careful rotation or “recycling” of remains and correcting long‑standing myths.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of New Orleans, the city's cemeteries are more than just final resting places—they are open-air museums illustrating rich cultural traditions and local history. DuPont & Company offers a captivating Cemetery Walking Tour that takes visitors through some of the most iconic and historic necropolises of the city. As you navigate winding pathways lined with above-ground tombs, you'll encounter elaborate family mausoleums and learn about the distinctive funeral customs that make New Orleans unique. One feature that sets this tour apart is the story behind the practice of 'recycling' loved ones’ remains, a tradition rooted in necessity and reverence. The tour provides context about the influence of French and Spanish colonial architecture, as well as the African and Caribbean cultural elements woven into funeral rites. This experience goes beyond mere sightseeing, immersing visitors in the city’s layered history and spiritual life. The business, located at 2000 Cemetery Road, has become a cultural cornerstone, offering insights into the city’s past that are both educational and respectful. Visitors will appreciate the tour's accessibility, guided by knowledgeable locals who reveal the stories behind the tombstones and legends whispered across centuries. Cruising through these historic sites, travelers gain a deeper appreciation of New Orleans’ resilience and cultural diversity. Whether you're a history buff or simply seeking a meaningful introduction to the city’s traditions, this tour provides a compelling look at how death is celebrated and remembered with artistry and devotion. The rich stories, stunning architecture, and local legends make this cemetery tour a must-do experience in New Orleans. It’s an ideal way to connect with the city’s soul while uncovering lesser-known stories behind its storied past.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
The tour follows a clear sequence of stops that introduces the cemetery’s principal tomb types and the stories behind them.
Gates of the Cemetery
Begin the tour at the cemetery gates and receive an overview of the grounds and their cultural context.
Family Tombs
Visit family tombs and learn about interment practices, generational burial and the practice of rotating remains.
Society Tombs
Inspect society tombs and hear how communal and fraternal organizations shaped burial architecture.
Old Wall Vaults
See the remains of the cemetery’s original wall vaults and learn what they reveal about earlier burial methods.
Coping Tombs
Examine coping tombs and the structural differences that distinguish them from family and society vaults.
Myths and Misconceptions
A guided discussion of common myths associated with New Orleans burials and the factual practices that counter them.
Return to Starting Point
Conclude the 1.5‑hour walk and depart from the original meeting point.
The experience is a guided walking tour lasting 1.5 hours and is offered for all ages in a small‑group format (up to 14 people); operators may alter the route or stops as needed.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
How New Orleanians Care for the Dead
Learn about the city’s unique burial customs, including the practice of rotating and 'recycling' remains within family tombs and how generations are interred in a limited space.
A Personal, Local Perspective
The tour is led by a New Orleanian whose ancestors are buried here, bringing personal stories and cultural context that illuminate both facts and myths tied to the necropolis.
Tombs, Vaults and City History
Walk among family and society tombs, see the remains of the original wall vaults, and understand how the cemetery’s architecture reflects New Orleans’ approach to honoring the dead.
What the day feels like
What the 90 Minutes Feel Like
The tour unfolds as a paced walking experience through the cemetery: beginning at the gates, you move among family tombs and society vaults, pause at remnants of the old wall vaults, examine coping tombs and stop to hear explanations about burial rotation and local myths—guided throughout by a New Orleanian with family connections to the grounds.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this cemetery walk.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided walking tour lasts 1.5 hours.
Meet at 3421 Esplanade Avenue before the tour departs.
The operator does not list specific gear requirements; plan for a short walking tour and dress for the weather.
The experience is described as suitable for all ages and is limited to groups of up to 14 participants.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cemetery tour?
The tour duration is 1.5 hours.
Where do we meet the guide?
The meeting location is 3421 Esplanade Avenue.
How large are the tour groups?
Groups are limited to up to 14 people.
Who leads the tour?
The tour is offered by DuPont & Company and is led by a New Orleanian guide who has ancestral ties to the cemetery.
What will we see and learn on the walk?
You will walk among family, society and coping tombs, view remnants of the old wall vaults, and hear explanations about burial rotation, recycling of remains and related myths.
Is the tour appropriate for children?
Yes—this is listed as an All Ages experience.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-02T02:55:12.171Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.