G L-f de Villiers, the Very Best in New Orleans Historic Tours is recommended by Frommer's, TravelZoo, GuideAdvisor, and many happy, satisfied customers . Our tours are never scripted. When you tour with us, you become a part of New Orleans. We believe you deserve the best.
You can find us on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well. We are a community-based company and locally-owned. We are members of the French Quarter Business Association, New Orleans & Company (the Convention and Visitors Bureau), and the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association.
Historian and writer, educated in New Orleans and abroad, Glenn De Villier brings a native's perspective, humor, and Southern graciousness to the sometimes illusive facets that compose the charm and
beauty of our "Queen City of the South".
De Villier is a long-time resident of the French Quarter and a native son. His primary background is in History and he received his education in Louisiana and in Europe.
De Villier's mentors include several notables in history and literature including Cleanth Brooks, Dr. Walker Percy, Dr. Kenneth Holditch, Charlie Bishop, Elizabeth Penfield, T. Harry Williams, Joseph Tregle, Steve Ambrose, Joseph Logsdon, and Nick Mueller.
De Villier has known Rebecca Wells, author of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, for many years and spent time with Tennessee Williams in New Orleans and in Key West.
Originally licensed as a guide in 1989, Glenn is retired from a career in academia and public service.
Current or Former Member:
The Attakapas Historical Association, The Pirates Alley Faulkner Society, the American Historical Association, the Louisiana Historical Association, the Vieux Carre Commission Foundation, Pipeliners Local 798, The Historic New Orleans Collection, The Archdiocese of New Orleans Cemetery Association, and the French Colonial History Society. Glenn served on the Public Policy Committee of the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor's Economic Congress, and the local board of the American Red Cross.
Glenn's career included significant professional associations with the Louisiana Legislative Council, the Louisiana State Senate, LSU, Delgado College, Tulane University, the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and the City of New Orleans. He also wrote restaurant and food columns for local newspapers and magazines and served as a celebrity judge for all of the major cooking competitions.
An award-winning speaker, Glenn is available for conferences, lunches, and any special event, where levity and authenticity prevail.
Having squandered his youth on riotous living, Glenn resides quietly in the rue Bourbon with his trusty canine (and Katrina rescue), Spencer Logan.
When he is not hosting the city's finest visitors, he can otherwise be found at the New Orleans Athletic Club or dining at one of our truly remarkably great restaurants; mail to glfdevilliers@gmail.com
Your guide makes all the difference! Ask yourself, "Did you learn about your town entirely from a book (or did you learn about it by living there)?". From a guest, "Y'all have the real history and the best gossip!".
Welcome to New Orleans!
Please join us!