Downtown Lafayette Cajun History & Folklore Walking Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The one and only walking tour of Downtown Lafayette is here! We'll go through our city's fascinating history, Cajun folklore and mythology, and current local culture (including restaurant and shop recommendations). I'm a local who was born and raised in Lafayette and I live downtown; I'm excited to show you around our unique city!
Available options
Downtown Lafayette Cajun History & Folklore Walking Tour
What's included
Guided Tour
Detailed itinerary
1
We will meet here and discuss our first topic of the tour: Lafayette--the most catholic city in America! We'll discuss the history of how the Acadians made there way to Louisiana and how that translates into the modern term "Cajun" we know today.
2
Next to the Cathedral is the St. John Cathedral Live Oak. This 500 year oak tree is where we'll discuss the tale of Evangeline and Gabriel, the cajun Romeo and Juliet.
3
Here we will discuss the unique Louisiana burials and the mythical creature in cajun folklore known at the Rougarou.
4
At this historic cajun smoke house and grocery, we'll discuss the history and relevance of cajun cuisine. I'll make a few suggestions of what to buy.
5
At the historic Mouton House, we'll discuss the man who founded Lafayette and some of his sordid pre-civil war history.
6
We'll stop for 15 minutes for coffee, ice cream, or cocktails at this locally owned spot.
7
We'll pass by Pop's Poboys and Pamplona--both great restaurants--and I will give personal recommendations.
8
At this beautiful art gallery and music venue, we'll discuss the history and relevance of cajun and zydeco music.
9
We'll pass by Vestal and Sarrica's--both great restaurants--and I will give my personal recommendations.
10
We'll stop at Cocodrie, a local gift and art shop, and discuss the death and resurgence of the Cajun French language. Then we'll have 5 minutes to look around the cute shop.
11
We'll pass by The Flats, Central, and Tsunami--all great restaurants--and I'll give my personal recommendations.
12
We'll discuss the history of Festival International de Louisiane and some of Lafayette's best and most famous festivals, including Cajun Mardi Gras--also known as the Chicken Run.
13
We'll stop at Parc Sans Souci and takes pictures with the Lafayette sign and discuss our city's challenges and triumphs.
14
We'll end our tour at Wild Child Wines, one of my favorite places for food, wine, art, and gifts!
What's not included
Food or Purchases
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
9 reviews
5★
8
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
We will meet on the sidewalk right in front of the Cathedral. I suggest street parking on Vermillion St. or Jefferson Street.
About Lafayette
Lafayette is the heart of Louisiana's Cajun and Creole culture, offering a vibrant mix of music, food, and history. Known as the 'Hub City,' it's a gateway to the unique traditions and landscapes of Acadiana.
Top Attractions
Acadiana Center for the Arts
A hub for visual and performing arts, offering galleries, theater performances, and educational programs.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free (some events may have fees)
Vermilionville
An 18th- and 19th-century living history village that showcases the culture and lifestyle of the Acadiana region.
Historical
2-3 hours
Moderate
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns Sports
Catch a game of the Ragin' Cajuns football, basketball, or baseball teams for an exciting local experience.
Entertainment
3-4 hours (game time)
Moderate to Expensive
Must-Try Local Dishes
Boudin
A spiced pork and rice sausage, often served as an appetizer or in a po' boy sandwich.
Snack
Contains pork
Gumbo
A rich, flavorful stew made with a dark roux, often including seafood, chicken, and sausage.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Crawfish Étouffée
Crawfish smothered in a rich, buttery sauce, served over rice.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains shellfish
Popular Activities
Hiking in the nearby swamps
Kayaking on the Bayou
Spa treatments
Strolling through Parc Sans Souci
Attending a performance at the Acadiana Center for the Arts
Exploring Vermilionville
Kayaking
Fishing
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)
These seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.
18-30°C
64-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: French (Cajun French), Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
CST (GMT-6) / CDT (GMT-5 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Lafayette is generally safe, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious at night in less populated areas
- • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Lafayette Regional Airport • 10 miles from city center
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
CATS offers affordable and convenient transport within the city center and to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Lafayette
University Area
River Ranch
Day trips
New Iberia
30 miles • Half day to full day
A charming town known for its historic sites, including the Shadows-on-the-Teche plantation and the Tabasco factory.
Avery Island
35 miles • Full day
Home to the McIlhenny Company, where Tabasco sauce is made, and a unique salt dome with lush gardens and wildlife.
Abbeville
25 miles • Half day
A small town with a rich Cajun heritage, known for its historic downtown and local festivals.
Festivals
Festival International de Louisiane • Late April to early May
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles • October
Pro tips
- Visit during festivals for an authentic cultural experience
- Try local dishes like boudin, gumbo, and crawfish étouffée
- Explore the surrounding areas for a taste of rural Cajun life
- Learn a few phrases in Cajun French to connect with locals
- Check the weather and plan accordingly, especially during hurricane season
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
