Lafayette

Travel Guide

Lafayette which includes night scenes and a bar as well as a small group of people
Lafayette showing a city as well as a small group of people
Photo provided by Philip Gould /Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
Lafayette featuring a pond and bird life
Photo provided by Denny Culbert/Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission

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 centre 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 centres on a former orphan trail. You’ll also find historic monuments and churches scattered around the city.

Stroll through the town centre and sample Acadian food specialties, such as crawfish and smothered rabbit. In the Acadian Culture Centre, 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 centre. 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. Artefacts have been donated by family members of orphans who rode the trains.

A little further 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 kilometres) west of New Orleans and offers a serene alternative to the busy Big Easy.

Where to stay in Lafayette

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River Ranch

River Ranch might not have many top sights, but Woodland Village Shopping Center and Acadiana Mall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

River Ranch
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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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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McComb-Veazey

While there might not be top attractions in McComb-Veazey, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Galeries Lafayette Shopping Center and The Acadiana Center for the Arts.

McComb-Veazey
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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 €103 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€103
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The Front desk customer service was on point so friendly I give her 10 out of 10"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lafayette Oil Center

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lafayette Oil Center

3 out of 5
1321 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €81 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€81
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Wonderful and Comfortable"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lafayette Oil Center
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Lafayette North by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Lafayette North by IHG

3 out of 5
2219 NW Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA
The price is €86 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
€86
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Our stay was very pleasant. Felt very warm and inviting, along with the aroma of cleanliness. The staff was very professional and courteous!!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Lafayette North by IHG
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.
3 Bedroom Saint Street/Downtown, Quiet, near everything

3 Bedroom Saint Street/Downtown, Quiet, near everything

Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cajundome and Youth Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Great location. Clean and good space for our group. Easy to get in touch with owner and she responded quickly. But needs a new can opener. LOL We had a great stay!!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

3 Bedroom Saint Street/Downtown, Quiet, near everything
PALM SPRINGS- 2Master Suites, Style & Location! “No chores” at checkout!

PALM SPRINGS- 2Master Suites, Style & Location! “No chores” at checkout!

Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cajundome and Woodland Village Shopping ...
9/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"Very nice! Enjoyed the stay."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

PALM SPRINGS- 2Master Suites, Style & Location! “No chores” at checkout!
Cozy, Modern Waterfront Cottage + 2.5 acres on Bayou in the Heart of Lafayette

Cozy, Modern Waterfront Cottage + 2.5 acres on Bayou in the Heart of Lafayette

Lafayette
Stay at this cottage in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Cajundome and Acadian Village Shopping Center are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
A peaceful getaway
"If you are just looking to take a deep breath and unplug from the stresses of life, this cabin is what you are looking for. This is what I would like to call a home away from home. Thank you so much for making my stay stress free."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

Cozy, Modern Waterfront Cottage + 2.5 acres on Bayou in the Heart of Lafayette
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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