If you’ve ever watched The Originals, you can almost feel the magic of the French Quarter iron balconies, candlelit streets, and ancient secrets hiding behind every corner. But here’s the big question fans always ask: where was The Originals filmed in the French Quarter?
The short answer is both surprising and clever. While the show is set in New Orleans, most French Quarter scenes were actually filmed in Olde Town Conyers, Georgia, a stand-in that perfectly mimicked the city’s historic charm. At the same time, key scenes were filmed in the real French Quarter to capture its unmistakable soul.
This smart mix gave fans the best of both worlds cinematic control and real New Orleans atmosphere. Even better? Many of the real filming locations still exist today, meaning fans can walk the same streets as the Mikaelsons and relive iconic moments in person.
Was The Originals Actually Filmed in the French Quarter?
This is where things get interesting and where many fans are surprised. While The Originals is deeply rooted in New Orleans lore, it was not filmed entirely in the French Quarter. Instead, the show used a smart blend of real locations and carefully chosen stand-ins to bring the story to life.
So, where was The Originals really filmed? The majority of French Quarter-style scenes were shot in Olde Town Conyers, Georgia. This historic area closely resembles New Orleans architecture, complete with balconies, brick streets, and old-world charm. Filming in Georgia gave the production team more control over crowds, lighting, and scheduling, which is crucial for a supernatural drama with complex scenes and stunts.
That said, the show didn’t ignore New Orleans altogether. Key exterior shots and emotionally important moments were filmed in the actual French Quarter, helping anchor the series in a real, authentic setting. These real locations added texture, atmosphere, and credibility that fans instantly recognize.
By mixing Georgia stand-ins with real New Orleans footage, the creators of The Originals achieved both production efficiency and visual authenticity a behind-the-scenes choice that paid off beautifully on screen.
The Primary Stand-In for the French Quarter: Olde Town Conyers, Georgia
When fans learn that many French Quarter scenes weren’t filmed in New Orleans, the next question is always the same: how did they make it look so real? The answer lies in Olde Town Conyers, Georgia, the main stand-in used throughout The Originals. This carefully chosen location became the backbone of the show’s New Orleans illusion.
Why Olde Town Conyers Looked Like New Orleans
Olde Town Conyers was a near-perfect visual match for the French Quarter. Its historic brick buildings, wrought-iron balconies, narrow streets, and vintage storefronts closely resemble classic New Orleans architecture. With just a few set dressings lanterns, signage, and props the area transformed seamlessly into the supernatural heart of the series.
Beyond looks, the controlled filming environment was a major advantage. Unlike the busy French Quarter, Conyers allowed the crew to block streets, manage lighting, and film long night scenes without interruptions. This level of control is essential for a dark, atmospheric show filled with action, dialogue-heavy moments, and special effects.
There were also clear cost and logistics benefits. Georgia’s filming incentives, combined with easier permitting and predictable schedules, made production smoother and more efficient. All of this helped keep the show visually rich without breaking the budget.
Iconic Scenes Filmed in Olde Town Conyers
Some of the most memorable moments in The Originals were filmed right here. Balconies overlooking the streets hosted tense conversations and power plays. Local pubs doubled as vampire hangouts, while funeral processions and dramatic rituals filled the streets with emotion.
Olde Town Conyers also served as the backdrop for large-scale festival and Mardi Gras scenes, complete with crowds, music, and chaos. Many intense vampire–witch confrontations were staged along Commercial Street and Center Street, areas fans instantly recognize on rewatch.
As an Olde Town Conyers filming location, this Georgia town played a huge role in shaping the dark, timeless feel fans associate with the French Quarter in The Originals.
Real French Quarter Locations Used in The Originals
While Georgia handled most stand-in scenes, The Originals made sure to ground its story in reality by filming key moments in the actual French Quarter of New Orleans. These real locations added emotional weight, visual authenticity, and a sense of place that fans immediately recognize. If you’ve ever wondered which scenes were truly filmed on location, these spots are some of the most important.
Hotel Royal – Marcel’s Compound
Address: 1006 Royal St
One of the most iconic real filming locations is Hotel Royal, which served as Marcel’s compound in the series. This historic building became the center of power, hosting lavish parties, strategic meetings, and tense confrontations. Its courtyard, balconies, and classic New Orleans design perfectly matched Marcel’s character elegant, intimidating, and deeply tied to the city. Many exterior and transition shots were filmed here, making it a must-see stop for fans visiting the French Quarter today.
Pirates Alley & Jackson Square
Pirates Alley is another standout location where several intense scenes between Klaus and Elijah were filmed. This narrow, atmospheric passageway amplified the tension of their confrontations and highlighted the ancient bond and rivalry between the brothers.
Nearby, Jackson Square played host to some of the show’s most emotional moments. Benches in the square were used for quiet conversations and heartfelt farewell scenes, with the stunning St. Louis Cathedral often visible in the background. These scenes leaned heavily on the real setting, allowing the natural beauty and history of the area to enhance the storytelling without heavy set design.
Bourbon Street & Royal Street Crowd Scenes
To capture the pulse of New Orleans, the production filmed several crowd and atmosphere shots on Bourbon Street and Royal Street. These scenes weren’t about dialogue they were about energy. The live music, glowing lights, and bustling nightlife added an unmistakable realism that can’t be recreated on a soundstage.
These real streets helped establish the French Quarter as a living, breathing character within the show, especially during festival scenes and transitions between major story beats.
Visual tip: A map of French Quarter filming locations and side-by-side stills comparing real-life spots to show scenes can greatly enhance fan engagement and time on page.
Interior Authenticity: Iconic Spots Fans Can Visit Today
Beyond dramatic street scenes and exterior shots, The Originals also leaned on real New Orleans locations to add interior authenticity to the series. These places helped ground the supernatural story in a believable world and are now some of the most popular stops for fans exploring The Originals New Orleans filming locations.
Mikaelson Mansion (837 Royal St)
The Mikaelson Mansion, located at 837 Royal Street, is instantly recognizable to fans, even though most interior scenes were filmed elsewhere. The exterior of this grand building was used to establish the Mikaelson family home, making it one of the most photographed locations tied to the show.
Its stately façade, classic French Quarter architecture, and commanding presence perfectly reflected the power and history of the Mikaelson family. Today, it’s a major fan photo hotspot, with visitors stopping to recreate iconic shots and imagine the drama that unfolded behind those doors. Walking past it feels like stepping directly into the world of The Originals.
Napoleon House as Cami’s Bar
Another beloved location is Napoleon House at 500 Chartres Street, which was used as the exterior stand-in for Cami’s bar. While the show recreated parts of the interior on set, the real location added an authentic look that fans immediately connected with.
Cami’s bar was the setting for many emotional, character-driven scenes quiet conversations, confessions, and turning points that shaped the series. Because of this, Napoleon House remains an emotional favorite for fans, blending real New Orleans charm with unforgettable moments from the show.
Together, these locations prove that The Originals didn’t just film in New Orleans it embraced the city’s soul, giving fans real places they can still visit and experience today.
Why The Originals Used Both Georgia and New Orleans
At first glance, filming a New Orleans–based show outside Louisiana might seem strange. But for The Originals, using both Georgia and New Orleans was a smart creative and logistical decision that strengthened the series overall.
From a production standpoint, Georgia offered better scheduling flexibility. Filming in places like Olde Town Conyers allowed the crew to control streets, lighting, and weather-sensitive scenes without constant interruptions. This was especially important for night shoots, action sequences, and complex supernatural moments that required precise timing.
There was also a clear budget efficiency advantage. Georgia’s generous tax incentives, lower permitting costs, and production-friendly infrastructure helped the show maintain high visual quality while staying on budget. These savings made it possible to invest more in costumes, effects, and set design.
At the same time, the creators knew they couldn’t fake everything. To preserve visual continuity and authenticity, they filmed key scenes in the real French Quarter. These shots captured the textures, sounds, and energy that can’t be recreated elsewhere.
Think of it this way: Georgia was the stage, and New Orleans was the soul. By blending both, The Originals delivered a world that felt real, rich, and deeply connected to the city that defined its story.
Can Fans Visit The Originals Filming Locations Today?
Yes, fans of The Originals can absolutely visit many of the filming locations today, especially in New Orleans’ French Quarter. One of the best parts about the show’s real-world settings is how walkable and accessible they are. Many iconic spots are just minutes apart, making it easy to explore them in a single afternoon.
Fan Tours & Self-Guided Walks
For dedicated fans, official and fan-led tours are a great option. These guided experiences often include filming trivia, behind-the-scenes stories, and stops at major locations like Marcel’s compound, Jackson Square, and Royal Street. They’re ideal if you want context, history, and insider details without planning everything yourself.
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, self-guided walking routes through the French Quarter work just as well. The neighborhood is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and packed with recognizable filming spots. With a map or filming guide in hand, you can easily recreate scenes while enjoying the city’s food, music, and architecture.
To plan your visit, helpful resources include the Travel New Orleans filming guide, the Giggster filming locations guide, and fan-focused articles from Next Stop Adventures. Together, these make it easy to turn your love for The Originals into a real-life experience you won’t forget.
Conclusion
So, where was The Originals filmed in the French Quarter? The answer lies in a carefully crafted blend of locations. While Olde Town Conyers, Georgia handled most of the filming with its look-alike streets and controlled sets, real New Orleans locations were used to capture the true spirit of the French Quarter. This balance gave the show both cinematic freedom and authentic atmosphere.
By combining Georgia’s production-friendly environment with the unmistakable soul of New Orleans, The Originals created a world that feels rich, historic, and real. Even better for fans, many of these filming spots still exist today. Whether you’re walking Royal Street, sitting near Jackson Square, or exploring famous exteriors, you can step directly into the series and experience the magic for yourself.
FAQs About Where Was The Originals Filmed in the French Quarter
Was The Originals filmed entirely in New Orleans?
No, The Originals was not filmed entirely in New Orleans. While the story is set in the French Quarter, most exterior scenes were filmed in Olde Town Conyers, Georgia, which served as a stand-in. Select scenes were filmed in the real French Quarter to capture authentic atmosphere and key moments.
Where is Marcel’s compound in real life?
Marcel’s compound was filmed at Hotel Royal, located at 1006 Royal Street in New Orleans. This historic building was used for exterior shots and party scenes and remains one of the most recognizable real-world filming locations from the show.
Can you visit the Mikaelson Mansion?
Yes, fans can visit the exterior of the Mikaelson Mansion at 837 Royal Street. While the interior scenes were filmed on set, the building’s façade is a popular stop for photos and a must-see for fans exploring the French Quarter.
Why did the show film in Georgia instead?
Georgia offered better filming incentives, lower costs, and greater production control. Locations like Olde Town Conyers allowed the crew to recreate the French Quarter while managing schedules, crowds, and complex scenes more efficiently.
Are there official The Originals fan tours?
Yes, there are guided fan tours and self-guided options in New Orleans that highlight major filming locations, making it easy for fans to explore the show’s world in real life.
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