Lafayette Historical Cajun Walking Tour

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!

Meeting Point

515 Cathedral St

515 Cathedral St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

We will meet on the sidewalk right in front of the Cathedral. I suggest street parking on Vermillion St. or Jefferson Street.

What's included:

• Guided Tour

Not included:

• Food or Purchases

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

515 Cathedral St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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.

10 minutes

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

515 Cathedral St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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.

10 minutes

Saint John Cemetery

515 Cathedral St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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

10 minutes

Johnson's Boucanière

1111 St John St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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.

10 minutes

The Lafayette Museum

1122 Lafayette St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Carpe Diem Cafe & Wine Bar

812 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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

15 minutes

Pop's Poboys

740 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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

Pass by without stopping

Acadiana Center for the Arts

101 W Vermilion St, , Lafayette, 70501-6915, Louisiana

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

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Vestal Restaurant

555 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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

Pass by without stopping

Cocodrie Collective

515 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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.

15 minutes

The Flats

427 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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

Pass by without stopping

Parc International

200 Garfield St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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.

10 minutes

Parc Sans Souci

201 E Vermilion St, Lafayette, 70501-6931, Louisiana

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

10 minutes

Wild Child Wines

210 E Vermilion St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA

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

10 minutes