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Before you go
Your trip to Lafayette.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Lafayette – Louisiana Destination Lafayette and the Cajun Country
How to get there
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Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) 6 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) is about 6 km southeast of downtown, with taxis, ride‑hailing apps and car rentals. I‑10 passes north of the city and I‑49 runs north; Baton Rouge is about 95 km away and Houston about 350 km.
How many days
Two days for Vermilionville, downtown and a Cajun or zydeco dance. With three days you can include Avery Island and a swamp boat tour.
When to go
In spring and fall. In April the Festival International de Louisiane fills downtown with shows; in October the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles bring together music and crafts. In summer it is very hot and rains are frequent.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. Downtown is compact, but Vermilionville, Avery Island, Lake Martin and Breaux Bridge are several kilometers apart. Drive on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Lafayette
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Morning
Vermilionville
Walk through the houses of the Vermilionville historic village and talk with the artisans and musicians.
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Afternoon
Cathedral and city center
Visit St. John Cathedral and the oak beside it, stroll downtown and finish with live music in a dance hall.
2 days in Lafayette
Day 1
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All day
Lafayette
Morning at Vermilionville; afternoon at the cathedral and downtown; evening at a Cajun or zydeco dance.
Day 2
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All day
Avery Island and Lake Martin
Head to the Jungle Gardens on Avery Island in the morning and in the afternoon take a boat tour on Lake Martin near Breaux Bridge.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Lafayette, Louisiana?
Visit Vermilionville, St. John Cathedral and the centuries‑old oak, listen to live Cajun and zydeco music, go to the Jungle Gardens on Avery Island and take a boat trip through the swamps of Breaux Bridge and the Atchafalaya.
What are Lafayette’s festivals?
The Festival International de Louisiane in April, featuring musicians from French‑speaking countries and the region, and the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in October, dedicated to local music and culture.
Is Lafayette affected by hurricanes?
Yes, it lies in the zone affected by tropical storms from the Gulf of Mexico; the season usually runs from June to November. Travelers in those months should follow forecasts and local guidance.
What time zone is Lafayette in?
UTC−6 in winter and UTC−5 in daylight saving time, from March to November.