Authentic New Orleans Tours

When you visit New Orleans, you’re not just stepping into a city—you’re stepping into a living, breathing work of art. But if you want to do more than just see New Orleans—if you want to feel it, taste it, and understand it—then you need a guide who embodies the spirit of the Crescent City. That’s where Accidental Cajun Experiences’ authentic New Orleans tours come in.

Founded and led by James Cullen, a longtime chef, photojournalist, and resident, Accidental Cajun offers bespoke cultural and culinary tours that are as layered and soulful as the city itself. Here’s why it stands apart—and why it just might be the most authentic way to experience New Orleans.

James Cullen didn’t just fall in love with New Orleans cuisine—he built a life around it. From his early days as a line cook in New York to consulting and cooking in some of New Orleans’ most respected kitchens, James has lived and breathed food culture.

His culinary tours aren’t cookie-cutter—they’re tailored experiences. Want to taste classic Creole flavors? Explore the city’s Vietnamese culinary influence? Or maybe discover a hidden gem of a soul food joint that never makes it onto the typical tourist maps? With James as your guide, every bite comes with a story—and every dish, a deep connection to the community that made it.

James is not only a seasoned chef, but also an award-winning New Orleans photojournalist, with work featured in major local and national publications. But more than accolades, what sets his photography apart is his eye for authentic, emotional moments.

That’s why Accidental Cajun Experiences offers a one-of-a-kind Personal Paparazzi Service. You get to be fully present—no phones, no fumbling with camera angles—while James captures your adventure through the city with the trained eye of a photojournalist and the heart of a friend. Every candid, every portrait, every joy-filled stroll through the French Quarter is preserved beautifully, so you can relive the magic long after you leave.

Accidental Cajun isn’t part of a tourism chain—it’s a locally owned, passion-fueled venture born out of James’s love for the city. Since moving to New Orleans in 2012, he’s immersed himself in every layer of its culture, from Mardi Gras and second lines to the Black Masking Indian traditions and the literary and music scenes.

But more importantly, he’s been invited in. Locals from every walk of life have taken James under their wing, sharing stories, spaces, and traditions. That’s why a tour with Accidental Cajun doesn’t feel like a tour at all—it feels like being shown around by a well-connected friend, someone who knows the city’s best-kept secrets and is eager to share them with you.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking a unique escape, a family juggling interests, or a group in town for a convention, Accidental Cajun Experiences offers something no big-box tour ever could: intimacy, insight, and genuine connection.

This is New Orleans from the inside out—rich in flavor, full of heart, and alive with culture. And at the center of it all is James Cullen, your chef, your photographer, your guide, and above all, your storyteller.

Let’s get accidental. Book your experience today and let Accidental Cajun introduce you to America’s most soulful city.