Lafayette: Work hard, play hard. That's our tradition in Lafayette, the heart of French Louisiana. We do things a little different here, cher.

In Lafayette, the folks are friendly, the cuisine is world-famous and our unique French culture makes us seem like a whole other country. We offer real Cajun and Creole cooking, just an oyster throw from the bayou. Our festivals and events celebrate everything from Mardi Gras, flowers and Fridays, to our unique Cajun and Creole heritage and our connection to the French-speaking world. When a hot Zydeco band starts cooking, the sizzling backbeat of the frottoir (washboard) makes it hard for your feet to resist the dance floor. Or you may find yourself two-steppin' like a native to traditional Cajun fiddle and accordion tunes.

Born out of the enduring spirit of the Acadians and Creoles, Cajun and Zydeco music is as much a part of the landscape as meandering bayous and moss-draped oaks. To find true Cajun and Zydeco music, visit one of the many dancehalls or restaurants that feature music. Visitors are always welcome and you'll soon learn to two-step to the rhythms of accordions, fiddles and triangles. Acadiana's world-famous food, music and cultural heritage is matched only by its world-class shopping. From large malls to souvenir and antique shops, Lafayette has something for everyone. "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" or "Let the good times roll!" Cajuns and Creoles take fun seriously, so don't be afraid to enjoy yourself in Lafayette - it's the custom!

St. Martinville: is situated 18 miles southeast of Lafayette, 14 miles south of I-10 through Breaux Bridge or 8 miles north of New Iberia on the Bayou Teche, where the stately Evangeline Oak signs and the story of Evangeline is told.

The Historic District is comprised of 6 square blocks surrounding St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, "Mother Church of the Acadians," established in 1765 as the Church of the Attakapas. Stroll along and visit the Petit Paris Museum which houses the Rotary Mardi Gras Ball Costume exhibit and much more. Visit the Maison Duchamp, built in 1876 in the Martinique architecture and view the Teddy Bear exhibit and also see a play of the Duchamp family.
In the Acadian Memorial, a 12' x 30' Mural by Robert Dafford, depicts the arrival of the Acadians in Louisiana with a Wall of 13,000 names taken from the original manifests of the boats.

Bed and Breakfasts, gourmet, Cajun and Creole restaurants and cafes are waiting to serve you.

Breaux Bridge: Mulate's This legendary restaurant is recognized throughout the world as the King of Cajun Dine and Dance halls. They feature live Cajun music and dancing along with great authentic Cajun food seven days a week. Mulate's is a place where Cajuns come to celebrate their heritage and the world comes to join them in their celebration.

Stroll the quaint downtown streets of Breaux Bridge; Louisiana and you'll find yourself transported back to a time before life became hectic. Down here, neighbors still know you by name. Breaux Bridge is the gateway to authentic Cajun culture in south Louisiana. We have traditional Cajun and funky Zydeco music, world-famous cuisine, and a rich history filled with interesting stories.

Café Des Amis in downtown Breaux Bridge combines beautiful modern art, Zydeco music, and Cajun food into a wonderful dining experience. It's just like their gumbo; if you add all the right ingredients people will always come back for more.

If you're looking for the typical theme park experience, you're in the wrong place. But if you're looking for a unique cultural adventure, you'll find it right here in Breaux Bridge.

Most of the natives of Breaux Bridge can trace their ancestry to Acadia or Nova Scotia as it is now called. These descendents of the first Acadians pioneered Breaux Bridge in the last half of the eighteenth century. During the town's heyday it was noted for its brass bands and dramatic clubs, but the reputation that has carried forward into the present era could be called "wet & wild". Gambling parlors still exist in Breaux Bridge.

The Lake Martin Swamp Tour begins at Lake Martin Landing, where we will drive through a dense mat of floating and submarine vegetation. We will pass through a flooded forest of moss-draped cypress trees. Some of the species of wildlife we are likely to see there include Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, Pileated Woodpeckers, Ospreys, Bald Eagles, Anhinga Cormorants, Wood Ducks, Yellow Crowned and Black Crowned Night Herons, Green Herons, Louisiana Herons, Great Blue Herons, Mississippi and Swallow-Tailed Kites, Nutria, frogs, snakes, and of course, Alligators. We will most likely not see snakes due to the fact that we have so many alligators that eat snakes.

Nowhere else can you find the perfect balance of great food, history, nature, architecture, and joie de vivre (joy of life) that we have here in Breaux Bridge.

Arnaudville: In Arnaudville you will find winding country roads, the beautiful Bayou Teche, and most importantly some of the best boudin and specialty meats in the area. Russell?s has been locally owned and operated since 1935. They also have the best lunch in town; go ask Melanie and tell her we sent you.

Port Barre: Known as the "Birthplace of Bayou Teche", Port Barre welcomes visitors with pride. The shady "Bayou Teche RV Park" offers overnighters a scenic spot at the junction of Bayou Courtableau and Bayou Teche. Located right off of Hwy. 103, cyclist too have discovered this convenient rest stop and everyone knows to save time to sample some of the best "cracklins" in the state. Port Barre is home for the annual "Cracklin' Festival held every November.

Don't forget to go by Borgue's for lunch and a lot of local flavor. Borgue's Supermarket is famous for it's Jalapeño Bread and Boudin. The bread is only for the daring so make sure you have plenty of water on hand.

Washington: Enjoy a rendezvous with the past. Settled in 1720, the town of Washington is the third oldest settlement in Louisiana. In 1900, the last steamboat left Washington, and since that time other areas in the state have surpassed the little community on Bayou Courtableau. But Washington has never lost the character and charm of its rich heritage.

If antiques are your weakness, then you've come to the right place! Washington is designated as "Acadiana's Antique Capital". As you enter, you will notice that much of its 19th century architecture and character has been preserved, as more than 80% of the buildings are on the Historic Register. The Washington Museum and Tourist Center, located on the corner of Main Street (Hwy. 182) and Hwy. 103, houses fascinating displays and artifacts from Washington's past. The Museum will also provide assistance in scheduling tours of some of the lovely antebellum homes and gardens, as well as, direct you to the numerous antique shops.

Worked up an appetite? Perfect! Sitting along Bayou Courtableau, is one of the state's most unique restaurants, The Steamboat Warehouse. Fine cuisine in a casual atmosphere with the ambiance of the past. Construction of the Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant began in 1819 and was completed around 1823. Restored in 1977, the Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant, located on the banks of Bayou Courtableau, remains a feast for the eyes and appetite. Let our chefs prepare one of our many award winning dishes for you and that special someone while you relax and browse through history! Bon Apetit!

Then settle in for a peaceful night at one of the many beautiful Bed and Breakfasts found in Washington.

Mamou: The name Mamou is recognized around the world as synonymous with Cajun culture. Celebrated in songs like "Grand Mamou," this small town located in Evangeline Parish about 10 miles north of Eunice attracts visitors from many different countries who come not only to take part in special events like Mardi Gras but simply to stop by one small bar that has had a central role in the growing international interest in Cajun culture.

On November 16, 1996, Fred's Lounge in Mamou celebrated its 50th anniversary with the unveiling of a plaque by Louisiana Governor Mike Foster in a ceremony in which all of the town's officials participated. The plaque's inscription reads, "In memory of Alfred 'Fred' Tate, 11/20/12-7/15/92. November 20, 1946: Fred purchased Tate's Bar, now known as Famous Fred's Lounge, Mamou, LA. In 1950 Courir de Mardi Gras was revived at Fred's Lounge. June 1962: The late Revon Reed began a remote radio program at Fred's Lounge which is still alive today (KVPI 1050 AM) radio station. French Renaissance (Cajun Music, Language and Culture) after World War II originated at Fred's Lounge."

After the Saturday Morning Promenade at Fred's, you will have worked up an appetite with all of that walking. The Mamou Athletic Boosters club will be serving Hamburgers and Boudin. 

Courir de Mardi Gras. Of all of the rural courirs, Mamou's Courir de Mardi Gras has attracted the most attention, perhaps because the organizers have been so insistent on preserving the old traditions and customs. In addition to the courir, there's a Mardi Gras Rodeo the weekend preceding Mardi Gras and a big street dance Monday evening.
How did the name Mamou originate? Mamou was founded when C.C. Duson in 1907 developed the town site and began selling lots. In 1911, Mamou was incorporated. The name derives from the Mamou Prairie, where the town is located, but how did the prairie get its name? One version is that Mamou is an Indian name meaning "Big Hunting Ground." After offering several other possible explanations, Revon Reed in his book Lache Pas La Patate gives this fanciful account: When the prairie was first settled by Europeans, they brought their animals, including herds of cattle. Mother cows with their calves were everywhere on the prairie. "Maa," the calves would call out. "Moo," the mother cows would respond.

Eunice: Eunice is Louisiana's Prairie Cajun Capital and also the place to find good friends, good food and good music. Your ride will take you along fields of rice, soybeans, sweet potatoes or crawfish ponds, all adorned with prairie wildflowers, depending upon the season. A branch of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, located on Park Ave., features extensive exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of this region's Acadian population, known today as the Cajuns. The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center is open daily and offers music sessions, native craft and cooking demonstrations, that provide an opportunity for visitors to join in the fun.

Another stop during your visit to the Prairie should be The Eunice Museum & Depot, showcasing the history of Eunice and rotating displays of Cajun art and craftwork. And don't miss the Cajun Music Hall of Fame & Museum where displays relating to Cajun Music and culture can be found.

And of course, every Saturday night at the Liberty Theatre, the Rendezvous des Cajun takes place! Get there early because seating is first come first serve. This two-hour live radio program features Cajun and Zydeco music and dancing. After the show join us for a delicious dinner at Ardoin?s.

You'll find all of these attractions conveniently located within a three-block area of the Historic Downtown, as well as, music and gift shops and local restaurants featuring traditional Cajun fare! Several well-managed hotel/motels can be found in Eunice, along with a nice campground and pleasant Bed & Breakfast.

All over Louisiana we hear the phrase Laissez les bon temps rouler, but in Eunice is where the Bon Temps comes to stay!

Sunset: Don't leave South Louisiana without visiting Chretien Point Plantation. Here the original owner of the house held yard sales comprised of pirate booty collected by his old pal Jean Lafitte. After both the owner and Lafitte died, a pirate tried to steal from the wife of the house, who wound up shooting him as he climbed up her staircase. Some folks say his ghost climbs up the stairway still. By the way, the staircase here was reproduced for Tara in "Gone With the Wind."

Grand Coteau: In Grand Coteau, you'll find over 70 historic structures, including the Academy of the Sacred Heart, the only site of a miracle in the United States recognized by the Catholic Church. Established in 1821, the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau, is the second oldest institution of learning west of the Mississippi.

The formal gardens and magnificent oak alley provide a gracious setting for one of the South's finest independent schools. Founded under the direction of Saint Philippine Duchesne, the Academy has remained in continuous operation through fire, epidemics, and war. Today it is possible to visit the museum, the Shrine of Saint John Berchmans where a miracle occurred, and some of the other older sections of the historic building not presently in use by the school.