Where to stay in Lafayette
Louisiana Cajun Mansion Bed and Breakfast
4304 Decon Road, LA, 70592
A four-star hotel set in Youngsville’s lush surrounds, Louisiana Cajun Mansion offers culture, comfort and tranquility just 20 minutes south of Lafayette.
There are suites, glamping tents and lashings of hospitality – join the Cajun Grilling Dinner for seven-course delights and traditional music out on the patio.
The Carriage House Hotel
603 Silverstone Road, LA, 70508
Palm tree elegance and exclusivity set the tone at The Carriage Horse Hotel, a place which prides itself on offering a quiet environment and attentive, personal service.
The luxe granite bathrooms, in-suite utility rooms and 24-hour security create a select atmosphere. You’ll also get full privileges within City Club at River Ranch during your stay.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
321 Settlers Trace Boulevard, LA, 70508
This three-star hotel is set in Lafayette’s leafy River Ranch district. Here, zydeco music brings local culture to life, but you’ll also find handy amenities such as smart TVs, flexible meeting spaces and high-speed internet.
There’s an outdoor swimming pool to help you cool off in the summer, plus a fitness center.
Best restaurants in Lafayette
Cafe Vermilionville
1304 West Pinhook Road, LA, 70503
For fine-dining dishes that don’t compromise on Louisiana heritage, try Cafe Vermilionville. The restaurant is set in a restored Acadian cypress house and much of the original timber charm has been preserved.
The food is fresh and carefully presented – you can try crawfish beignets sourced from the Gulf and served with Creole mustard, or even marinated alligator.
Scratch Farm Kitchen
406 Garfield Street, LA, 70501
A wholesome farm environment defines this casual eatery, where burgers and brunch are the stars of the show.
Dive into a plate of greens, enjoy a veggie burger or try a ranch pocket stacked with farm-grown vegetables, chicken and bacon. This place is known for having an atmosphere as warm as its comfort bowls.
Louisiana Crawfish Time
2019 Verot School Road, LA, 70508
Some of Lafayette’s most authentic Cajun and Creole seafood is served at Louisiana Crawfish Time, a place to delve into raw oysters or catfish po-boys and finish up with a New Orleans-style bread pudding.
Best attractions in Lafayette
LARC’s Acadian Village
200 Greenleaf Drive, LA, 70506
This private cultural park is one of the best places to get acquainted with Lafayette’s unique heritage, since it transports visitors back to the early 1800s via tours of settlers’ houses.
The oldest structure is Bernard House, built at the turn of the 19th century. Via paintings, exhibits and 150-year-old artifacts, it’s possible to learn about a simple way of life and rich, distinctive culture.
Cathedral of St John the Evangelist
515 Cathedral Street, LA, 70501
Exceptional architecture is on show at this pinnacle of the Lafayette skyline, built a century ago.
Reserve your place on a tour to truly appreciate the detail of the Dutch-Romanesque style interior, which has earned the structure a place on the National Register of Historic Properties. Afterwards, head to the adjacent museum to see parish exhibits.
Lake Martin
Rookery Road, LA, 70517
No trip to Lafayette is complete without exploring the distinctive landscapes of Louisiana. Lake Martin on the Cypress Island Preserve is a great place to do just this – the swamp ecosystem glows golden-green and nurtures species such as great blue herons, alligators and turtles.