Lafayette

Travel Guide

Lafayette showing a bar and night scenes as well as a small group of people
Lafayette which includes a city as well as a small group of people
Photo provided by Philip Gould /Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
Lafayette showing 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 centers 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. 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 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 Topgolf 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 RM437 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM437
RM503 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,008 reviews)
"The staff were very nice the manager was very nice"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
Drury Inn & Suites Lafayette, LA
Drury Inn & Suites Lafayette, LA
3 out of 5
120 Alcide Dominique, Lafayette, LA
The price is RM432 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM432
RM497 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"Clean, comfortable beds, great breakfast, snacks and drinks, friendly staff and great location."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Drury Inn & Suites Lafayette, LA
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
The price is RM366 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
RM366
RM421 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (1,007 reviews)
"The room is teal nice. Having problems with the Air Conditioner. Room not very cool!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lafayette Oil Center
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.
Steps From Downtown Minutes to the Airport
Steps From Downtown Minutes to the Airport
2 out of 5
Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions City Park and Galeries Lafayette Shopping Center are located ...
Steps From Downtown Minutes to the Airport
Evangeline A in Lafayette
Evangeline A in Lafayette
2 out of 5
Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Children's Museum of Acadiana and Parc de Lafayette are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Such a cute little gem, right outside of downtown Lafayette. The house was lovely inside and out. The recent renovations and layout of the house makes it feel so much bigger than it is. The vaulted ceilings, and beautiful attention to details in the interior design made this a new place to stay when ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Evangeline A in Lafayette
Evangeline B in Lafayette
Evangeline B in Lafayette
2 out of 5
Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Children's Museum of Acadiana and Parc de Lafayette are located nearby.
Evangeline B in 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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