Downtown Lafayette Cajun History & Folklore Walking Tour

About this activity

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!

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 10 min

   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. Stop 2 · 10 min

   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. Stop 3 · 10 min

   Here we will discuss the unique Louisiana burials and the mythical creature in cajun folklore known at the Rougarou.

4. Stop 4 · 10 min

   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. Stop 5 · 10 min

   At the historic Mouton House, we'll discuss the man who founded Lafayette and some of his sordid pre-civil war history.

6. Stop 6 · 15 min

   We'll stop for 15 minutes for coffee, ice cream, or cocktails at this locally owned spot.

7. Stop 7 · pass by

   We'll pass by Pop's Poboys and Pamplona--both great restaurants--and I will give personal recommendations.

8. Acadiana Center for the Arts · 10 min

   At this beautiful art gallery and music venue, we'll discuss the history and relevance of cajun and zydeco music.

9. Stop 9 · pass by

   We'll pass by Vestal and Sarrica's--both great restaurants--and I will give my personal recommendations.

10. Stop 10 · 15 min

    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. Stop 11 · pass by

    We'll pass by The Flats, Central, and Tsunami--all great restaurants--and I'll give my personal recommendations.

12. Stop 12 · 10 min

    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. Parc Sans Souci · 10 min

    We'll stop at Parc Sans Souci and takes pictures with the Lafayette sign and discuss our city's challenges and triumphs.

14. Stop 14 · 10 min

    We'll end our tour at Wild Child Wines, one of my favorite places for food, wine, art, and gifts!

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Good to know

• 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

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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