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Our mission is to preserve the integrity and emphasize the importance of the Creole history of Louisiana. It is our aim to help visitors understand exactly who Creoles are and how we have influenced American culture. It is also our purpose to help visitors to New Orleans locate licensed tour guides who share their love of America's Creole city. Our guides include natives, historians and researchers who are committed to keeping vibrant and alive the important history of New Orleans through their passion for this most European of American cities. Tour guides listed on Creole New Orleans are committed to breaking though the stereotypes and myths to reveal the rich complexities of Creole culture. Let us help you find a guide to take you on your next New Orleans tour. Click on the pics to meet our Guides
Click here to read Lafcadio Hearn's 1883 article for Harper's Weekly detailing the history of the village of St. Malo. (Lost in the hurricane of 1915.)  Consider a tour for your bridal party! Contact your tour guide for more information.LA VIE CRÉOLE: CRÉOLE COURTSHIP Contrary to fanciful stories told in house museums (such as plantations) there is no evidence that the length of time a suitor was permitted to court "précieuse fille du père" (Father's precious daughter) was determined by the height of a candle burning in a holder known as a "courtship candle"; the myth persists that if a father approved of the suitor then the candle would be raised higher and he could visit until the candle burned down; if not, father would lower the candle and the young man who had not won Father's approval would have a shorter time to visit the little princess. The fact is that, in a Creole household, a suitor of whom the father disapproved would not be permitted to visit with his daughter at all! Period. Out of the question! Often, marriages were arranged between the parents and the children sometimes had little or no say as to the matter. In some instances, however, a daughter would "jeter son gant" ("throw her glove") or set her sights on a young man. If the father approved then he would be permitted to visit but ONLY under the strict supervision of a chaperone. Usually the chaperone was an older female family member such as an aunt or grandmother. Once the courtship was over and the young man asked the father for his daughter's hand in marriage - and was approved - he would propose on bended knee, offering an engagement ring (usually a diamond) and, if accepted, the engagement lasted about a year. During this time they took their intended to visit every family member possible (on both sides) to personally announce the marriage and extend invitations. Tour Creole is not a tour company. We are a listing service for licensed tour guides in New Orleans. Book or contact individual Tour Guides by clicking on their respective pages. For questions or info about this website contact Tour Creole at tourcreole@yahoo.com
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