Cajun For A Day in Lafayette, LA

The word Cajun began in 19th century Acadie. The French of noble ancestry would say, "les Acadiens", while some referred to the Acadians as, "le 'Cadiens", dropping the "A". Later came the Americans who could not pronounce "Acadien" or "'Cadien", so the word, "Cajun" was born. These days Cajuns are known for their food, music, history, and culture. We've compiled a little bit of all those things into a two-day Cajun itinerary where you will learn about the living history of the area. 

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve-Acadian Cultural Center

The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette, LA tells stories of the origins, migration, settlement, and contemporary culture of the Acadians (Cajuns) and other area groups. Ranger programs, films, exhibits, and events share a variety of local traditions including music, story-telling, dance, and food, and explore the mysteries of the Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana’s wildest place.

501 Fisher Rd. Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 232-0789

Vermilionville Living History Museum & Historic Village

Vermilionville is a 23-acre historic and folklife park along the banks of the Bayou Vermilion that depicts the Acadian, Creole and Native American cultures from the time period 1765 – 1890. This historic village features guided tours, costumed artisans, live music, cooking school, dance lessons, boat tours, and a gift shop that will leave you overjoyed with history and culture.

300 Fisher Rd. Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 233-4077

Cajun Food Tours

The best way to experience the flavor of Louisiana! Choose from cozy bus tours or casual paced-walking tours to learn the history, love the culture and, best of all, stop to taste the renowned Cajun delights that make our area so unique. We love to share our passion for Acadiana!  Bus tours pick up from many Lafayette hotels.  Tour prices include all the fun & all the food.  Food tours are ~3 hrs.

(337) 230-6169

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Museum

The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Downtown Lafayette, LA stands as a sentinel to the faith of generations of followers. It is the third church built on the site donated by Jean Mouton in 1821, when Lafayette, LA was the town of Vermilionville. The present Dutch Romanesque landmark, completed in 1916, is on the National Registry of Historic Properties.

515 Cathedral St. Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 232-1322

Lafayette Museum Association/Alexandre Mouton House

The Alexandre Mouton House is a lovely house museum located in the heart of Downtown Lafayette, LA. Original structure built in the early 1800s by the found of Vermilionville, Jean Mouton. Later became home to Louisiana's 12th governor, Alexandre Mouton. It is now restored to its 1850s grandeur and serves as a repository of the history and culture of Acadiana.

1122 Lafayette St. Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 234-2208

Swamp Tours

Swamp tours are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty and bounty of Lafayette's waterways. You'll see plenty of wildlife including alligators and various species of birds as well as turtles and many more. Whether by airboat, cruising boat, or paddling swamp tours are the perfect way to learn about Cajun culture while being surrounded by beauty.

Bayou Teche Brewing

Bayou Teche Brewing crafts beer that pair with Acadiana's Cajun and Creole cuisine and lifestyle. Our beer can be found in bottles and on tap in stores and restaurants around Acadiana. On site tap room and tours.

1106 Bushville Hwy. Arnaudville, LA 70512
(337) 754-5122

LARC's Acadian Village

Acadian Village is a folklife museum that offers an authentic vision of Acadian society in South Louisiana during the 19th century. Period homes of Acadian architecture have been restored to their original appearance and furnished with antiques native to the area. The Village offers year-round guided tours, educational programs, and artisan demonstrations.

200 Greenleaf Dr. Lafayette, LA 70506
(337) 981-2364

Dance Lesson at Glide Studios

One thing's for sure when you visit Lafayette, LA is you'll hear plenty of great Cajun and Zydeco music. You will have no trouble finding an eager dance partner to dance with, but if you would like some lessons before you hit the floor look no further than Glide Studios. Instruction can be private or group and you can learn how to two-step, waltz, and zydeco!

715 Lee Ave. Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 258-6788

Crawfish Haven/Mrs. Rose's Bed and Breakfast

This 3 bedroom/2 bath Acadian home was built in 1903. Nestled in the middle of Cajun Country in a peaceful, country setting. Perfect for a romantic getaway, family reunion, girlfriend's getaway, hunters and guests looking for the ultimate crawfishing experience.

6807 Hwy. 35 Kaplan, LA 70548
(337) 652-8870