As the heart of Louisiana's Cajun Country, the Lafayette area moves to the rhythm of fiddles and accordions, simmering pots of étouffée and a joie de vivre that earned it the nickname the "Happiest City in America."
At a Glance
Known For: Cajun and zydeco music, Creole and Cajun cuisine, French heritage and year-round festivals
Top Places to Explore: Lafayette, Breaux Bridge, Eunice, Opelousas and St. Martinville
Top Things to Do: learning Cajun history at Vermilionville, dancing to zydeco in Eunice and Opelousas, feasting on crawfish in Breaux Bridge and exploring the Atchafalaya Basin
Major Events: Festival International de Louisiane, the Sweet Dough Pie Festival, the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival and Courir de Mardi Gras
Things to Do in the Lafayette Area
Lafayette is shaped by generations of Acadian, Creole, French, African, Spanish, Italian and Native American settlers, many of whom still speak the Cajun dialect today. In Lafayette itself, learn Cajun and Creole history at Vermilionville and the Acadian Cultural Center, then step back in time at LARC's Acadian Village. Head to Eunice and Opelousas for live zydeco music, and to Breaux Bridge for crawfish and a two-step at Blue Moon Saloon. In St. Martinville, one of Louisiana's oldest towns, admire architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When it's time to slow down, explore the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest river swamp in the country, spanning almost 1 million acres of swamps, bayous and backwater lakes.
Places to Stay in the Lafayette Area
Settle into Southern hospitality at The Carriage House Hotel, a boutique property with an onsite day spa, fitness center and lazy river pool, or book the quaint The Juliet Hotel downtown. History lovers might prefer the Maison Mouton Bed & Breakfast, which transports guests to 1800s Acadiana.
What to Eat in the Lafayette Area
You must try the region's famous boudin, and once you've had your fill of crawfish, cracklins and étouffée, you'll understand why this area is a hub for food lovers. In Lafayette, sample four generations of home cooking at T-Coon's Restaurant, known for lunch specials like short-rib fricassee and shrimp-and-okra stew. In Breaux Bridge, grab a bite at Creole Lunch House or a drink at Wildcat Brothers Distilling. Grand Coteau, the "Sweet Dough Pie Capital," celebrates its namesake dessert with a festival each year, and in Opelousas you can shop at Targil, a spice company that packages local favorites like Slap Ya Mama.
Lafayette Area Events & Festivals
The Lafayette area's festival calendar runs year-round. Festival International de Louisiane brings Cajun, zydeco and world music to downtown Lafayette each spring, and the Sweet Dough Pie Festival celebrates Grand Coteau's signature dessert. Breaux Bridge hosts the world-famous Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival every May, and Eunice's Lundi Gras Boucherie Festival keeps the communal hog-roasting tradition alive. Come Mardi Gras season, join the Courir de Mardi Gras, a countryside chase rooted in centuries-old Cajun tradition.
Plan Your Visit
It's easy to navigate the Lafayette area. If you're flying into town, rent a car or book a rideshare from the Lafayette Regional Airport. Lafayette is also a short drive from Houston, Texas (3 hours), Jackson, Mississippi (4 hours), and Gulf Shores, Alabama (5 hours).
For more trip-planning information, visit Lafayette Travel or St. Landry Parish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in the Lafayette area?
Some of the best things to do in the Lafayette area include learning Cajun and Creole history at Vermilionville, dancing to zydeco music in Eunice and Opelousas, eating crawfish in Breaux Bridge and paddling through the Atchafalaya Basin.
What is the Lafayette area known for?
The Lafayette area is best known as the heart of Louisiana's Cajun and Creole Country, an area known as the "Happiest City in America" for its music, food and warm hospitality.
What is the best time of year to visit the Lafayette area?
Spring is a favorite for festivals like Festival International de Louisiane, while fall brings pleasant weather and harvest celebrations. Winter offers Courir de Mardi Gras and fewer crowds.
What is the weather like in the Lafayette area?
Like much of South Louisiana, the Lafayette area sees hot, humid summers and mild winters, so pack layers for cooler months and light, breathable clothing for summer.
Where can I get more travel information about the Lafayette area?
For more trip-planning information, visit Lafayette Travel or St. Landry Parish, or find statewide trip ideas, itineraries and regional guides on Explore Louisiana, Louisiana's official tourism website.