Western CPE New Orleans Excursion

Attend our 2026 CPE conference in New Orleans? Join us for our specially curated walking tour in the French Quarter. On May 20th, step out for two hours and walk the French Quarter the way we wish every visitor could — small group, local guide, and an itinerary we’ve shaped to give you the best of what New Orleans has to offer. At Western, we think you deserve more from your conference CPE experience. You deserve a good time.

Our exclusive conference tour will take you to these storied locations:

• Jackson Square – Start your adventure in the heart of the French Quarter at the iconic Jackson Square, a lively gathering place brimming with local art, music, and history dating back to the 18th century.
• St. Louis Cathedral – Admire the breathtaking St. Louis Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States and a striking symbol of New Orleans’ rich Catholic heritage.
• The Cabildo – Step inside The Cabildo, where the historic Louisiana Purchase was signed, and explore fascinating exhibits that bring the city’s colonial past to life.
• Pirate Alley – Stroll down Pirate Alley, a charming and mysterious passageway steeped in stories of swashbucklers and literary legends.
• William Faulkner House – Visit the former home of William Faulkner, the Nobel Prize–winning author, now transformed into a cozy bookstore filled with rare and classic works.
• Tennessee Williams House – See where Tennessee Williams lived and wrote some of his greatest plays, including the timeless A Streetcar Named Desire.
• Bourbon Street – No visit to the French Quarter is complete without a walk along Bourbon Street. Experience its lively atmosphere, historic architecture, and legendary nightlife, the soul of New Orleans entertainment.
• Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – Step back in time at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings and once rumored to be the base of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte.
• The Presbytère – Conclude your tour at The Presbytère, originally built for clergy and now home to immersive exhibits on Mardi Gras and the city’s resilience through Hurricane Katrina.