Considered the heart of Acadiana’s Cajun and Creole culture, Lafayette lies along the Vermilion River. It’s renowned for its recreated Acadian villages and plantation-era Creole architecture, as well as being home to an innovative children’s museum.
Things to do in Lafayette
Learn about the cultural significance of the Bayou Teche region at the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, which is situated a short drive east of Lafayette. It is based on a poem about two Acadian lovers whose meeting point is marked by the Evangeline Oak, where you’ll find a prominent statue of Evangeline adjacent to the historic St. Martin of Tours Church.
Admire the architecture of the Raised Creole Cottage of Maison Olivier that fuses Creole, Caribbean and French influences. Nearby stands a late-18th-century Acadian cabin where you can gain insight into the cultural traditions brought by the Acadians after being expelled from Nova Scotia by the British.
Also of note is Lafayette’s Acadian Village, which features both replica buildings and original structures dating back to the 19th century. Mud walls, hand-hewn cypress timbers and wooden pegs are featured in the distinct architecture, while exhibits detail what Cajun life was like during the period.
Travelling with kids? Visit the Children's Museum of Acadiana, which is packed with interactive exhibits. There’s a kid-sized grocery store, TV studio and bank where kids can learn practical life skills and get creative, as well as a dedicated preschoolers area.
Getting around Lafayette
Lafayette Regional Airport is 10 minutes’ drive from the downtown area and there are weekly trains to New Orleans and Los Angeles. Buses travel throughout the city and Lafayette is renowned for being bicycle friendly, featuring designated paths and lanes.