New Orleans: Felicity Plantation Guided Tour

Travelers eager to learn about Louisiana’s sugarcane heritage and experience the charm of a working plantation will find the Felicity Plantation tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s past and present. This 1.5-hour guided walk through a historic home and grounds combines storytelling, history, and authentic working farm life—making it a perfect choice for history buffs and those interested in Southern culture alike.

What we love most is how the guides bring the stories alive with genuine passion and knowledge, making the experience both educational and engaging. The fact that Felicity remains a working sugar farm adds a layer of authenticity that visitors rarely get at touristy plantation sites. However, a possible drawback is that it’s a smaller operation, which might mean fewer amenities or less elaborate grounds than some of the bigger, more commercial plantations nearby. Still, this tour’s intimate nature makes it especially suitable for travelers wanting a more personal, immersive experience.

If you’re curious about the history of sugar cultivation, love a good story told by passionate guides, or want to see where iconic movies like 12 Years a Slave and Skeleton Key filmed, this tour is a fantastic fit. It’s also ideal if you prefer smaller group settings where you can ask plenty of questions and get more detailed insights.

Key Points

• Authentic working plantation: Felicity remains a sugar farm today, not just a historic site.
• Engaging guides: Stories are personalized, not scripted, making the history come alive.
• Historic architecture: The Greek Revival Creole style home built between 1844-1847 is a highlight.
• Film location: Known for scenes from major movies like 12 Years a Slave.
• Small group experience: Often private or semi-private, with a more personal touch.
• Value for price: At $24 per person, it offers a detailed look into regional history and agriculture.

A Detailed Look at the Felicity Plantation Guided Tour

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Our impression, based on multiple reviews, is that Felicity Plantation offers a rare blend of history, authenticity, and personal storytelling. Guides like Sylvie have been praised for their deep knowledge and ability to make history feel real—”she knew the stories and told them as if they were her ancestors,” one reviewer mentioned. This is a tour where the storytelling isn’t just a recitation; it’s alive, with guides sharing insights that connect the past to today’s sugarcane farming.

The price point of $24 is quite reasonable considering the depth of information and the inclusion of a guided tour. For a little over an hour, you get an intimate exploration of both the historical home and the ongoing agricultural work—a rare combination that adds practical value for visitors keen to understand the full spectrum of plantation life.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: The tour begins at the guest check-in located in the gift shop next to St. Joseph Plantation, at 3535 LA-18, Vacherie, LA. The check-in is straightforward, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes early to settle in. From here, the tour heads over to Felicity Plantation itself.

Felicity House Tour: You’ll explore the historic home, built between 1844 and 1847. The style is a stunning mix of Greek Revival with noticeable Creole influences, reflecting Louisiana’s blend of cultures. The house’s design and furnishings have been carefully preserved or restored to match the period, offering a real feel for 19th-century life.

The Grounds and Working Farm: Beyond the house, the tour includes a walk around the grounds, where you can see the ongoing sugarcane cultivation. The fact that Felicity remains a working sugar farm provides a tangible connection between history and current agricultural practices. It’s fascinating to see how the land is still used for sugar production, maintaining a tradition that’s centuries old.

Film and TV Connection: Fans of movies will enjoy learning about Felicity’s role as a filming location for productions like Skeleton Key, 12 Years a Slave, and Roots. This adds an extra layer of interest, especially for those who appreciate film history or want to see real-world locations from their favorite movies.

What To Expect During the Tour

Guides are praised for their personal approach, making the experience more than just a walk through a house. As one reviewer put it, Sylvie “did not just recite a script”—she shared stories as if they were her own ancestors. This storytelling style makes history accessible and engaging, especially when covering topics like the plantation’s role in Louisiana’s sugar industry or its architectural features.

The interior of the house is well-preserved, with furniture and decor that reflect the period. Visitors have noted that the home feels intimate, offering a more personalized experience than larger, more commercial plantations like Oak Alley. The tour concludes back at the starting point, but many find themselves lingering, drawn in by the insights and the beautiful surroundings.

Group Size & Atmosphere

Most reviews highlight the small, often semi-private nature of the tour—sometimes just a couple or a small group—which enhances the experience. A smaller group means more chances to ask questions and get detailed answers directly from the guide, creating a more immersive and meaningful visit.

Practicalities: Timing, Cost, and Comfort

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, a manageable duration that fits easily into a day of exploring Louisiana. The ticket price of $24 is very accessible, especially considering the depth of the experience. Note that transportation, food, and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly—perhaps pack water and comfortable shoes.

It’s worth mentioning that the tour isn’t suitable for visitors with mobility challenges or wheelchair users, as walking around the grounds and historic home may be physically demanding.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a personal, authentic look at plantation life, rather than a large-group, commercialized presentation. The emphasis on history, ongoing farming, and film locations makes it a well-rounded option for those curious about Louisiana’s heritage. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides who can tell stories with passion, this tour will meet your expectations.

While it may not offer extensive grounds or luxury amenities, the focus on storytelling and authenticity makes it stand out. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts, film buffs, or anyone wanting a quieter, more intimate experience than bigger plantations like Oak Alley.

The Sum Up

The Felicity Plantation Guided Tour offers a compelling mix of history, architecture, and active farming, all wrapped up in a friendly, small-group setting. At just $24, you’ll receive a quality experience with informed guides, who breathe life into Louisiana’s sugarcane history. The chance to see where iconic movies filmed and to learn about the plantation’s enduring role as a working farm makes this tour especially meaningful.

If you enjoy engaging storytelling, authentic sites, and a more personal atmosphere, Felicity delivers on all fronts. It’s a wonderful option for travelers seeking a genuine, less commercialized insight into Louisiana’s plantation past and present.

FAQ

How long does the Felicity Plantation tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1.5 hours, making it a comfortably timed activity that fits well into a day of sightseeing.

What is the cost of the tour?
The guided tour costs $24 per person, offering good value considering the depth of insight and access to both the historic home and grounds.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Check-in is at the gift shop next door to St. Joseph Plantation, located at 3535 LA-18, Vacherie, LA. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. You might want to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not recommended for visitors with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as walking around the grounds and house may be physically demanding.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What makes this tour unique compared to others?
The tour’s focus on a working sugarcane farm, its personalized storytelling by guides like Sylvie, and its connection to popular films make it a distinctive and enriching experience.

The Felicity Plantation Guided Tour is a highly recommended outing for those interested in authentic Louisiana history, architecture, and ongoing agriculture—delivering a memorable, engaging experience at a fair price.