Lafayette

Travel Guide
Lafayette showing a bar and night scenes as well as a small group of people
In the heart of Louisiana, visit this scenic French-American city full of historical monuments, churches and cultural activities.

The city of Lafayette lies on the Vermilion River in southern Louisiana. The center of the Acadian region, it has a strong French influence due to the arrival of French colonists several centuries ago. A Frenchman called Jean Mouton established the municipality in 1821. It is named after General Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolutionary War. Many residents speak French as their first language. The area’s intriguing history centers on a former orphan trail. You’ll also find historic monuments and churches scattered around the city.

Stroll through the town center and sample Acadian food specialties, such as crawfish and smothered rabbit. In the Acadian Culture Center, staff dressed in period costume will help you learn about Louisiana’s Francophone culture and history. Watch several short movies for more information.

Visit charming St. Martin de Tours Church near the city center. One of the oldest in Louisiana, the church dates back to 1836. The elegant statue of Evangeline, a tragic character from an Acadian poem, sits in front of the church. Note the majestic chandeliers and columns in the spacious interior.

Drive north of the city to the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum. Learn about the movement that took orphans from the streets of New York to homes in rural regions across the country to enrich their lives. This took place from the 1850s until the late 1920s. Artifacts have been donated by family members of orphans who rode the trains.

A little farther north is the lovely Chicot State Park. Get close to deer and birds. Hike around the picturesque grounds and pause for a picnic.

Explore Lake Martin, an area of swamplands with a great range of wildlife and flora. Look for alligators, snakes, turtles and exotic birds. Choose a scenic trail around the lake or a guided tour of the swamps.

Lafayette is about 150 miles (241 kilometers) west of New Orleans and offers a serene alternative to the busy Big Easy.

Where to stay in Lafayette

Lafayette featuring food

Downtown Lafayette

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Downtown Lafayette, you might make a stop by sights like The Acadiana Center for the Arts and Cathedral of St John.

Downtown Lafayette
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River Ranch

River Ranch might not have many top sights, but Broadmoor Park and Beaullieu Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

River Ranch
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Freetown - Port Rico

4/5(1 area review)

Though Freetown - Port Rico may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Acadiana Center for the Arts and Cathedral of St John.

Freetown - Port Rico
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Sterling Grove Historic District

If you're spending time in Sterling Grove Historic District, you might enjoy its live music and bars. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Galeries Lafayette Shopping Center or The Acadiana Center for the Arts.

Sterling Grove Historic District
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
4 out of 5
1521 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA
The price is S$150 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
S$150
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Very clean and spacious!"

Reviewed on 27 Oct,2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lafayette Oil Center
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lafayette Oil Center
2.5 out of 5
1321 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA
The price is S$132 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
S$132
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"It was perfect for attending a concert! The restaurants around were plentiful."

Reviewed on 7 Nov,2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lafayette Oil Center
Smart Stay Inn
Smart Stay Inn
2 out of 5
1620 N University Ave, Lafayette, LA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$92 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
S$92
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
Stay at this hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (221 reviews)
"I’ve stayed at the Smart Stay on several occasions. The price is very affordable and I’ve never had any problems with my stays. Plus the rooms are very clean and kept up. I will stay there again. 😁"

Reviewed on 6 Nov,2024

Smart Stay Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Choo Choo Lofts, 3 br, 2 bath, Full Kitchen - Lafayette, LA
Choo Choo Lofts, 3 br, 2 bath, Full Kitchen - Lafayette, LA
3.5 out of 5
107 Lee Ave, Lafayette, LA
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cajundome and Children's Museum of Acadiana ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (71 reviews)
"The property is beautiful it’s like u are home walkable to all the fun downtown on the strip"

Reviewed on 29 Sep,2024

Choo Choo Lofts, 3 br, 2 bath, Full Kitchen - Lafayette, LA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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