Top 5 Terrifying Haunts on the French Quarter Ghost and Vampire Tour

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Here are the top five stops  on the French Quarter ghost and vampire tour that will send chills down your spine

The French Quarter in New Orleans is a place where history, mystery, and the supernatural converge. Steeped in stories of haunted mansions and vampire lore, it’s the perfect destination for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. Join us as we review the top spots on the French Quarter Ghost & Vampire Tour. (Buy tickets to French Quarter ghost and vampire tour –  click here.)

1. Vampires at the Ursuline Convent

A French Quarter ghost and vampire tour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Ursuline Convent. This historic building is said to be the home of the city’s oldest vampires. According to local lore, in the 18th century, young women from France were sent to the Ursuline Convent to be married off to the men of the colony. These women, known as the “Casket Girls” because of the small trunks they carried, were rumored to be vampires.

Legend has it that the convent’s third-floor attic was used to store these “caskets,” and it remains sealed to this day. Many believe that the attic contains dark secrets and that the vampires rest there during the daylight hours. Visitors often report seeing strange lights and hearing eerie noises coming from the attic windows.

Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, the Ursuline Convent is an intriguing stop on any French Quarter ghost and vampire tour. (Buy tickets to French Quarter ghost and vampire tour –  click here.)

2. The Haunting of the Lalaurie Mansion

No French Quarter ghost and vampire tour would be complete without a stop at the infamous Lalaurie Mansion. This stately home, located on Royal Street, is considered one of the most haunted places in New Orleans. In the early 19th century, it was the residence of Madame Delphine Lalaurie, a socialite known for her beauty and charm. However, her dark secret was that she was a cruel slave owner who tortured and murdered many of her slaves.

The horrific conditions in the mansion were discovered in 1834 when a fire broke out. Rescuers found tortured slaves chained in the attic, and the mansion quickly became the subject of horror stories. Today, the Lalaurie Mansion is a private residence, but visitors on a French Quarter ghost and vampire tour often report feeling an overwhelming sense of dread when passing by. Some claim to hear the screams of the tortured souls still lingering within its walls. (Buy tickets to French Quarter ghost and vampire tour –  click here.)

3. Anne Rice’s “Interview with a Vampire” Locations

For fans of Anne Rice’s iconic novel “Interview with a Vampire,” a French Quarter ghost and vampire tour offers the chance to walk in the footsteps of Lestat, Louis, and Claudia. Many locations in the French Quarter served as inspiration for Rice’s gothic tale. Start your literary pilgrimage at Jackson Square, where Louis and Lestat first meet. The square, with its historic architecture and hauntingly beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, sets the perfect mood for the story.

Next, head to the Garden District to see the house that inspired the home of Lestat. This grand mansion, with its wrought-iron balconies and lush gardens, is a quintessential example of New Orleans’ opulent architecture. Finally, visit the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the city’s oldest cemeteries, where Claudia is buried. The cemetery’s above-ground tombs and ancient oaks create an eerie atmosphere that feels straight out of a vampire novel. (Buy tickets to French Quarter ghost and vampire tour –  click here.)

4. The Ghostly Pirates of Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is one of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter and is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. Located on Bourbon Street, this historic bar dates back to the 18th century and is said to have been a front for Lafitte’s smuggling operations. Today, it is a popular stop on French Quarter ghost and vampire tours, where visitors can enjoy a drink while soaking in the eerie ambiance.

Patrons and staff alike have reported sightings of a dark figure believed to be Lafitte himself. Some have even claimed to feel an inexplicable chill or to have seen objects move on their own. The dimly lit interior, with its rustic charm and historic significance, only adds to the ghostly allure of this legendary spot.

Whether you’re hoping for a supernatural encounter or just want to enjoy a piece of New Orleans history, Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is a must-visit. (Buy tickets to French Quarter ghost and vampire tour –  click here.)

5. The Haunted Andrew Jackson Hotel

Rounding out our top five stops on a French Quarter ghost and vampire tour is the Andrew Jackson Hotel. Located on Royal Street, this hotel is notorious for its paranormal activity. The building dates back to the 18th century and was originally a boarding school for boys. During a fire in 1794, five boys tragically lost their lives, and their spirits are said to haunt the hotel to this day.

Guests have reported seeing apparitions of children playing in the hallways and hearing the sound of laughter when no one else is around. Room 208 is particularly infamous, with reports of objects moving on their own and unexplained cold spots. For those brave enough to stay overnight, the Andrew Jackson Hotel offers a chance to experience the supernatural up close. Even if you’re just passing by, this location is a chilling addition to any French Quarter ghost and vampire tour.

In conclusion, the French Quarter in New Orleans is a treasure trove of haunted history and vampire lore. Whether you’re exploring the dark secrets of the Ursuline Convent, feeling the eerie presence at the Lalaurie Mansion, tracing the steps of Anne Rice’s vampires, encountering ghostly pirates at Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, or staying in the haunted Andrew Jackson Hotel, each stop on your French Quarter ghost and vampire tour will leave you with unforgettable stories and a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich and mysterious past.

So, lace up your walking shoes, bring your courage, and get ready to uncover the eerie and enchanting world of New Orleans’ French Quarter. (Buy tickets to French Quarter ghost and vampire tour –  click here.)

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