Pitot House

New Orleans


The Pitot House, perched prettily beside Bayou St John, is an excellent example of classical French New Orleans architecture. Constructed circa 1799, it's the only Creole Colonial house along the bayou that is open to the public. The shaded verandah served as a living area whenever the weather got too hot. The house is named for resident James Pitot, who served as first mayor of incorporated New Orleans and lived here from 1810 to 1819. Visitation is by guided tour.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby New Orleans attractions

1. Bayou St John

0.08 MILES

Back in the day, this was a true bayou – an overgrown morass of Spanish moss and prowling alligators. Native Americans, fur trappers and smugglers would…

2. Our Lady of the Rosary Rectory

0.14 MILES

Built around 1834 as the home of Evariste Blanc, Our Lady of the Rosary Rectory exhibits a combination of styles characteristic of the region. The high…

3. City Park

0.14 MILES

Live oaks, Spanish moss and lazy bayous frame this masterpiece of urban planning. Three miles long and 1 mile wide, dotted with gardens, waterways and…

4. Singing Oak

0.26 MILES

This oak tree near Big Lake in City Park stands festooned with chimes, some up to 14ft in length. Standing under the tree during the slightest breeze is…

5. St Louis Cemetery No 3

0.29 MILES

This long but compact cemetery was established in 1854 at the site of the old Bayou Cemetery and is worth strolling through for a few minutes (longer if…

6. Alcee Fortier Park

0.31 MILES

This pretty park, strung up with lights and lanterns and decked out with funky furniture, sits across the road from one of the most attractive stretches…

7. Sanctuary

0.32 MILES

This historic house was built by Evariste Blanc from 1816 to 1822 on land originally granted in 1720 to French Canadians. The once-swampy property was…