Cajun Country Louisiana, USA Travel Guide
Tour the area's diverse natural environments.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus: An easy walking trail encircling a picturesque lake dotted with cypress trees. A peaceful urban escape.
Near Breaux Bridge: Picturesque views of the lake and its abundant wildlife from an elevated pathway, good for observation.
Near Abbeville: Various trails through swamp and marshland, opportunities to observe native wildlife and vegetation.
Remember to keep a safe distance from alligators and other wildlife. Never approach or feed wild animals. It is dangerous and disrupts their natural behavior.
Deeply engage with Cajun culture through hands-on experiences and traditional events.
Attend weekly live performances and social dances at venues like Randol's Restaurant & Dance Hall or Blue Moon Saloon. An energetic way to experience Cajun music.
A live radio show with traditional Cajun music, dancing, and humor every Saturday night. An authentic, community-focused cultural gathering.
Celebrated in many Cajun Country towns (Lafayette, Eunice, Mamou) with distinct, often more classic and family-friendly parades and events.
Festival International de Louisiane (Lafayette, late April), Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (May), Festivals Acadiens et Créoles (Lafayette, October).
Consider a guided food tour to sample local specialties and learn about culinary history. Discover various culinary neighborhoods.
Look for local artists selling pottery, paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts inspired by Cajun and Creole culture.
Cajun Country has ways to de-stress and rejuvenate amidst its scenic beauty and peaceful pace.
Blue Moon Saloon & Guest House (Lafayette): a classic venue for live Cajun and Zydeco music. Randol's Restaurant & Dance Hall (Lafayette): live Cajun music and dancing nightly. Artmosphere Bistro (Lafayette): diverse live music. Liberty Theatre (Eunice): Saturday night Cajun Rendez-vous radio show.
Lafayette contains a couple of nightclubs, but the emphasis in Cajun Country nightlife is more on traditional dance halls and venues featuring live Cajun and Zydeco music, where the focus is on dancing.
Downtown Lafayette has a concentration of bars and pubs, various atmospheres from informal dives to more high-end lounges.
Mainly focused around live music places and bars, especially on weekends. Outside of Lafayette, late-after-dark options are more limited.
Check local event listings or the Lafayette Travel website for up-to-the latest information about live music schedules and special events.
Do not fear trying to dance at a fais do-do. Locals often guide you through a simple two-step or waltz.
From unique local handmade items to iconic food products, shopping in Cajun Country opportunities to find genuine souvenirs and gifts.
Excellent choices Paul Prudhomme's Louisiana Kitchen or Acadiana Table: Cajun and Creole Home Cooking from the Heart of Louisiana.
Purchase directly from musicians at live venues or from specialized shops like Floyd's Record Shop in Ville Platte.
From the factory on Avery Island, you find a wide range of hot sauces, branded merchandise, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Research specific shops or markets for items you are seeking. Check opening hours, especially for smaller, independent stores. Affiliate resources are also available for arranging things to do.
