Reviews and Testimonials

G L-f de Villiers, The Very Best in New Orleans Historic Tours

Reviews and Testimonials

9/1/2013

The following comments are from TripAdvisor, Yelp, directly from guests, and various publications, as noted. Your comments are invited.

161 Comments

glfdevilliers link

8/6/2013 02:43:02 am

"My Cemetery Voodoo Tour was led by Glenn, and I enjoyed the experience very much. Knowledgeable and informative, he led us through the back-streets of the French Quarter, the infamous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, Congo Square, and the Voodoo Spiritual Temple. Glenn gave us a great historical overview and details about each place...this was a fantastic tour."

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:13:49 am

From TripAdvisor, May 2013

Trevor and Nicole

9/30/2016 05:58:24 am

Glenn doesn't just share his incredible knowledge of New Orleans, he also shares his fantastically loveable personality which lends the entire experience a feeling of intimacy - to the degree where you feel like Glenn is sharing secrets with you he's told no one else. Thank you Glenn, for giving my wife and I a very special experience of New Orleans!

Christine

10/30/2018 11:02:54 am

My husband and I also very much enjoyed Glenn's tour! He's knowledgeable about the history of some of New Orleans' most iconic haunts, and even though I lived there for over 20 years and my mother is from there, I learned a lot! I highly recommend you schedule this tour on your visit to NOLA! So fun!

GL-f de Villiers link

8/6/2013 04:34:58 am

A friend and I took the French Quarter tour and both thought it was terrific. The guide, a many-generations New Orleans resident, was very knowledgeable about the history and architecture of the area. Authentic historic details without any hokey embellishments.

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:14:29 am

From TripAdvisor March, 2013

Glenn

8/6/2013 04:36:52 am

“Loved the Haunted Tour”
Reviewed April 7, 2013
We really enjoyed the haunted New Orleans tour on our first night in New Orleans. Our guide, Glenn, is a wonderful story teller. I loved that he told us about actual experiences he had had and people that he knew. He also set us straight about some stories that were not accurate or that had been combined with other stories. He really seemed to know what he was talking about and seemed to know his history of New Orleans. We had a wonderful time on this tour and would recommend it to others. It was such a great way to start our New Orleans adventure.

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:14:55 am

From TripAdvisor

Glenn

8/6/2013 04:42:04 am

Reviewed March 13, 2013
The Cocktail tour was even better than I had imagined. We went on a Sunday night, and our tour guide was excellent. He had grown-up in the Quarter, and still lives there today. Originally I expected to learn about drinks, but we learned about a whole new side of the Quarter we had never known before. Glenn told us the history of several Mardi Gras Krewes. And we discovered restaurants we hadn't been to before. I have used this tour company before and I would go on any of their tours again, including this one. They have excellent tour guides that not only know the city's history, but are ingrained in the city's history.

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:15:43 am

From TripAdvisor, 2013

Glenn

8/6/2013 04:43:11 am

Loved it! Great tour guide with great stories. It was fun walking around seeing all the different locations and hearing about the stories to go with. I would definitely recommend anyone do this tour!

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:18:31 am

From TripAdvisor, 2013.

Glenn

8/6/2013 04:44:29 am

I really enjoyed a French Quarter tour with my teens. Our tour guide was so well informed in his history and architecture. He had many legends to share as well. It enhanced what I had read in guidebooks. And for my children, it brought history lessons to life.

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:26:22 am

From Yelp, 2013

Glenn

8/6/2013 04:49:29 am

“who knew?”
Reviewed October 30, 2012
We had Glenn as our guide, he was extremely knowledgeable...about the Church, the cemetary, and being around the Voodoo Priestess (which was correct). It was very hot, but had we waited one more day, it would have been much cooler weather! :) I learned a great deal about the stops we made along the tour and we never would have know otherwise. It was the tour I wanted to do, I would do it again!! A definite must do in NOLA!!

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:22:47 am

From TripAdvisor, 2012

Glenn

8/6/2013 04:56:15 am

We began our stay of New Orleans by going on a Ghost Tour... we wanted to learn about the city - so decided this was best way. Our tour guide was knowledge about the city. We learned so much through the use of the ghost stories. We had a small group so it was nice. The guide was a retired college professor so much more fact than fiction.

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:24:51 am

From TripAdvisor, 2012.

Glenn

8/6/2013 04:58:46 am

Great guide, interesting facts, good pace - well worth the price! We learned a lot about the practices in the cemetery, which I found fascinating. Had visited before with family but learned nothing about the practices back in the day - out guide did a great job of "taking us back".

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:26:50 am

From Yelp, 2012.

Glenn

8/6/2013 04:59:51 am

It was a misty day and only four of us showed up for our tour, but our guide obviously loved his city and gave a very interesting talk as he showed us around the Quarter, pointing out many details that we never would have known about on our own.

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:27:21 am

From TripAdvisor 2012

Glenn

8/6/2013 05:04:48 am

The second tour we did was the French Quarter, and our tour guide was amazing. He was full of stories and history that the 2 plus hour tour was over in a blink! I wish we had more time to do the VooDoo and the cocktail tour! Great company, highly recommend it!

Glenn

8/6/2013 05:11:59 am

Our guide was wonderful. He is a native of NOLA and knows, I think, everything one could possibly know about the city. It is obvious that he is passionate about sharing as many facts as he has time to, in a clear and interesting way. Even though there were 25 people in our group during a thunderstorm, we had a great tour, and I recommend it highly!

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:30:25 am

From Yelp, 2012

Glenn

8/6/2013 05:13:22 am

“Wish we would have done this earlier in the trip”
Reviewed January 28, 2013
We did the Scandalous Cocktail tour with Glen. It was a lot of fun and full of sooooo much history and interesting sites and stories. I am pretty bummed that we did this tour our last night because the information, stories, and recommendations by Glen would have been put to use if we had been there longer. If you don't go on this tour you're missing out.

Glenn

8/6/2013 05:14:51 am

“Scandalous Cocktail Tour - We had a Blast!”
Reviewed January 23, 2013
My friends and I took the Scandalous Cocktail Tour. Our guide was so cool. He knew Tennessee Williams in New Orleans and Key West (we live in Florida), had studied his work while he was in college, and had edited a memoir about him. We felt so much "at home" as people said hello to us in the street and told us over and over again that we had the "best guide in the city" (we found out that he lives in the French Quarter near Brad Pitt so everyone knows him!). The drinks were tasty and we went back to some of the places he took us for lunch and dinner. Just perfect.

Glenn

8/6/2013 05:15:45 am

“YES! NOLA!”
Reviewed January 25, 2013
Touring with Glenn was entertaining, enlightening and enjoyable. Historical landmarks and points of interest were interlaced with intriguing backstories and fascinatingly obscure facts, drawing from his own colorful past (and present). One gets the feeling he is well connected with an endless supply of remarkable stories that piques your curiosity and imagination.

Glenn

8/6/2013 05:17:02 am

“Three Tours, Same Guide”
Reviewed January 23, 2013
My boyfriend and I started with a Cemetery and Voodoo tour. We liked it so much, that we asked our guide, Glenn, if he gave any other tours. We scheduled the Cocktail and the Haunted with him. We learned a lot about New Orleans and had a good time doing it. What really surprised us is how different each tour was from the other. For $20, each, you can't beat it. Very happy with the service.

Glenn

8/6/2013 05:19:03 am

Loved this tour.... Glen was as much a character as the places he took us... he was interesting and fun. Going to the top of the Omni Hotel was so very cool... Walking through some of the Landmark restaurants and bars was very interesting! However, it was Glen who was the star of the show....

Glenn

8/6/2013 05:21:41 am

Even though I was the only person that wanted a tour that day/time, I got a fantastic tour of the French Quarter. In fact, since it was just me, I requested more stories over covering more territory (since I'd already done some exploration on my own) and got it in spades. My guide was personable and entertaining. Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to find out more about the history behind everything you see.

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:41:34 am

All above, TripAdvisor, 2012-3.

Glenn

8/6/2013 05:27:38 am

“A wonderful tour full of facts and history!”
Reviewed June 3, 2012
When we were planning our trip to New Orleans, I knew that I really wanted to learn about voodoo and see the cemeteries. However, having had bad "ghost" tours given by other people in other places in the past, I wanted to pick something that would be sure to actually teach me something and not just try to tell bad, Hollywoodized versions of voodoo stories. These tours were recommended... and they were definitely right on the money. We were so glad that we went! The tour guide obviously knew his stuff, and he was personable and a good speaker, also. As another reviewer said, this was no cheesy tour, but a really interesting and informative experience. I have already recommended the tour to my parents, and I would recommend it to anyone going to New Orleans and interested in learning about the religious history of the area.

One caveat: We were there at the end of May, and it was HOT in the cemetery! If you go in the summer, make sure that you can handle the heat for two hours, because it did get pretty bad at times for us northerners.

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:42:25 am

TripAdvisor, 2012.

Glenn link

8/6/2013 07:44:09 am

4. Glenn Louis DeVillier Literary Tour

On our first night in town, we scheduled a 6 p.m. date with Glenn Louis DeVillier, local writer, historian and knower-of-all-local-gossip. Glenn took us on a walking tour, showing us sites, including the boyhood home of Lee Harvey Oswald; where Tennessee Williams wrote “A Streetcar Named Desire”; where William Faulkner wrote A Soldier’s Pay; where Eudora Welty wrote “Why I Live at the P.O.”; and a Mardi Gras escape route through the Hotel Monteleone. He also took us to the observation deck of the Omni Royal Hotel; led us to one of the best seafood restaurants in the Quarter, The Pelican Club; and told us who killed J.F.K. (You’ll have to pay for the tour to find out for yourself.)

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:43:20 am

Boots and Bourbon, 10 Things to Do in New Orleans, 2012.

Glenn

8/6/2013 07:48:26 am

Midway through Glen de Villier's "Literary New Orleans" tour, as we stood on some famous street corner – Bourbin and Bienville, or more likely Royal and St. Peter, which is quite near where Tennessee Williams wrote "A Streetcar Named Desire" – de Villier turned to me and asked if I knew that Marlon Brando had ridden his bike from New York City to Provincetown in order to convince Williams to cast him as Stanley Kowalski in the Broadway production of the play. I didn't know that, I said. "When Brando showed up," deVillier said, "Williams thought he was the handyman, and gave him a list of chores to do."

I asked deVillier how he'd heard the story, and he said "Brando told me." And, for the record, he said, none of Tennessee Williams' friends ever called him Tennessee. He was always "Tom" to them.

That deVillier, who runs several well-loved walking tours around the French Quarter (Voudou Cemetery Tour, Creole Society Tour and "Twirl" a Gay Historoy Cocktail Tour), heard the story directly from Brando, and called his pal Tennessee Williams "Tom" says a lot about what you'll learn from walking around The Big Easy with him.

That is, a lot. Plus, he'll gladly point out Brad Pitt's house.

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:45:26 am

weekendwalk.com

Glenn

8/14/2013 02:22:31 pm

“Fantastic!”
Jan 23, 2013 drrob8091
Some friends of ours suggested this company and we lucked upon the guide they had. He is a courtly and gracious Orleanian, born and bred, who lives in the French Quarter still. His wit and depth of knowledge impressed us so much on the French Quarter Walk that we scheduled the Sunday Cocktail Tour with him, also. We had a rewarding (and refreshing!) time with the "best guide in the city"! As a bonus, Glenn's recommendations on food and nightlife proved invaluable. Highly recommended!

G L-f de Villiers

9/11/2013 06:46:00 am

TripAdvisor, 2013.

Press Release

9/12/2013 03:47:13 am

Comment deleted

The Baton Rouge Advocate

9/12/2013 12:52:42 pm

http://bit.ly/14Q25Po

Glenn link

9/29/2013 04:59:56 am

Here is the Press Release:
http://www.pr.com/press-release/515340

Clare Anderson

10/21/2013 08:04:51 am

The literary tour was a terrific alternative to the run-of-the-mill ghost tours offered throughout the Quarter. If you are looking for a something a bit different, offered by a real New Orleanian, then this is the tour for you. We are still talking about the tour and Glenn, and how much fun we had connecting the dots across the decades of writers and characters who called the Quarter home. This is a two thumbs up tour - highly recommended.

Glenn DeVillier

10/21/2013 10:39:11 am

Thank you!

Blaine Wagner

10/21/2013 11:26:25 am

What a fantastic tour and Glenn is a wealth of knowledge along with a great sense of humor. We loved every minute of our time with him and will be taking other tours on our next visit.
It was so much getting to know the city with someone who grew up there and know the "real" New Orleans.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge of love of the city with us. See you again next visit.

Glenn DeVillier

10/31/2013 07:14:12 am

Well-known local lady and fellow Quarterite to her visitors, "We are going on Glenn's tours! I know him. He has the real history and the best gossip!" Love it!

Margie DiJohn

11/3/2013 01:29:32 am

On 10/26/13, a friend and I had a private Cemetery/Voodoo tour with Glenn. It was great fun, and Glenn was very informative, knowledgeable, and entertaining. I would highly recommend his tours, as I feel they would be a highlight of any trip to New Orleans.

Glenn link

12/17/2013 01:25:25 pm

New Yelp reviews here:
http://m.yelp.co.nz/biz/g-l-f-de-villiers-the-very-best-in-new-orleans-historic-tours-new-orleans

G L-f de Villiers from Graham on Yelp

1/1/2014 01:03:23 pm

Glenn really is the best there is. Whether it's your first visit to New Orleans or your fortieth, you will learn loads and I cannot imagine a more informative and entertaining tour (or human). We were interested in a literary tour of the French Quarter, but this turned into much more. Glenn is fundamentally knowledgeable in literature, history, general gossip (our favorite), and essentially any question we could muster for him. Hell, we spent over an hour on the roof of the Omni Royal drinking cocktails and talking through JFK assassination theories and their New Orleans connections. In other words, Glenn's knowledge is vast enough that he can cater to your whims, run-of-the-mill to peculiar. We also managed to get pretty drunk on the tour and stumble away with five or six impeccable restaurant recommendations. Call Glenn!

Will C (Yelp)

1/17/2014 08:18:49 am

1/10/2014

Will C.

We asked Glenn for a literary tour and had a FANTASTIC time listening to his accounts of authors' lives and exploits (some of them first… Read More

We asked Glenn for a literary tour and had a FANTASTIC time listening to his accounts of authors' lives and exploits (some of them first hand) as we strolled through the French Quarter. Our tour had a sort of thematic home base in Tennessee Williams and branched out in all directions--historical writers, Faulkner's New Orleans days, and lesser known authors with local ties. Glenn covered a lot of ground and knew his stuff.

We never hurried. Glenn was happy to stop and linger on a question or place things into context or simply humor our curiosities. When I asked about New Orleans' connections to the JFK assassination, we launched into a lengthy and delightful detour--chock full of Glenn's jaunty, native take on his home city (over beers, no less).

Amy G (Yelp)

1/17/2014 08:24:47 am

We spent an afternoon with Glenn and it was one of the highlights of our trip to New Orleans. Glenn knew tons about the real history of New… Read More

We spent an afternoon with Glenn and it was one of the highlights of our trip to New Orleans. Glenn knew tons about the real history of New Orleans and even sprinkled in a little fun, lighthearted local gossip as we walked. It made you feel like you knew a little about the people who actually lived in the area and what their lives were like. He was great for recommending the best places to eat and drink from a local's perspective...not for a tour book's perspective. All his recommendations were fantastic. The walk was perfectly-paced and we even stopped for a "historical" sidecar to keep our energy up and were treated to a beautiful roof-top view of the city we never would have found on our own.

Glenn DeVillier

2/12/2014 05:29:24 am

In response to those of you who are wondering which daily tour to take or private tour to schedule. Basically, the Thursday and Friday tours cover the same ground, literally speaking. Only the narrative is significantly different. The Thursday tour is for the New Dat or a student or a history buff who wants to understand the development of Louisiana. The Friday tour goes through part of the French Quarter, too, and proceeds to the cemetery. But, the focus is more on burial practices and religions. Never scripted. Nativist perspective. Southern graciousness.

Country Roads Magazine (Dale Irvin) link

2/26/2014 09:09:27 pm

"How DID we ever get around before smart phones and travel apps. This week I'm sharing another of my favorites: The Travelzoo website has been a favorite for me for years, but the Travelzoo app for smart phones has a really nifty extra, thanks to GPS. It will identify travel deals nearby, and there happen to be several fun ones popping up at the moment for New Orleans. For $15, you can take one of history buff Glenn DeVillier’s group walking tours about the city. Some of you may remember Glenn from his time as manager of The Myrtles in St. Francisville. Choose from one of several focuses, including literary history, a cemetery and Voodoo tour, a French Quarter stroll, gay heritage, pirates, and the war of 1812. You can schedule a private tour for up to six people for $120 departing from wherever you choose.

Diane Allman link

4/15/2014 02:49:43 pm

Diane Allman · Humam Resources Director at PCRB
My nieces and I were in New Orleans last week and booked two tours with G L-f de Villiers. Our tour guide is a History teacher, New Orleans native and well versed on New Orleans history/culture.

We would highly recommend booking any of the tours that G L-f de Villiers offers. One word of advise, wear comfortable shoes…

Thank you G L-f de Villiers for sharing your knowledge and love of New Orleans with two ladies from up there. We will see you when we return to the "great city" of New Orleans...Diane, Mary and Desiree.

Michael Winer link

4/15/2014 03:05:30 pm

Taking a tour with Glenn is like visiting an old friend from out of town who passionately wants to show you the uniqueness of his city. Glenn is a most unusual "tour guide". He does it not for the money, but because he truly loves to share with you his experiences in New Orleans by relating its history, not only from what he has read and been taught in school, but also from what his grandparents, their friends and family, and his own family has related to him. Glenn so loves New Orleans that he donates all of the tour fees to local preservation associations.

Glenn conducts five different tours. We took the walking tour of the City and were so awed by it that we took the literary tour the next day. Unfortunately, we were only in New Orleans for two days so we could not take any more tours. However, we look forward to our returning to New Orleans, taking the rest of his tours, and sharing more time with Glenn.

Chris (Manhattan)

4/21/2014 07:09:34 am

Glenn,

Thank you so much for such a unique, funny and inspired tour. Marla and I really enjoyed meeting you and hearing about the literary nitty gritty of this area. As we walked away, she was grinning pretty broadly. We're both pretty pleased we met you and took your tour.

Thanks again!
Chris

Anna S (Provo Utah)

4/29/2014 08:47:11 pm

"It was certainly the best I've come to know of New Orleans yet, so thank you again! The Swedes loved it. First class like you promised. I will certainly recommend you to future visitors."

Joan R. (Maryland)

5/10/2014 08:51:26 am

From Joan R. (Maryland):

Glenn, we enjoyed your tour so much we will be talking about it for years to come. Thank you for your surprise, too!

Hope you don't mind that I shared your contact information with a friend.

She was delighted to get your information as they have VIPs visit them who would like a tour of the city.

You are the best!

The family is going to the World War 2 Museum tomorrow and I will not be joining them, so if you have any free time I would love to buy you a drink? Or could I join your Louisiana history tour?

If I don't hear from you today I'll give you a call tomorrow.

Ted (Washington, D. C.)

5/12/2014 03:14:33 am

It was great meeting you too. The tour was fantastic! Thanks so much for spending the morning with us. Best, -Ted

Betty D. (Fort Worth)

5/24/2014 12:38:09 pm

We had a great time, thank you! It was a real pleasure taking a tour with someone who really loves the city. We'll be recommending your tour to any of our friends who visit.

Marion D. (New York)

5/27/2014 11:58:00 am

Just want you to know how much we enjoyed our experience of the French Quarter. Thanks for your insights of that world through the lens of the Literary geniuses of Dixie Bohemia. We look forward to another tour next time

Leanne Q (Yelp)

6/11/2014 07:04:28 am

G L-f de Villiers, the Very Best In New Orleans Historic Tours

As another reviewer put it, "Taking a tour with Glenn is like visiting an old friend from out of town who passionately wants to show you the uniqueness of his city." This sums up Glenn perfectly. I have been to New Orleans several times now and I always go on one or two tours. While I would say all of the tours have been decent, Glenn's tour was truly THE BEST. We will never forget the time we spent with Glenn. He taught us a little bit of everything on our tour and no matter what it was he was talking about, you could trust it would be completely enthralling. It is also nice because his tours are just him, doing what he loves so you know what you are going to get when you sign up for one of his tours. You do not have to worry about getting some newly-transplanted resident who barely knows how to navigate the city, or someone who is just in it for the paycheck. I cannot recommend his tours enough, and he has a GREAT variety of tour options that you will not find elsewhere (such as the literary tour, or the gay heritage history tour). We plan on returning to New Orleans next year, and we will be booking another tour with Glenn. One tour with him and you, too, will feel like he is an old friend you will want to visit with again and again.

Douglas M (Ontario, Canada)

6/19/2014 11:14:31 am

I enjoyed the time very much and again, really continued to understand more of the Creole culture and am happy it is still alive and fighting against culture loss creep.

I will be happy to take another tour of yours next time I am in town.

Best wishes,
Doug Manners

Brianna (New York)

7/16/2014 05:04:40 am

Dear Glenn,

I wanted to thank you, so very much, for your incredibly detailed, thoughtful, and entertaining tour. It's been a month since our visit to New Orleans for Alice and Sean's engagement party, and your personalized guide still stands out as an invaluable highlight. It inspired greater exposure to and conversation about the history and culture of your city, and we're grateful for the memories. For whenever our next trip down may be, I'm already looking forward to it. Thank you again.

Best,
Briana Hedderich

PS. Afterwards, we did thoroughly enjoy both a cold round at Napolean's and delicious lunch at Antoine's...

The Rodrigues (New Orleans)

7/16/2014 05:07:56 am

"Good evening! I've wanted to send you a note to let you know that Chad & I greatly enjoyed our tour time with you. It was great listening to some of those good New Orleans stories and hearing about some Creole history. We really appreciated your time with us!

GuideAdvisor Interview

7/30/2014 12:47:14 pm

A Q&A with New Orleans Tour Guide Glenn de Villier
By Hannah Clayton

When asked what it takes to be a good tour guide, Glenn de Villier says, “A deep understanding of your subject, and a marvelous personality,” so it’s a jolly good thing he embodies both, as rave reviews of his tours attest. We caught up with de Villier, a historian, writer, and tour guide who knows New Orleans, to learn more about his past and current style of guiding. Bonus: de Villier shares his favorite places to eat traditional southern comfort food, and since he was born and bred in the same area, you can bet he knows what he’s talking about.

It’s an honor to be able to speak with you, Glenn. Tell us, how did you discover your love for guiding?
It’s always been fun! I was raised to appreciate diversity and kindness. There really is no better way to display graciousness than as a host. So, when I was at university and was invited by a prominent hotelier to be the guide for Earl Spencer, his wife, and their entourage, I was, naturally, very flattered. Our subsequent adventure proved satisfying, and it wasn’t too long before I received a call from other fine properties. My next tour was with Bono and U2.

Is guiding in New Orleans your destiny, or do you think you’ll ever guide elsewhere?
It is essential, I believe, to do what one knows best. For me, that’s New Orleans and Louisiana. I like that our tours are never scripted, and our service is personal. We truly like our guests to be a part of the city, and this sort of community spirit makes me want to stay put.

Since you were born and raised in Louisiana, you must know it inside and out. What’s your favorite thing about the area?
Being born and bred in Louisiana was the easy part! The joy comes from being a part of it. My favorite thing is the rich culture, and the sharing thereof. Nothing can replace heritage or serious studies into a region. My family has been in Louisiana for about 300 years. My academic background includes several classes in Louisiana history and culture throughout primary and secondary school, all of which is supplemented by a deep understanding of European and North American history, as well as literature provided to me by outstanding scholars such as T. Harry Williams and Cleanth Brooks.

What does a typical day look like for you?
My first, great hope is that my dog, Spencer, will allow me to sleep until 7:30. If not, we play a little game of hide and seek with the covers before he gets his walk around our neighborhood, the charming Vieux Carre. We visit with the neighbors along the way, and, sometimes, have a cafe au lait and a baguette at Croissant d’Or. After that, we return home and I get ready for my tour group. When the tour is done and everyone is happy, I take lunch at Antoine’s or Little Vic’s. Then, it’s time for a swim and a catch-up with friends at the New Orleans Athletic Club. I do, sometimes, have a private evening tour, or a tour for one of the big companies. After that, I check on Spencer and freshen-up for dinner with guests or friends (when they’ll have me!) at the Pelican Club. I do enjoy reading, the movies, and the opera. New Orleans was the first city in what is now the United States to have opera.

What do you like to do in New Orleans on days when you’re not leading your humorous and info-packed trips?
I love talking the talk and walking the walk in my hometown. In New Orleans, we talk to strangers, walk everywhere we can, and work very hard at building a community. My company is a community-based one, and I always tell visitors that if a company asks you to meet them on the street or in a public park, that’s a pretty sure sign they have no relationship at all with the city they are about to try to tell you about. It’s also a good idea to ask where your guide is from.

What is the best tour you have ever lead, and why?
I love kids (even the big ones!), and especially the smart ones. I like having them laugh along with me, and I love it when they ask questions.

Have you ever had a bad guided trip?
This question reminds me of one asked of Zsa-Zsa Gabor. The interviewer asked Miss Gabor how many husbands she had had. She replied coolly, “Other than my own?”. Yes, when I was planning to open my own tour company, I went on a number of bad tours. I learned a lot from the experience. One of our policies is if a guest has a bad tour with another company, they can come along on one of ours for free. We can’t give anyone back their misspent two hours, but we can help make up for a bad guided tour.

What’s the most bizarre experience you’ve ever had on a guided tour? Ever had any odd requests from clients?
No comment; this is New Orleans, after all.

Since we all know that no job is perfect, would you mind sharing some of the downfalls of guiding in New Orleans? The heat get to you much?
Drink lots of wate

GuideAdvisor Review (Continued)

7/30/2014 01:08:18 pm

Drink lots of water, stay in the shade, and go for a swim. A good guide will account for, and accommodate for, the weather conditions.

As an experienced guide, can you think of any tips people should know before going on a guided tour?
Find out about your guide before finding yourself on a cheap tour of New Orleans done by someone from Perth.

What does it take to be a good tour guide?
A deep understanding of your subject, and a marvelous personality.

One of your many rave reviewers says you are “great for recommending the best places to eat and drink,” and now I’m curious as to your favorite New Orleans dish. Care to share your most prized comfort food, and where we can find it?
If you really mean “comfort food”, then that would be anything from Antoine’s. Having grown-up eating there, being friendly with the family, and having worked in the wine cellar one summer as a school job, it’s easily my home away from home. They are commemorating their 175th year in business! If you mean where’s my favorite place to dine, it’s the bar at the Pelican Club. I love their scallops.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would like to go to Nepal.

Randy P (Xola)

8/13/2014 02:58:27 am

Hello G L-f De Villiers
Randy Parker has left a review for Cemetery and Voodoo Tour

Ratings

Responsible : 5 / 5
Safe : 5 / 5
Unique : 5 / 5
Value : 5 / 5
Review

We all had a great time. Traving with young teenagers can be difficult; however, our guide was terrific at keeping them engaged in the tour. We all learned a lot about New Orleans culture and Voodoo. GREAT tour, GREAT price, just do it you will be happy.

Feedback

No, everything was GREAT!!!

S. Hong (Manhattan)

8/24/2014 10:50:28 am

Thank you for the tour today. We very much enjoyed the knowledge and local sites you shared with us. Will be sure to come back!

Arnica W. (Dallas)

8/24/2014 04:55:54 pm

Glenn was polite. He was attentive to my two young children. He provided good recommendations for restaurants and local inexpensive museum options.

Frommer's

8/25/2014 02:59:18 pm

G L-f de Villiers Tours -- Multi-degreed, dishy raconteur Glenn de Villiers is a local native who traces his family lineage directly to a key figure in the founding of New Orleans. The city’s history, then, is literally in his DNA. The tall, chapeaued bon vivant is worth following around the French Quarter for his laissez-faire saunter and breezy repartee alone, but his insider perspective can’t be replicated through a library of books. Glenn describes the customs and culture like he’s lived it (he has), and serves up the facts with urbane wit and a generous dollop of gossip. It works best on his Literary and Gay History “Swirl” tours, though his French Quarter, Cemetery, and Louisiana History tours are all worthy. Some might find this personal take tiresome. Not me. Added pluses: He maxes his groups at 12 participants and donates profits to worthy local causes.

www.glfdevilliers.com. tel. 225/819-7535. All tours run about 2 hours and are on the pricey side at $30. Check website for schedule and meeting places.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/new-orleans/717263#sthash.VYpgcM2R.dpbs#ixzz3BSc4F52U

Marilyn (Chicago)

8/26/2014 02:05:58 pm

Glenn, we really enjoyed our tour this morning. Thanks for imparting your knowledge of New Orleans to us. You gave us an education about this wonderful town that we never would have put together from reading various books/papers. Tim and Kevin are still quoting you about the calliope situation and smiling each time. You are the best. We ate at The Napolean House and were very pleased. We split the muffeletta, the meatball poor boy and the Ruben-delicious. Thanks for the recommendation. Can't wait to come back and book another tour with you. You are a kind and gracious person.

Doug (London)

8/27/2014 01:12:19 pm

Glenn,

Thank you for the email and link. I really liked the compliment "dishy". Your tours are indeed terrific because of you.

Your comment given to the one gentleman on our tour is still a hit at gatherings when I recount it to friends. "In New Orleans, we don't care what you do, we just care if you are fun or not." Brilliant.

I know that you know far better than I as to how much is changing in your city, but I am none too happy to see the continued 'Disneyfication' of your great city. I always dream of getting back there, but now I fear the continued loss of its true soul.

Continued success Glenn and be well.

Regards,
Doug (Ontario)

You may enjoy seeing what Frommer's thinks:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/new-orleans/717263#sthash.cYHOGsBy.aU3nefA9.dpbs

G. L-F de Villiers
Vieux Carre'
Nouvelle Orleans

Merci Glenn,
I enjoyed the time very much and again, really continued to understand more of the Creole culture and am happy it is still alive and fighting against culture loss creep.

I will be happy to take another tour of yours next time I am in town.

Best wishes,
Doug (Ontario)

Scott G (Baton Rouge)

9/2/2014 03:59:51 am

Glenn, a scion of New Orleans, Creole ancestry, led us on a remarkable tour of the Vieux Carré - the "Old Square" the original city of New Orleans with all of its quirks and peccadilloes, its scandalous stories wrapped in rumors posing as anecdotes. The tour is a feast worthy of its Creole heritage and will leave its participants sated yet wanting more.

Ammons/Henderson (Key West)

9/2/2014 08:41:54 am

My partner and I took the Twirl tour over Labor Day weekend. We found Glenn to be a very knowledgeable and entertaining. His first hand experience having grown-up in the Quarter gives him a special insight. When we return to New Orleans we will most definitely plan on taking one of his other tours.
Steven Ammons and John Henderson, Key West

Tina F. (Los Angeles)

9/7/2014 11:04:30 am

Had so much fun with Glenn. He shared such interesting New Orleans history with us in such a fun way. Lots of local recommendations too!

Lauren B (Vancouver BC)

9/21/2014 10:34:01 am

You were awesome Glenn! Loved every minute of it and we are having lunch tomorrow at Antoines!

Cheers,

Lauren

Nan R (Cleveland Ohio)

9/21/2014 10:56:59 am

"Glenn provided an AWESOME cemetery and voodoo tour for my wife and I. He mixed the city's diverse history with a local's perspective, and laid his unique humor. We also appreciated his recommendations for restaurants and points of interest that were off the beaten path. I would HIGHLY recommend this tour. My only other comment would be to make sure you take a beverage with you from the start." Nan R (Cleveland)

Diana R (Chicago)

9/28/2014 10:03:43 am

"THANK YOU Glenn! Your tour really enhanced and expanded all of our experiences/ knowledge of the history, culture and architecture of NOLA!"-Diana R. (Chicago)

D. R. and Family

9/30/2014 02:38:35 am

Glenn's tour was fantastic. He's very well-educated about the history, culture, art, and life of New Orleans. He was raised in the French Quarter, and really have such interesting tidbits about the people & life which made/makes NOLA what it is. He got us into fantastic vantage points, buildings, etc. His tour totally enhanced our knowledge about the city, it's history, it's people, architecture, etc. We are not "tour people" yet walking around with him, and learning more about this unique place was fantastic.

Lori S (California)

10/6/2014 05:58:17 am

@ChefJohnBesh @rootnola "Thank you! It was a great tour, and it really helped me to "see" the French Quarter, and make it more than just a bunch of streets and buildings.
BTW, dinner at Luke's was great, and dinner at Root on Sunday was AWESOME. We appreciate the recommendations. Lori S. (California)." We love our guests!

Caren P.

10/12/2014 10:53:41 am

You are so sweet to write! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and your lovely city. You made it come alive!
What a special treat for me! I just hate my husband had to miss your tour. Thank you so very much.
Most sincerely,
Caren P (Fayetteville NC)

Rick B (Wisconsin)

10/12/2014 02:54:04 pm

The tour was very informative and well presented. We had difficulties with air travel and schedules were rearranged to accommodate us. This was time well spent and recommended.

Carolina Traveler

10/17/2014 12:11:31 am

Thank you so much for one of the most interesting, informative and fun tours I have taken in a long time! I was thoroughly entertained by your wit and knowledge of the city. Had a ball going places only a true local would have access to. The two hours just flew by! Only wish my husband could have joined me...so will have to repeat next time we visit New Orleans. Til then

Russell (Tucson)

10/25/2014 06:25:14 am

Glenn DeVilliers provided a wealth of information and imparted his knowledge with a wry sensibility. We are in love with NOLA and will certainly be back. When we return we intend to treat ourselves to another of his tours. He is the "Quarter" "Very educational and entertainingly delivered. I could go on a tour like this everyday. We just scratched the surface of what is obviously his wealth of information, history and passion for this beautiful city" says Russell

Erik F. (Asheville)

10/27/2014 02:05:55 pm

Glenn is a New Orleans treasure. His knowledge of the city's history (formal and informal) is unsurpassed, and his presentation is pitch perfect. I've toured with him three times, and recommended him to family and friends. Whether this is your first visit to New Orleans, or you're a lifelong resident, you'll never see the city quite the same again. Bravo Glenn!

Lady Virginian

11/10/2014 11:43:22 am

We thank you for a most enjoyable time today. We each learned some new things and have an even greater appreciation for this special place called New Orleans!
We have reservations at Tableau for Wednesday evening. And may try at least one of your other suggestions as well.

M, Aboud

1/5/2015 08:36:14 am

Just wanted to thank you for helping make our stay in New Orleans so memorable. We really enjoyed the Literary tour and our first Sazerac at the end of the tour!
Your vivid descriptions and stories brought to life the history of New Orleans' literary scene.

We told my sister and her husband of the wonderful experience and they are planning a visit to New Orleans in February and will be booking your tour as well.

Once again, a big thank you.

We wish you a wonderful holiday and a very Happy New Year.

A la prochaine!

Maggie Aboud/Terry Quinn
Montreal, Qc, Canada

The Valentinos-Palo Alto

1/11/2015 07:29:02 am

Hello Glenn!

It was so lovely to meet you last Friday! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful city with us! We will definitely come back!

Our lunch at Antoine's was fantastic! Mike was absolutely wonderful! I am not a big drinker since I turn beet-red with very little alcohol in my system, so he steered me away from a sazerac and recommended a pimm's cup which I loved!

For dinner, we went to Coop's and loved the food! The jambalaya was so tasty as was the fried chicken!

We are at Elizabeth's for brunch now. Thank you so much for your recommendations!

Take care!

Cheska and Arnold

Robin

2/2/2015 05:35:58 am

"Glenn provided a thoroughly insightful, personal and unique literary tour of New Orleans including special tidbits of local history and culture. For those that love books and authors alongside a mix of gossip and scandal, this is the tour for you. The pace was leisurely and comfortable, and we wandered along charming side streets and into one-of-a-kind local shops."-Robin Stratton, French Quarter Literary History Tour.

Marsha (Texas)

3/16/2015 08:22:41 am

"We had such a great time in your city! Thanks for an enlightening tour. You're still as charming and handsome as I remember, not to mention the smartest of the DeVilliers! Thanks for a wonderful time!
Marsha and Fred
Bridget and Walt

Ben (Los Angeles)

3/29/2015 11:44:56 am

We couldn't have asked for a better introduction to your beautiful city. Thank you for making the time for us!

Jordan (Seattle)

3/31/2015 06:19:55 am

The tour was wonderful and so are you! You truly brought the French Quarter alive in unexpected and mysterious ways.

Although we weren't very late, we hope we made it up to you by tipping generously. We also spent some time with the lovely women who were part of the the tour after you took your leave. There were lots of serendipitous connections. We gave them our R'evolution reservation for tonight and they were happy. And thanks for spending the extra time.

Nazzi (Los Angeles)

4/3/2015 04:51:13 am

It was truly lovely meeting you, Glen!! The tour was fantastic!!! We just finished dinner at Peche and it was excellent! Thank you, again!! xoxo nazie

Chris (San Francisco)

4/17/2015 11:12:44 am

Absolutely--there could not have been a better way to spend Heather's birthday afternoon than hearing about New Orleans literary history from a master! Glenn--thank you so much for a remarkable tour! We loved it--Chris (San Francisco).

Deats (New York)

5/16/2015 06:24:39 am

I encourage First Time visitors to New Orleans, as well as those who have visited New Orleans multiple times, to take a tour led by G L-f de Villiers. Choose from various niches; we enjoyed "Literary New Orleans" so much that we sought out M. de Villiers tours when we returned a year later, this time taking the New Orleans History Tour. M. de Villiers is extremely knowledgable regarding all of his subject matter and infuses his presentation via his identity of his longstanding New Orleans French Quarter roots. I truly hope you take advantage of the opportunity to go on a tour led by G L-f de Villiers. You will consider it to be a high point of your New Orleans experience.

Chris (NYC)

5/22/2015 06:27:44 am

Thank you so very much. It was wonderful to see you again. My friend was smitten with you. We're still talking about the tour. Thank you! Chris

Laura (Colorado)

5/25/2015 03:22:32 pm

Thank you for a wonderful morning!

We have a much deeper appreciation of the history of this lovely city because of you; I'm struggling to find the right words to express how much you've encouraged us to delve further into the backstory that is La Nouvelle-Orléans.

We backtracked to Leah's for pralines (and bacon peanut brittle), enjoyed a lovely iced tea at PJ's and are already hooked up for dinner tomorrow night. Minor transgression with a trip to Pat O'Briens, but to be fair we are tourists and that sort of behavior is to be expected :) (And I did buy a t-shirt from the Cop Shop, just had to go there).

On our list of things to do before we leave is revisiting the Faulkner bookstore you introduced us to - a dangerous place for bibliophiles overall :)

Thank you again, and we will tell everyone we know to come find you if they want a truly significant tour of this special place.

Laura (Colorado)

Teri L.

5/26/2015 09:07:50 am

Glenn provides a wonderful tour of the French Quarter and many interesting facts that only someone with his background and passion for the Quarter could provide. The tour was a great introduction on our first day in New Orleans. I wish we had more time to experience another tour by Glenn. Will look him up again on our next visit.

Thanks again for the wonderful experience. We had a delightful time in New Orleans and will be back again. We will definitely recommend your tour to friends and others.-Teri.

Brian W-British Columbia

7/25/2015 01:05:45 pm

Hi Glenn,

Thank you so much for the tour yesterday. It was awesome. I can¹t wait to share it on my site. Your tour was 100 times better than the Haunted Horrors tour we did the night before.

Brian-Vancouver

EdgeMedia

8/4/2015 07:13:06 am

"It can be hard to keep up with all that's new in this city, and even harder to uncover some of its gay secrets. To dig a little deeper, historian Glenn DeVillier leads walking tours that cover the French Quarter's colorful gay history, as well as its literary and multicultural pasts."
http://www.edgemedianetwork.com/travel//news//181940/new_orleans:_gay_old_times_and_new_ones_too

Virgin Atlantic link

8/19/2015 04:53:37 am

http://blog.virgin-atlantic.com/t5/Our-Places/LGBT-New-Orleans/ba-p/45058#.VdSDz9m9Kc3

Passport Magazine link

8/21/2015 02:44:34 am

For the gay traveler looking to combine a historic pub crawl with LGBT heritage, Glenn DeVillier offers The Twirl, a Gay Heritage and Drinks Tour (Tel: 225-819-7535. www.glfdevilliers.com). DeVillier says, “the thrust of the tour is to introduce its participants to the significant contributions to the world’s culture by gay people who have spent time in New Orleans, their haunts, and their friends here. Stops include Little Vic’s, Tennessee Williams’ home, the Napoleon House, and a final flourish at Good Friends Bar (740 Dauphine St. Tel: 504-566-7191. www.goodfriendsbar.com).

Virgin Atlantic

8/21/2015 02:48:29 am

For those looking to experience LGBT New Orleans during the daylight hours, a walking tour of the city is a great way to do it. Join knowledgeable local guide Glenn De Villier on his “The Twirl, a Gay Heritage and Drinks Tour” for some fantastic storytelling and a fair few cocktails along the way.

Country Roads Magazine link

8/21/2015 03:53:49 am

Glenn DeVillier authoritatively breathes New Orleans. The Frommer’s travel guidebook says this “tall, chapeaued bon vivant is worth following around the French Quarter for his laissez-faire saunter and breezy repartee.” Breezy it was on the roof of the Royal Orleans Hotel, the first stop on DeVillier’s “Creoles, Americans, Pirates, and the War of 1812” tour. We looked out over the curves of the Mississippi River towards St. Bernard Parish, where the British had been camped in anticipation of their clash with Jackson’s troops two hundred years ago. That land, it turned out, belonged in part to Jumonville de Villiers, a Creole plantation owner on whose property the battle hospital was located; Glenn DeVillier is his direct descendant. (Further back, an ancestor of Jumonville de Villiers, Louis Coulon de Villiers of Nouvelle France, ranks as the only military opponent to whom George Washington ever surrendered).

Graham Jones

9/22/2015 10:59:20 am

Our tour was exceptional. The history was accurate and detailed, but not memorized and regurgitated. It was the perfect mix of knowledge, humor, and group interaction. I would recommend any of these tours to any traveler in New Orleans.

Josh Freeman link

10/13/2015 01:34:46 pm

Glenn's is without a doubt one of the most exceptional guided tours I've ever experienced. He's richly knowledgeable and can expound thoughtfully and fascinatingly on almost any aspect of the Crescent City. He combines personal experience with historical depth, peppered with wry humor that's often delightfully sharp-edged. Architecture, food, prohibition, politics, origin stories -- it's all there for the asking. You won't find a better tour guide.

GoNomad link

10/16/2015 11:47:34 am

http://www.gonomad.com/6214

Troy Petenbrink link

10/21/2015 08:54:38 pm

http://meetmeonboard.com/blog/2015/10/new-orleans-cruise-port-legendary-cocktails-in-the-big-easy/

Dean-Boston

11/30/2015 01:31:17 am

thank you very much, Glenn...much appreciated. your tour was excellent, and we enjoyed your company. sorry for late text but just back from Frenchmen St...great night out, included Spotted Cat. Dean

krissy mahan

12/21/2015 04:54:24 pm

Thank you for such an informative and interesting tour. We felt so special that you tailored the tour to our interests. We wish we had taken the tour earlier in our stay, because Glenn's insights added a historical dimension that added so much to our enjoyment. Thank you!

Kasuko-Tokyo

1/12/2016 03:13:19 pm

Thank you very much for your wonderful tour!

I totally enjoyed your tour.

I'm very sorry for this late response, because I was traveling after that, and after I got home, I got sick. Now I'm OK.

Your talk let me imagine how Creoles are living, and especially, your explanation of how Creoles are thinking is very interesting to me. It gave me better understanding of "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin.

Thank you very much, and I'm very satisfied with your tour.

Best wishes,

Kazuko

Sue-Memphis

1/12/2016 03:18:38 pm

Glenn thank you so much for a wonderful tour the other day! I hated to leave! (but I always do!) I'll be sure to recommend you to friends that visit - see you next visit! Sue-Memphis

Philadelphia Gay Guide

1/13/2016 12:15:15 pm

A trip to NOLA needs a little gay, so arrive for Sunday afternoon tea dances that draw boozy visitors and locals to both Bourbon Pub and Parade or Oz. On Monday, take a gay heritage and cocktail tour of the French Quarter with New Orleans native Glenn DeVillier to must-visit stops Little Vic’s, the homes of Tennessee Williams, the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar and Napoleon House.

dianne - philadelphia

1/22/2016 09:20:16 pm

Literary New Orleans - a walk through history - see the window side table where Eudora Welty wrote her stories; where Hemingway drank his meals; walk Pirate's Alley where Faulkner lived and whose home is now the fabled Faulkner House Books. And all of this comes to life through Glenn's story telling and exceptional knowledge of the French Quarter. A must for anyone interested in southern writers.

Kate Koziol

1/31/2016 03:37:11 pm

This tour was a wonderful intro to the rich tapestry that is New Orleans, from someone that was born here and has first hand, indepth knowledge of the city and it's colorful characters. A must for anyone visiting New Orleans!

Bob and Deb

2/5/2016 08:46:46 pm

Glenn:

I want to thank you for the two tours we took. The historical one gave me a better insight into the war that few Americans truly understand: 1812. As I remember my lessons, that's when the English tried to take us back. From you, I learned the true global scope of the war, which will prod me into more reading on the matter.

The literary tour interested me, not because I am interested in Southern writers, but because I am interested in writers in general.

Both tours get you into places other tours point at from the street. Definitely an advantage.

Again, thanks for your time and experience.

Bob-Pennsylvania

Steph-Google link

2/8/2016 02:38:55 pm

We were so taken with your tour guide cohorts and their fascinating personalities, Glenn. It was, as expected, perfect for our team's curiosity and educational needs. Thank you as always for making the coordination so effortless - I truly appreciate your help gathering resources!! Couldn't be happier.

Thank you again!!

Monique S. (Connecticut)

3/24/2016 10:13:38 pm

While lovers of New Orleans unsurprisingly go on about it's beignets and blues, the real feast is for visitors who love books. That's why my husband and I are so grateful we signed up for a Literary tour of New Orleans with Glenn L-f De Villiers. Mr. De Villiers is a
Southern Gentleman whose reverence and first-hand knowledge of New Orleans literary history is both informative and magical. It was as if Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, and Truman Capote were ambling along with us. Even Ernest Hemingway made an appearance at a legendary, hotel bar, while Eudora Welty scribbled away in the lobby. Thanks to Glenn, the afternoon was an outstanding, never to be duplicated experience.
Monique S.

Mary S from DC

4/25/2016 09:30:39 am

I loved the “When Empires Collide” tour with Glenn. It was wonderful to see behind the scenes in the Vieux Carré guided by someone with such strong ties to New Orleans and its history. Glenn helped me to truly understand the unique culture and beauty of the city.

Bill and Glen (Los Angeles)

6/8/2016 08:42:34 pm

Dear Glenn
We enjoyed both the literary and Twirl! tours. You were so accessible and knowledgable on the literary tour . We went back to many of the places including Napoleon House, the Historic New Orleans Collection, including a tour of the Williams house. On the Twirl! in addition to learning about the various cocktails, you went out of your way to enhance our dining at both Antoine's (waiter Ben was delightful) and Brennan's where captain John and all the staff treated us like royalty. The service was outstanding! So thank you so much for making our stay in New Orleans tres memorable!
Wishing you the best,
Bill and Glen (Los Angeles)

Josh

6/14/2016 05:42:20 pm

Great French Quarter Stroll and history tour! Very interesting insiders perspective. Thanks for the restaurant and bar recommendations!

Jessica B

8/3/2016 06:33:30 pm

The Literary New Orleans Walking Tour that I did privately with Glenn was hands-down the highlight of my first-ever trip to New Orleans. Apart from his gift for navigating the July heat by leading us to cool corners and respites, Glenn was a model of what the best guides do: showing not only the places of the city, but the stories behind them. He truly brought Tennessee (Williams), "Billy" (Faulkner), Miss Welty (Eudora), and many other luminaries to life for me -- while providing all sorts of tips and hints about places to eat, drink, and visit that immeasurably enriched the rest of my stay beyond the time we spent together. I wish I'd had more time to take additional tours, and will put doing so high on my agenda for my next visit to the city. My highest recommendation. Thank you!

Abigail (San Francisco)

8/16/2016 07:20:08 pm

I just wanted to thank you for the tour today! You were the highlight!!! So much knowledge, history and personal tidbits on the colorful history of New Orleans... Plus GREAT cocktails!
Take care and thanks again for a beautiful day.
Abigail

Mallori

10/10/2016 08:14:03 am

Brought my friends from Atlanta in for the weekend and took Glen's French Quarter Stroll tour! It was fantastic! We had a fabulous time and learned a lot about the city! Glen was great and very knowledgable! Even I got to see and learn new things! I would definitely recommend him!

Ashley link

10/11/2016 07:37:43 am

Took Glenn's French Quarter Stroll tour on a bachelorette party this past weekend. It was my first time to New Orleans and I learned so much on this tour! Glenn was great and so knowledgeable! Awesome way to see New Orleans.

Sue Kauflie

10/20/2016 05:07:24 pm

Glenn, thank you for a wonderful tour this week - my friends from New Jersey and France were so impressed with your knowledge and how you showed us how beautiful and historic New Orleans is - I'll be sure to pass your name on to anyone who is headed that way! See you again soon!

Gary J and Elizabeth Ann O.

11/1/2016 02:16:53 pm

His tour came highly recommend and it was worth every penny. His tales are anything but tall, he takes you where the literary giants got their start. His delivery is enjoyable and authoritative, colorful,as he himself has a lot of character. Local history of the Quarter at it's best.

Jonathan S

11/11/2016 02:53:16 pm

We really enjoyed our experience with Glenn for the Sacred Grounds Cemetery Voodoo tour. The host is incredibly knowledgeable of the city and its history. He made us feel at home and as if we were being shown around town by an old friend. We are looking forward to our next visit back to town so we can check out some of his other tours!

Richard S.

11/18/2016 08:36:58 am

What an exceptional tour!! Glenn was not only extremely insightful on the authors mentioned, but, because of his personal acquaintance with many of them, it made the literary tour all that more special, with an insight beyond compare. Besides which, he has a dry and wry sense of humor that adds an extra "flavor" to the tour.

Wendy B (Google)

12/11/2016 06:24:07 pm

A fantastic tour. We went on the literary history tour. Glenn seems as if he could have walked out of a Southern novel--very genteel and witty. He took us to the homes and favorite haunts of writers like Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Eudora Welty, and just about every other luminary of the New Orleans intelligentsia. He introduced us to real insider's finds, such as a little hole-in-the-wall liquor store where they served $4 cocktails. He certainly knows his town and made us feel most welcome in it.

Savannah (Michigan)

1/15/2017 09:34:47 am

My guide was extremely knowledgeable and especially helpful and able to answer questions I had that shaped the culture of New Orleans. It is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and suggest that anyone one visiting take. Thank you so much for everything. With your help, guidance, and ability to answer my questions my research project on burial methods in New Orleans was successful. Thank you so much for all your help and such a wonderful tour.

Megan R

1/24/2017 02:30:02 pm

I can't say that I know exactly what happened on this tour. But it was an amazing experience that will never be forgotten. The tour guide is sassy and knowledgeable. He is a treat to meet.

Sue

2/6/2017 07:10:14 am

I highly recommend Glenn's tours - I've been on 2 and have learned more from him than I have for years of other NO tours. I recommend him to any of my friends that are visiting New Orleans and value his advice and opinions on restaurants, places to go, etc. Do yourself a favor and book a tour!

Carol Ann Robinson

3/24/2017 04:39:30 pm

We just returned from NoLa and one of the highlights of our visit was the 2 hour French Quarter tour, led by Judy. Judy was awesome, knowledgable, engaging, charming and fun. She brought the history and the people and the city alive for us; unlike many tour guides, she was attentive and responsive to our particular areas of interest, customizing the tour and her commentary for the 3 of us. Altogether delightful, we look forward to another visit and scheduling another tour!

Passport Magazine link

7/29/2017 03:22:17 pm

Which guided tours do you recommend most often to your guests?
A fellow named Glenn Louis DeVillier (Tel: 225-819-7535. www.glfdevilliers.com) does an LGBT-themed walking tour Saturdays at 3 P .M. called The Twirl, featuring lots of stories about New Orleans’ gay heritage, stops at former homes and haunts of Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and Liberace, and, of course, cocktails. Price is $30 per person plus tip.

Worth Magazine NYC link

9/24/2017 01:45:08 am

G L-f de VILLIERS
Native historian Glenn DeVillier’s walking tours of the city are among the best. Besides the usual, his repertoire includes everything from a cemetery and voodoo tour to a dog-friendly French Quarter stroll to a gay heritage and drinks tour. Glenn Louis DeVillier, 225.819.7535, glfdevilliers.com from Worth Magazine.

Adele

6/3/2018 10:57:00 am

Although I don't live in New Orleans now, I did live there three different times (miss the city dearly!), and thought I knew a lot about the city, it's history and it's culture. Not long ago I treated my mom and my sister to the Literary Tour conducted by Glenn, and we learned a lot of "stuff", ate and drank some good "stuff", laughed at a lot of Glenn's "stuff". Glenn, himself, could be one of the colorful characters in a New Orleans- based literary masterpiece! I hope you take that as a compliment, Glenn! After reading some of these other reviews, I am convinced I will have to book one or more of your other tours. I'll check with Dixie (my mother's real name) and Renee (my sister) to see if they will come back with me!

Samantha

6/3/2018 12:55:30 pm

I spent a week in New Orleans this month and I was hoping to find out that Context Travel operated in New Orleans. Their loss, because I was lucky enough to have found Glenn. Reading the different tours that he offers on his website piqued my interest so I followed up with a call. After speaking with Glenn, I decided to take a chance and book three tours with him. I am so happy I did. Glenn is not only very knowledgeable, but possesses the grace and charm that I could only hope to find in a friend. The first tour I took with a friend and he was able to cater the tour to our questions and curiosity. The literary tour was wonderful and filled with gossipy tidbits about the authors. The afternoon Drinks & Twirl was FUN! During all of them, I was able to see parts of the French Quarter that I never would have stumbled on my own and meet people in each place that remembered me when I came back after Glenn gave warm introductions. I imagine that these tours might not be for everybody: if you are looking to race through the French Quarter and see everything on a checklist, this isn't it. If instead, you are looking to get a real feel for the city from a local who has the ability to weave interesting facts about art, history, literature and architecture into a conversation that never gets boring, then Glenn is your man. There is no one else like him.

Adele

6/4/2018 07:28:36 pm

Yea, you right!

Laura

6/4/2018 02:53:46 pm

We went on a walking tour that was a mix of history, literature, drink, gossip, and fun! I've been to New Orleans several times, but learned and saw things for the first time that I never would have otherwise. Definitely highly recommended!

Jeannell

6/6/2018 11:12:24 am

The tour with Glen was not what we expected but we were happy with the tour overall. Interesting facts and not your run-of-the-mill tour. Worth your time!

Sam Soifer

9/17/2018 02:56:20 pm

Me and my partner had a Sacred Grounds tour with Glenn which turned into a mini private tour since we were the only ones in the group. Right from the get go I knew that I had picked the right tour because Glenn admonished me for bringing a backpack (the fine print is really fine!) all was well and I was able to leave my offending accessory with Antoine's Café, our meeting place. Before we even stepped outside Glenn was sharing his vast knowledge of New Orleans cultural history with us and I knew that his information giving style was not rehearsed, canned or scripted. He really just knows about pretty much whatever you point at and that's kind of how the morning went, we pointed at stuff and he talked about it...in detail, lots of detail. We walked down to the St Louis Cemetery stopping often here and there to listen to his anecdotes and explanations. If you're looking for a tour that sticks to a script, find somewhere else but if you're looking for a dynamic tour that changes with your questions and your interests Glenn has the answers for you. We didn't hit all the stops listed on the website but that was fine by us! Glenn not only knows about the history of his city but he is deeply invested, protective, loving and caring about this special place that he grew up in. It was an insider's view into the deep rooted connection that New Orleanians feel for their city and it was a privilege to walk along and listen. Merci!

Lily

10/22/2018 06:25:05 am

Our tour with Glenn was the absolute highlight of our New Orleans visit. The combination of his depth of knowledge, wit, sense of humor, and clear familiarity with the special spaces and remarkable people who had and currently inhabited them made for a truly engaging and memorable tour. If you're in the market for an experience that provides a scintillating and nuanced (and tasty!) window into New Orleans, The Twirl won't disappoint.

Thanks again!!

Tonya and Logan

11/6/2018 11:01:30 am

We were so lucky to discover Glenn's tours before our first trip to NOLA. Having done so, we had the honor of doing a private personalized tour this past Saturday (Nov.3, 2018) and couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more. Glenn truly is the absolute best story teller and guide to the city. He is in a league of his own and we can't wait to go back and visit with him again!!

Don't even bother with the other tour companies. You cannot afford to miss hearing and seeing the "real" stories of NOLA from a seasoned local gem like Glenn. It was like being shown around by a dear friend with a passion for history of the City like no other.

Cannot recommend highly enough!!! 1000 stars Glenn. You are amazing!!!

TB, California

11/17/2018 07:29:49 pm

Thank you! What a wonderful tour!! Alex and I had such a lovely time and your knowledge is so deep and entertaining, we will be reading for a long time! After you mentioned that it's such a small world amongst true locals, I met someone you know this afternoon, Cari Roy. Thank you again!

John and Sallie Kingham

1/28/2019 04:24:12 pm

Glenn gave us a fascinating tour of the French Quarter, leading us through his favorite haunts while educating us on the history and culture of New Orleans. His personal, multigenerational connection and his passion for it made our two hours with him a unique experience we will long remember. Highly recommended.

A. Peacock (Dallas)

3/17/2019 09:07:21 am

Thanks very much for an extremely pleasant and entertaining afternoon. We really enjoyed meeting you and hearing all your stories. Thanks for solving our meal dilemmas as well!

Rhea N Galati, Ph.D.

3/24/2019 10:56:53 pm

Glenn's tours are not to be missed. They are all worth the money, and so much more! My husband and I took the Literary Tour, it was hands down the best tour I have ever taken in New Orleans, and I have taken many. Glenn is New Orleans -- his Southern charm, his deep personal knowledge of the city and it's people, his endless cast of friends and acquaintances that you will know as famous authors, actors, and leaders. A tour with Glenn is very much a strolling afternoon with a friend who is there to catch you up on what you've missed while you were gone. Take all his recommendations -- on food, on drinks, on literature, on life! He is a Renaissance Man with a wicked sense of humor and the gift of storytelling par excellence.

Tulane Alumni

4/2/2019 07:34:30 pm

Thank you for an AMAZING tour and for sharing your genius. Another amazing tour/learning experience, we’ll be back!! Many thanks!-Tulane Alumni, Houston.

Birdie Rand & Tony Lowe

4/25/2019 09:23:28 pm

Our first trip to New Orleans was fabulous, all thanks to Glen. We went on two private tours which were perfect. We got a clearer understanding of what makes New Orleans such a unique city. We will recommend him to everyone we know. In fact they should plan a trip just so they can book his tours. Thank you Glen for making this so memorable.

Jeff Bullins

6/30/2019 08:47:25 am

This was a great tour with a great personal New Orleans touch from a true native. We learned not just the history of the city, but more important, got a fantastic feel for what makes the city great - its attitude, its independence and its friendly people. Glenn does all this by simply being himself, and without seeming to try. It was all unexpected, which made it even more wonderful.

Robin and Peter-Los Angeles

7/22/2019 02:32:19 pm

Merci beaucoup! You have managed to enthrall us with the history and the people who have strolled these charming streets.

Jonathan (Toronto)

9/1/2019 05:00:30 pm

We had a lovely time. Thank you again for a great tour!

-Johnathan

G. L-f de Villiers link

9/20/2019 12:36:24 pm

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Pnina T.

9/26/2019 04:52:35 pm

5.0 star rating
As former residents and frequent visitors, we considered ourselves local-ish with fairly decent NOLA knowledge. We've taken tours of the city, and usually find them comically absurd and immensely disappointing; the guides tend to be poorly trained, deeply uneducated, and tell stories based on TV show plots (not historical fact). When a friend raved about a tour with G L-f de Villiers, we were apprehensive at first, but within two minutes of meeting Glenn, we were bowled over by the realization that we had met the most authentic, most knowledgeable, most fascinating man in the entire city.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Glenn could be described as the unofficial city mayor. Glenn doesn't just know everyone, he knows their family and their family's history. He lived it with them!

Another way to describe our G L-f de Villiers tour experience is to liken it to spending time with a charming encyclopedia. Glenn patiently handled our questions with ease, sharing personal insight and insider knowledge on top of innumerable facts and researched history, far beyond anything you'll encounter on a Wikipedia entry or a typical tour guide.

'G L-f de Villiers, The Very Best in New Orleans Historic Tours' is aptly named. Case in point: we took our first tour with Glenn in December 2018, our second in April 2019, and are signed up for a third later this month. He's just that good, and there is so much more to learn. FYI - he keeps his tours small (12 max), and donates a portion of each admission to local charity. And to boot, he was terribly charming and extremely witty. We thought that we knew a decent amount about our beloved city. We were wrong! Do not miss out on the opportunity to experience a tour with Glenn or with one of the G L-f de Villiers' tour guides.

Leigh Swanson

9/26/2019 04:54:38 pm

Glenn was a wonderful tour guide through important locations, history, architecture, and culture of New Orleans. Glenn is a native of New Orleans that is able to explain the complex social structure of the city and the changes that have happened over the years. Do yourself a favor and take this tour!

Maddie W

9/26/2019 04:56:11 pm

LOVED. Great tour and guide along with great stories. It was really fun seeing all the locations with wonderful detail I would recommend to anyone without hesitation.

Scotsman

10/31/2019 07:12:01 am

We had a beautiful day. The group was supposed to be 4 guests but the other couple did not show up so it was just the two of us and Glen de Villier, our guide. Mr. de V is very informed regarding New Orleans history. By that I mean he knows the written history but he also knows the cultural history through his family's long ties with the region. We were able to enter places that would have not been available to larger groups and the colorful information about Mardi Gras and the celebration was very fun. I have been on many of these walking tours around the country and this by far was the best. If you are in New Orleans, do not miss it.!

Chicago Lady

10/31/2019 07:16:56 am

Best tour ever!
TripAdvisor review: When Empires Collide: A Private Louisiana History Tour
My husband and I took a private tour with Glenn Louis deVillier today and it was wonderful! We learned so much about the history and culture of New Orleans past and present that would have been impossible to learn elsewhere. He has a writer’s ability to express his thoughts succinctly and humorously. Being a native, he knew people at hotels and stores everywhere we went, and knew the best place to buy real pralines in the city. Our 2 hours flew by. We wish we could have spent longer. This tour was well worth the cost!

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