Longue Vue House and Gardens - Woman at pride event
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Longue Vue House and Gardens

4.7
·762 reviews·New Orleans, United States

An opulent 1940s Classical Revival estate with stunning European-inspired gardens, offering a timeless retreat in New Orleans.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for gardens

CrowdMedium
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Longue Vue House and Gardens - Woman at pride event

Longue Vue House and Gardens

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for gardens

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An opulent 1940s Classical Revival estate with stunning European-inspired gardens, offering a timeless retreat in New Orleans.

4.7
(762 reviews)

"Stepping into Longue Vue felt like stepping back into another era, a breathtaking blend of architecture and gardens."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book 'Behind the Scenes' Tour

Highly recommended for a unique peek into hidden details and history.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring 8 acres of gardens and a historic house.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Estate House

The Grand Estate House

Main House

Explore a stunning 1940s Classical Revival mansion filled with period decor, art, and unique custom details.

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Meticulously Designed Gardens

Meticulously Designed Gardens

Gardens

Wander through eight acres of European-inspired gardens, featuring ponds, fountains, and diverse plant life.

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Edith & Edgar's Garden Cafe

Edith & Edgar's Garden Cafe

Garden Cafe

Enjoy coffee, tea, and treats with picturesque views of the Oak Lawn.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your House Tour in Advance

While the gardens are beautiful, many visitors rave about the house tours, especially the 'behind the scenes' option. Booking ahead ensures you get a spot for these popular tours and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Consider the Season for Gardens

The gardens are a major draw, but some visitors in mid-May found them unkempt. Visiting during peak bloom or when the weather is cooler might offer a more vibrant experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for gardens
Crowd
Medium
When
First Friday afternoons
Why
Special tours and tea events
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, early afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds for house tours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Next Up in the Location Guide Series: Longue Vue House & Gardens 📍 For a location that feels timeless and European-inspired, Longue Vue House & Gardens in New Orleans is simply unmatched. ✨ With its stunning estate, meticulously designed gardens, and old-world charm, this venue transports you to a setting that feels straight out of a European countryside. 📸 Save this post if you’re looking for a...
morganalyssephotography
13 likes • 633 views

Book 'Behind the Scenes' Tour

Highly recommended for a unique peek into hidden details and history. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring 8 acres of gardens and a historic house. Instagram

In today's The Vue from Within - our Operations Assistant, Lizzy, shows us one of her favorite mysteries inside Longue Vue. It's a cool little feature! Come check out our house and gardens this weekend! https://longuevue.com/
longuevuehg
47 likes • 1.2K views
📍Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans, Louisiana. This National Historic Landmark is a Classical Revival style home, completed in 1942, and a stunning example of a Country Place Era home. The Sterns worked with landscape architect Ellen Shipman and architects William and Geoffrey Platt to create this marvelous estate where their house and gardens work seamlessly together. #historichouse #...
annatourshistorichomes
0 likes • 10.5K views

Check for Special Events

They host unique events like 'Games in the Gardens'. Instagram

Garden Plant Identification

Ask staff or fellow visitors about beautiful plants you see! Reddit

Escape to Longue Vue House & Gardens in #NewOrleans🌿✨ One of the rare 2.7% of U.S. Historic Places registered as a National Historic Landmark. And you must visit Edith & Edgar’s Garden Cafe! Enjoy coffee, tea, and handcrafted treats with stunning Oak Lawn views. 🌸 First Friday Tours & Tea: First Friday of the month from 12:30 PM — 3:00 PM. Savor loose-leaf teas and garden-sourced snacks while e...
scotpilie_wx
3.3K likes • 100.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book 'Behind the Scenes' Tour

Highly recommended for a unique peek into hidden details and history. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring 8 acres of gardens and a historic house. Instagram

Check for Special Events

They host unique events like 'Games in the Gardens'. Instagram

Garden Plant Identification

Ask staff or fellow visitors about beautiful plants you see! Reddit

Combine House & Garden Tour

Get the full experience with a combined ticket for both. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(762 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the beauty and historical significance of Longue Vue House and Gardens, particularly the stunning architecture and European-inspired gardens. Many highlight the value of the house tours, especially the in-depth 'behind the scenes' option. However, some guests have found the gardens to be less meticulously maintained during certain times of the year and felt the admission price was high compared to other local attractions.

"Wonderful estate complex and gardens. I arrived too late for a house tour, but enjoyed exploring the gardens. There were several wedding photographers there taking photos of young couples. I'll have to return another day for the house tour."

David Fielding

"Beautiful house and grounds. Lots of custom details including hand painted wallpapers and custom made unique furniture."

Wayna Guirl

"Updated review: I saw on social media where they were offering the behind the scenes tour and had to jump on it. This was a very enjoyable tour. Amazing. I can not recommend this enough. I just love getting to peek behind the curtain to see the details. A whole room for lamp shades! Extravagant!

What a lovely tour! Just took a tour of the house, but I will be back for the combination tour of the house and gardens. The history of this house was amazing. And to think that this was the second house erected here. I'm not sure where they moved the original house to, but I will Google. The tour guide was amazing and very informed. I am so glad to come and am considering the membership."

Andrea F

What People Like

Beautiful house and gardens
Informative house tours
Unique 'behind the scenes' tour

What People Dislike

Garden upkeep varies
Perceived high cost

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Longue Vue House and Gardens is located in New Orleans. Driving is a common way to get there, with ample parking available. Public transportation options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or ride-sharing services is advisable. Instagram

While specific routes can vary, it's best to check current New Orleans public transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on bus lines serving the area near Longue Vue. Instagram

From the French Quarter, a taxi or rideshare service is often the most convenient and quickest way to reach Longue Vue House and Gardens. The drive is relatively short. Instagram

Yes, Longue Vue House and Gardens provides parking for visitors, making it convenient for those arriving by car. Instagram

Depending on your starting point, walking might be an option, but it's a significant estate. It's generally recommended to use transportation for ease of access. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on the tour type (house tour, garden tour, or combined). It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing information. Reddit

Yes, booking your tickets in advance, especially for the house tours and the popular 'behind the scenes' tour, is highly recommended to secure your spot. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally and by day. Always check the official Longue Vue website for the most accurate and up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Instagram

Yes, Longue Vue offers various tour options, including guided house tours, garden tours, and special 'behind the scenes' tours that provide deeper insights. Reddit

Yes, it is often possible to purchase tickets specifically for garden access, allowing you to explore the grounds at your own pace. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the opulent 1940s mansion with its period decor and art, wander through eight acres of stunning European-inspired gardens, and enjoy refreshments at the Garden Cafe. Instagram+1

Visitor experiences on garden maintenance can vary by season. Some reviews suggest they can be unkempt at certain times, while others praise their beauty. Reddit

Absolutely! The estate and gardens offer numerous picturesque spots, making it a popular location for wedding photographers and personal photoshoots. InstagramReddit

This special tour offers an in-depth look at the house's unique features and history, often revealing hidden details and stories that are not part of the standard tour. Reddit

Yes, Longue Vue occasionally hosts special events, such as 'Games in the Gardens' fundraisers or 'First Friday Tours & Tea,' which offer unique experiences. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Edith & Edgar's Garden Cafe offers coffee, tea, and handcrafted treats, providing a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the garden views. Instagram

Picnicking rules can vary. It's best to check with the venue directly or look for designated areas if you plan to bring your own food. Instagram

The Garden Cafe typically serves coffee, tea, and a selection of handcrafted treats, perfect for a light refreshment during your visit. Instagram

New Orleans offers a vast culinary scene. You'll find numerous dining options in the surrounding neighborhoods, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Instagram

Operating hours for the cafe may vary. It's advisable to check the Longue Vue website or call ahead to confirm its availability during your planned visit. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The manicured gardens, elegant architecture, and charming water features offer countless beautiful backdrops for photography. Instagram+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed, but professional photoshoots (like wedding photography) might require special permits or arrangements. Check their policies. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites and private estates to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Instagram

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – often provide the most flattering light for outdoor photography in the gardens. Instagram

While photography inside historic homes can be restricted to protect the interiors, guided tours may offer specific points where photos are permitted. Inquire during your tour. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Longue Vue House and Gardens offers a unique educational and visually stimulating experience for families. The expansive gardens provide plenty of space for children to explore and burn off energy, while the ponds and fountains can be fascinating. Instagram+1

Consider booking a house tour to introduce children to history and architecture in an engaging way. The 'behind the scenes' tour might be particularly captivating for curious young minds. The Garden Cafe is a great spot for a family snack break with a view. Instagram+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Longue Vue is a photographer's dream, offering a wealth of stunning visual opportunities. The Classical Revival architecture of the house provides a grand backdrop, while the meticulously designed gardens present endless possibilities for capturing beautiful shots of flora, water features, and charming garden nooks. Instagram+1

Look for the interplay of light and shadow in the gardens, especially during the golden hours. The estate is a popular spot for wedding photography, so you'll often see couples capturing their special moments, which can add to the romantic ambiance. Remember to check any specific photography guidelines for professional shoots. InstagramReddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Lovers

For those fascinated by history and architecture, Longue Vue is a must-visit. This National Historic Landmark offers a deep dive into the Country Place Era and the lives of Edith and Edgar Stern. The house itself is a testament to Classical Revival design, showcasing period furnishings, art, and unique architectural details. Instagram+1

The guided house tours, especially the 'behind the scenes' option, provide invaluable insights into the estate's past and the Stern family's legacy. You'll learn about the collaborations with renowned architects and landscape designers, and discover the stories behind the meticulously preserved interiors and exteriors. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Architecture of Longue Vue

Longue Vue House and Gardens is a significant National Historic Landmark, representing the grandeur of the Country Place Era. Completed in 1942, the estate was the vision of philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern. Edith, daughter of Sears-Roebuck magnate Julius Rosenwald, and Edgar, a prominent businessman, sought to create a home that was both a beautiful residence and a reflection of their commitment to social causes. The house itself is a stunning example of Classical Revival architecture, designed by William and Geoffrey Platt, with interiors meticulously furnished with period decor and art. Instagram+1

The Sterns collaborated with renowned landscape architect Ellen Shipman to design the eight-acre gardens, which are a masterful blend of formal European styles and Southern charm. They envisioned the gardens as an integral part of the estate, providing both aesthetic beauty and functional spaces for relaxation and entertainment. The estate's history is also marked by its unique features, such as a dedicated room for lampshades, showcasing Edith Stern's distinctive taste and attention to detail. Instagram+1

Visitors often remark on the feeling of stepping back in time when exploring Longue Vue. The preservation of the house and gardens allows a glimpse into the lifestyle and aesthetic sensibilities of a prominent American family from the mid-20th century. The estate's commitment to maintaining its historical integrity makes it a valuable cultural resource and a captivating destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. Instagram+1

Exploring the Gardens of Longue Vue

The eight-acre gardens at Longue Vue are a significant draw, designed by the esteemed landscape architect Ellen Shipman. They are celebrated for their European-inspired layout, featuring distinct garden 'rooms,' serene ponds, elegant fountains, and a variety of plant species. Visitors can wander through the Spanish Garden, the Wild Garden, and the Rose Garden, each offering a unique atmosphere and visual appeal. Instagram+1

Many visitors find the gardens to be a peaceful retreat from the bustling city of New Orleans. The thoughtful design creates intimate spaces for contemplation and enjoyment of nature. The presence of water features adds a soothing element, and the diverse flora provides color and texture throughout the seasons. It's a place where one can truly appreciate the art of landscape design. Instagram+1

While the gardens are generally admired, some visitors have noted that their condition can vary depending on the season. For the best experience, consider visiting during peak blooming periods or when the weather is most conducive to outdoor exploration. The gardens are also a popular backdrop for events and photography, adding to their vibrant atmosphere. InstagramReddit

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