New Orleans: Houmas House Plantation Tour
Chamonix
Drive just under 1 hour to the heart of plantation country and visit the Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road. Guides in period dress lead you through the fully restored mansion, educating you about life on this plantation in the 1800s.
Houmas House Estate Plantation Tour near New Orleans
Experience a guided mansion tour and self-paced garden visit at Houmas House Estate, a restored Louisiana sugarcane plantation suited for history, architecture, and garden enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Guided mansion tour with full access to all rooms
- Expansive gardens open for self-guided exploration
- Opportunities for photography of architecture and colorful gardens
Description
Houmas House Estate offers a comprehensive experience of 19th century plantation life and architecture along the lower Mississippi River, about an hour from New Orleans. The mansion is restored to reflect its antebellum wealth from sugarcane farming in the 1880s.
Guided tours are led by costumed interpreters who share the 250-year history, architectural evolution, and plantation culture. Visitors can view rare period artwork and artifacts illustrating daily life on the estate.
The self-guided garden tour covers 38 acres featuring water elements, secret garden areas, sculptures, and large Live Oak trees. Multiple shaded rest areas provide places to pause and appreciate the scenery.
Film enthusiasts will recognize Houmas House from productions such as the 1964 thriller “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte” and the 2019 movie “The Green Book.” The estate also has a reputation for unexplained supernatural events documented on site.
Includes
- One-hour guided mansion tour
- Full access to 38 acres of gardens
- Self-guided garden tour
- Local taxes
Excludes
- Transportation to the plantation
- Food and drinks
- Gift shop merchandise
Important Information
- Allow at least 3 hours to fully experience the property
- Photography is permitted throughout the mansion and grounds
- On-site restaurant serves dining until 8:00 PM with a lunch buffet available at an additional cost
- Lunch and dinner are available daily, walk-ins accepted
- Visitors must arrange their own transportation
- Dogs on leash are allowed on plantation grounds; if other guests are uncomfortable, dog owners may be asked to wait for the next tour
- The plantation is approximately a 1 hour drive from New Orleans
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
To get the most from your visit, bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera. Visiting during spring or fall offers more comfortable weather and vibrant garden displays.
