Travel reviews
What to do
- Noteworthy
- Worth the detour
- Must see
Lafayette, in the heart of French Louisiana, is the unofficial capital of Cajun country or Acadiana.
Founded in 1821 under the name of Vermilionville, the town was renamed a few decades later in honour of the Marquis de Lafayette.
Although English is the language of instruction in Louisiana schools, the population proudly maintains its French language. You will be charmed by the accent of French-speaking Louisianans, which is similar to that of the Acadians in New Brunswick, Canada.
Come experience the legendary Cajun joie de vivre and culture through their traditional music and unique, world-famous cuisine.
Acadian Cultural Center
This is the perfect place to learn more about the origins, migration and culture of the Acadians (Cajuns) of Louisiana. A 25-minute film shares their history from their deportation from Nova Scotia, Canada to their settlement in south Louisiana: a must-see! Children can explore the different exhibits and earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program.
Admission is free.
Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist
This cathedral is the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette. It is the 3rd church structure built on the site. The land was donated in 1821 by Jean Mouton, a wealthy Acadian planter and the founder of the town of Vermilionville. The large red and white brick Romaneqsque Revival-style structure was completed in 1916. Note the magnificent stained glass windows, lovely oil paintings and Casavant organ. You can also tour the cemetery and the museum. Be sure to take a picture of the more than 400-year-old oak tree on the cathedral grounds.
A guided tour of the cathedral is also possible on request or an online virtual visit. Visit the website for more details.
Vermilionville
A visit to Lafayette is an opportunity to travel back in time at one of the town's historic villages. Vermilionville Historic Village is a living history museum that preserves and promotes the culture of the Acadian, Native American, and Creole people of the region. You will learn all about Cajun history and get a glimpse of life in 18th century Lafayette.
LARC's Acadian Village
Acadian Village is a historic recreation of an Acadian village staffed by interpreters in period costume. Most of the houses on the site are authentic 19th-century homes.
The oldest and most impressive is of these, Maison Bernard, dates from 1800. If you visit in December, you will have the chance to experience the Noël Acadian au Village Christmas festival.
THE HISTORY OF THE CAJUN COUNTRYThe story begins 400 years ago in Acadia, Canada, a region then populated by French immigrants. In 1713, France ceded the territory to England. A few years later, the English push the inhabitants to leave by deporting them by boat. Several French-speaking Acadians and Catholics thus settled in the swamps of Louisiana, also called «swamps» or «bayous». They are linked to their Francophone traditions, which they share with the black minority. It is thanks to them that French is still spoken in Louisiana today. It is a particular French, called «Cajun», comprising many local expressions and a very pronounced accent. |
NEARBY
Tabasco Factory Tour & Museum
Tabasco brand products are manufactured by McIlhenny Company, founded by Edmund McIlhenny in 1868 on Avery Island in Louisiana. It is here that the original recipe for the famous red pepper sauce was first developed and passed down from generation to generation. You can take a cooking-themed guided tour of the factory or learn about the history and production of the famous sauce with a self-guided, 10-stop factory tour. The museum and gardens are part of the tour. There is also a restaurant and a lovely gift shop where you can sample some of their many products and pick up some souvenirs of this non-to-be-missed attraction.
Swamp Tour
Several companies offer the opportunity to explore the swamps and bayous by boat. McGee's Swamp Tour provides 90-minute Airboat Rides and Swamp Tours. A Cajun tour guide will share his personal experience and provide a host of fascinating information as you explore the diverse natural beauty of America's largest and most mysterious swamp system, Atchafalaya Basin Swamp! Careful, the alligators are watching you! You can also stop for a bite to eat at nearby Crawfish Town USA (see Where to Eat).
Breaux Bridge
If you wish to visit the bayous, you can also go to the small town of Breaux Bridge , just outside Lafayette, by the shores of Lake Martin. You will be greeted by typical Louisiana scenery: cypress trees as far as the eye can see, alligators, huge turtles and chattering birds. The harmony between the vegetation and the wildlife adds a touch of magic to the scene. Don't forget your insect repellent, as there can be a lot of mosquitoes!
Where to eat
- $ Inexpensive
- $$ Moderate
- $$$ Upscale
- $$$$ Fine dining
Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe ($)
Before leaving Lafayette, if you're having a hard time beating the heat, do what the locals do and pay a visit to Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe, a real Lafayette institution. They make their ice cream the old-fashioned way and offer a wide variety of flavours.
Olde Tyme Grocery ($)
For local fare at very good prices, this popular downtown restaurant is sure to please. It's the perfect place to grab a sandwich in a casual, fun atmosphere. The Cajun spices, the seafood and their famous Poor Boys will make your visit a memorable one.
Bon Temps Grill ($$)
With its great service, lively urban Cajun atmosphere and delicious menu, Bon Temps Grill is a popular neighbourhood spot where friends and family enjoy good times together. The menu showcases seafood and Cajun cuisine, with many specialties for you to try such as Andouille Gumbo and Crawfish Etouffee.
Crawfish Town USA ($$-$$$)
This restaurant is in Henderson, near Breaux Bridge, about 25 km from Lafayette. If it's in season, you must try the Boiled Louisiana Crawfish: you won't be disappointed!!! There is also a market next to the restaurant that sells fresh seafood, meats, local prepackaged products and seasonings, and much more.
Where to sleep ?
Location
When to visit
- Very Favourable
- Favourable
- Unfavourable
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Climograph
- Very Favourable
- Favourable
- Unfavourable
| Month | Average temperature min (°C) |
Average temperature max (°C) |
Precipitations (mm) |
Overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7 | 17 | 136 | |
| February | 8 | 19 | 110 | |
| March | 12 | 23 | 115 | |
| April | 15 | 26 | 118 | |
| May | 19 | 30 | 112 | |
| June | 22 | 32 | 152 | |
| July | 24 | 33 | 162 | |
| August | 23 | 33 | 126 | |
| September | 21 | 31 | 128 | |
| October | 15 | 27 | 109 | |
| November | 11 | 22 | 107 | |
| December | 8 | 18 | 126 |
Travel reviews
A nice step
(Translated by Google) We really enjoyed there site of Vermillion City.
The city had little interest, however a festive atmosphere was present on this Saturday evening.
We did a tour of the bayous, magical!!!
Nice visits to do in the area
French city
(Translated by Google) Very French city with its cathedral and Lake Martins where you can discover cypresses in the middle of the lake and wildlife (alligators, birds, turtles). Visit of the nearby Tabasco factory, interesting.
