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Vibe the Voodoo at Marie Laveau's Tomb in New Orleans

Published by Katie Cappello, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

Need a little magic in your life? Marie Laveau, the infamous voodoo priestess of New Orleans, is happy to help. The toast of the town during the 1800s, Marie Laveau was honored as a powerful voodoo practitioner who could bring love and luck to those who paid her price. She shocked the genteel with her lavish performances, and it was rumored that she could appear in multiple places at the same time. Even death had a hard time taming Marie, and when her passing was announced in the New Orleans newspaper, people still reported seeing her, or her ghost, passing through the streets of the French Quarter. Some say her voodoo powers continue to this day.

As you enter St. Louis Cemetery #1, where Marie Laveau's tomb purportedly is, you will notice drawers installed into the six-foot-thick whitewashed walls. These drawers are actually tombs, able to fit one body at a time. Because New Orleans sits below sea level, the deceased must be buried above ground.

It is recommended that you take a New Orleans cemetery tour with a guide, as St. Louis Cemetery #1 is not located in a tourist-friendly part of town. A great guide will regale you will stories of zombies rising from the soggy swamp.

Your guide will also be able to direct you to Marie Laveau's tomb. If you are on your own, look for the Glapion family tomb marked with triple X's. Most likely, candles in powerful voodoo colours like white, red and black, will line the tomb, along with cigars, voodoo dolls, flowers, and other offerings. If you feel so inclined, ask Marie for help with a problem—whether it is making money, finding love, or hurting an enemy— and stack three pennies on her tomb as payment for her services. But be careful what you wish for; the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau is always listening.

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Map

Puzzle

When to Go to Marie Laveau Tomb

Though the St. Louis Cemetery is old, it is still in use today. Tombs act like ovens, which makes a visit in the summer less appealing. The best time of the year to visit Marie Laveau's grave is in the cooler months of winter, fall, and spring.

Odds n' Ends

New Orleans cemetery tours can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 per person. Dress for a day of walking, which in New Orleans always includes an umbrella; and don't forget to bring the three pennies to pay Marie.

Want a Guide?

Haunted History Tours
In addition to the best tour of Marie Laveau's Tomb available, Haunted History Tours offers ghost, vampire, and voodoo tours of the French Quarter and surrounding areas.
Save Our Cemeteries
The Save Our Cemeteries organization offers low-priced tours. All money goes towards the restoration and upkeep of the city's cemeteries.

Places to Eat

Galatoire's Restaurant
One of the most famous restaurants in a city known for its food, Galatoire's commands respect and loyalty from its patrons. The restaurant features traditional Creole favorites and stellar service.
Acme Oyster House
A trip to New Orleans wouldn't be complete without fresh oysters and seafood at the Acme Oyster House, just a short walk from St. Louis Cemetery #1.
Bayona
For innovative fusion cuisine as only a New Orleans chef can do it, visit Bayona. The atmosphere is welcoming, the food is a delight, and the chefs are award-winning.
The Old Absinthe House
If you're in need of a stiff drink after your visit with Marie Laveau, sip on a Sazerac or Ramos Gin Fizz and soak in the authentic Vieux Carre atmosphere at the Old Absinthe House.

Recommended Places to Stay

Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans
The Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street offers attractive rooms, many amenities, and immediate access to all the action and nightlife the French Quarter has to offer.
Dauphine Orleans Hotel
Off the beaten path and moderately priced, the Dauphine Orleans is a unique and charming hotel with a big plus: free parking!
Hotel St. Marie
Just looking for a place to rest your head in between your trip to St. Louis Cemetery #1 and other adventures? The low-priced, no-frills Hotel St. Marie is just right.

More Experiences Nearby

Get Your Groove On at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
As you follow the crowds into the Fair Grounds Race Course, site of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the first thing you'll notice is the eclectic population. Known for its vibrant musical history and culture, New Orleans draws both old and young to the Jazz and Heritage Festival. Locally branded as Jazz Fest, the Festival occurs on the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May each year. Grandparents and grandchildren, teachers and students, locals and visitors, those who play music and those who just like to dance to it, are all welcome at the New ...0 miles away.

Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!

New Orleans Cemetery History Tour. Step back in time with this historically accurate and educational walking tour of St. Louis Cemetery.
Starting from $20.00 per person.
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Books and DVDs

Voodoo Queen: The Spirited Lives of Marie Laveau
Voodoo Dreams: A Novel of Marie Laveau
The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook

Elsewhere on the Web

Marie Laveau - TheMystica.com

Language Guides

French , Hindi , Indonesian , Italian , Japanese , Lao , Malay , Mandarin , Portugese , Russian , Spanish , Thai , Turkish , Vietnamese are some of the languages spoken in United States. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

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