LaLaurie Mansion

The basics

A 19th-century townhouse in the French Quarter, LaLaurie Mansion was home to the socialite, slave-owner, and killer Marie Delphine Macarty LaLaurie. According to local legend, on April 10, 1834, a fire broke out at the house on Royal Street during a party and local residents came to help put out the blaze. When they entered the house, they found several instruments of torture, including iron chains and collars, which Madame LaLaurie used to punish and even murder her slaves. Some say the house is haunted by their ghosts.

The mansion is privately owned, and visitors are not permitted to go inside. Most people visit as part of a New Orleans walking tour or guided ghost tour, where guides tell the story of Madame LaLaurie's treatment of her slaves along with tales of other dark happenings in the city.

Things to know before you go

• The residence is not open to the public and you cannot purchase LaLaurie Mansion tickets.

• Nicolas Cage owned the house for several years in the early 2000s.

• Visit at night for extra scare factor.

• The tale of Madame LaLaurie was featured in the series American Horror Story: Coven.

How to get there

The house is located at 1140 Royal St. in the French Quarter, on the corner of Governor Nicholls St. It is easily accessible on foot, as part of a guided walking tour, by taxi, or by bus (take line 5 or 55 to Decatur and Barracks).

When to get there

LaLaurie Mansion is a private residence, so you can only look at the house from the outside. Walking tours visit the house daily.

Visit the St. Louis Cemetery

St. Louis Cemetery No.1 is a short walk from LaLaurie Mansion and is a fascinating place to explore. The oldest graveyard in New Orleans, people come here to see the tombs of some of NoLa's most famous residents, including voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Entry to the cemetery is typically restricted to those taking part in a prebooked walking tour. It's currently closed to the public, so while tour groups still visit, they take place outside the gates.

Ways to explore

LaLaurie Mansion was home to serial killer Marie Delphine Macarty LaLaurie. Visitors cannot go inside the Royal Street house, but it’s possible to stop by on a New Orleans walking tour or ghost tour, during which guides describe tales of Madame LaLaurie and other dark happenings in the city.

American Horror Story: Coven fans may recognize the name Madame LaLaurie, portrayed by Kathy Bates on the show. Although the real-life LaLaurie Mansion doesn’t appear, nearby Gallier House stood in its place for exterior shots, while Hermann-Grima House was used for interior scenes; you can visit both on a guided tour.

Accessibility

The LaLaurie Mansion is closed to visitors. Owing to uneven and narrow sidewalks, the French Quarter neighborhood is only partly accessible.

Age limits

Due to the dark content, many ghost tours that stop at the LaLaurie Mansion are best for older kids and adults.

What to pack

Water bottle, sun protection, bug spray

What to wear

If exploring as part of a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate layers.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Proximity to public transportation, proximity to shops and restaurants

Address

The LaLaurie Mansion is located on Royal Street in the French Quarter, which runs parallel to Bourbon Street. Buses and streetcars stop nearby, as do taxis and rideshare services. The neighborhood is best explored on foot.

Driving

Due to narrow, crowded, and one-way streets in the French Quarter—as well as limited parking—driving in this part of the city is not recommended. Instead, use taxis or rideshare services.

Public transportation

Take the Route 49 streetcar to Ursulines Station or take the Route 46 streetcar to North Rampart Street at Ursulines Avenue. Alternatively, use local buses, including the 8, 55, 80, and 91.

Best times to visit

The most popular time to visit the LaLaurie Mansion is during the evening, when the majority of New Orleans ghost tours run (and when its chilling atmosphere is heightened).

Best days to visit

As a rule, you can expect the French Quarter to be especially crowded and hectic on weekends. Weekdays are generally a calmer time to explore.

Best months to visit

If you can, avoid the summer months, which bring soaring heat and humidity, as well as hurricanes. Spring is generally a good time to visit New Orleans.

Special events

Mardi Gras, one of New Orleans’ biggest annual events, is held in February or March and brings major crowds to the French Quarter.