We visited this plantation in October and they did a "Mourning Tour" which made it different from other plantation homes in the area.Having just visited Oak Alley plantation, St Josephs made a much bigger impression, it felt more authentic.I had read that 12 years a slave was filmed here, but the tour guide advised it was filmed at Felicity's, which is behind St Josephs and currently not open to the public.Entrance fee was $15 per person.
This plantation is unique in that it is a working planatation, a less elegant plantation, a family owned plantation and one that is Creole in design with some modifications. Our guide was a family member (as are all guides, I believe) who was very knowledgeable about the workings of the plantation and the family history. She spent a great deal of time showing us around and answering all of our questions. Of the three plantations in Vacherie this was the only one where we didn't feel as though we were being herded through the process. The family also owns the neighboring plantation, Felicite, where Twelve Years a Slave was filmed, but this is not open to the public. I did feel as though aspects of slavery were rather glossed over, but this was my only complaint and, as another reviewer stated, that wasn't the focus of the tour. What you get here is an inside look at a working plantation, a look at the history of the family, a bit of architectural history, and an explanation of sugar cane growing, harvesting and processing. The family is not trying to compete with the other plantations; they are just quietly going about their business and, luckily, sharing their history with those of us fortunate enough to stop for the tour. They have time to talk and answer your questions. Thank you!
Amazing architecture. Tour guide gave a fabulous rendition of the history of both house and family. Spoke of them in such a loving way that you felt you knew them too! The fact that descendants work there warmed my heart. THAT is the meaning of family!
Three Plantations next to each other yet, all entirely different. St. Joseph's is unique as a family owned and still operated sugar cane plantation. While not as elaborate as Oak Alley, it feels more like a working home, and the artifacts the family has displayed are authentic and interesting. The bath tub, called a bonnet tub for its shape is unique, as are some of the human hair mourning broaches. The guide was a charming southern lady, who spoke fondly of the family members who still routinely volunteer at the plantation every week. Mr. Jim, a ninety year old that tends them yard, can been seen working around the yard on Tuesday's, if you are lucky enough to be here then, he loves to visit! A great spot, well worth it.
I understand it is a Jesuit retreat center and gorgeous. the oak trees are beautiful. There is a church across the dike along the river road. It is beautiful and the grotto inside is lovely and so old and a must see.
We had only enough time to visit one plantation before going on a cruise trip, hesitated between St. Joseph and Oak Alley. I am glad that we visited St. Joseph. Very knowledgeable guide and rich family history. Our two teenagers absolutely enjoyed the tour.
We toured several plantations on our way home from New Orleans, and St Joseph was our favorite by far. It is still a family-owned, operational sugar cane plantation that allows a fascinating glimpse into the lives of that era.Admission includes a tour of the main house (very lovingly maintained) and numerous buildings on the property -- carpenter and blacksmith shops, schoolhouse and the slave cabins.The neighboring plantation -- Felicite -- is owned by the same family, and was used as a filming location for multiple movies, including 12 Years a Slave. Unfortunately it is currently closed to the public, but will hopefully be restored one day.If you have time to visit just one plantation in Louisiana, I definitely recommend to go to St Joseph.
We really enjoyed touring the sugar cane plantation. Our guide was personable and informative. It's amazing to think of how the waterways influenced the settling of the territory.
Very nice tour of plantation by a family member who is still a part owner. Tour provided a lot of history about the home and all its owners and the history of Sugar Cane Farming. Very nice home and plantation. I definitely recommend taking a tour of this home.
We went to two plantations this visit, and St. Joseph's stood out as being a down-home sort of experience will worth the trip. The plantation was restored and tours offered by descendants of the family who purchased the plantation in 1870. They not only knew the history of the plantation well, but also of the surrounding houses. The gift shop is also well stocked. Highly recommend this for a visit.