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Scenic Byways Itinerary

When you see the deep green sprouts of a rice field framed against the vivid blue sky, you'll remember why you took the byway. Find sugar cane and pepper farms alongside gentle oaks, crawfish ponds with harvests of red, the tall masts of shrimp boats among the bayou and the people who make our byways special.

  • Lake Arthur: This lake offers refuge, relaxation and plenty of recreation with a sandy beach, boardwalk and pier.

  • Gueydan: The "Duck Capital of America" offers some of the best duck and goose hunting - or watching - in the country.

  • Kaplan: See one of the oldest rice mills in the state, Liberty Rice Mill, and Le Musée de la Ville de Kaplan.

  • Abbeville: A town where the old and new blend together with French-speaking residents, popular oyster bars and seafood restaurants alongside avant-garde artists.

  • Erath: Home to the Acadian Museum of Erath and legendary Cajun musician, D.L. Menard.

  • Delcambre: Home of one of the largest shrimping communities in South Louisiana, the fishing docks are a great place to take pictures or purchase fresh shrimp.

  • Jefferson Island: Sitting atop a salt dome that rest on the shores of Lake Peigneur, Jefferson Island features 25 acres of lush, semi-tropical landscaped gardens and the 19th century Victorian home of Joseph Jefferson.

  • Avery Island: Home of the world-famous Tabasco brand pepper sauce, Jungle Gardens and Bird City, one of the largest egret rookeries in the country.

  • New Iberia: Nestled on the banks of Bayou Teche, New Iberia is home to Shadows-on-the-Teche and Konriko Rice Mill, the oldest operating rice mill in the country.

  • Broussard: This quaint town features 14 properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places and numerous bed and breakfast establishments.

  • Lafayette, LA: The "Capitol of French Louisiana" is noted for its rich Cajun heritage. Visit historic cultural attractions, feast on Cajun and Creole favorites at local restaurants, shop for unique gifts or two-step to Cajun and Zydeco music heard nightly at local nightclubs.

  • Maurice: Known for great food and down-home fun. Take some Cajun specialty meats home to cook later.

  • Forked Island: This marshland community is dotted with rice farms, crawfish ponds, cattle and alligators.

  • Pecan Island: See the majesty of the marsh in full view. Outdoor activities abound, from wintertime hunting to fresh and saltwater fishing, to crabbing and shrimping.

  • Highway 93 Scenic Byway - "The Real French Destination"

Louisiana's scenic byways take you off the beaten path to see much of what makes the state so special. "The Real French Destination" Scenic Byway takes you right through the heart of "French Louisiana," where you are sure to experience those things that make this area so special - Cajun and Creole food, music, and fun!!!

  • Broussard: Start your scenic byway tour here. Broussard has 14 properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A drive down Main Street takes you by bed and breakfast establishments and private homes built over a century ago by sugar cane farm and refinery families.

  • Lafayette, LA: Continue on to Lafayette, LA, the "Heart of French Louisiana," where you will experience historic sites and museums, like the Alexandre Mouton House, St. John Cathedral, Acadian Village, Vermilionville, the Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center, the Children's Museum of Acadiana, the Lafayette Natural History Museum and the University Art Museum. In Lafayette, LA, you can also treat your senses to the wonderful food and music of the Cajuns and Creoles, visit art galleries and delight in wonderful festivals, like Mardi Gras, Festival International de Louisiane, Festivals Acadiens and "A Cajun and Creole Christmas."

  • Scott: Just west of Lafayette, LA is the town of Scott, where they say, "the west begins." Here you can experience the simplicity and beauty of the Acadian people through the art of Floyd Sonnier at his Beau Cajun Art Gallery. But, don't leave town until you try some delicious boudin, cracklin, and smoked sausage that make this area is so famous.

  • Sunset: Your drive to Sunset will take you through some beautiful countryside with plenty of sugar cane fields. You will truly feel like you have stepped back in time when you arrive at Chretien Point Plantation, c. 1831. Listen to the story of Hypolite Chretien and his family and imagine yourself living in 19th century Louisiana. Continue your drive through the town of Sunset to Grand Coteau.

  • Grand Coteau: The historic town of Grand Coteau is home to the Academy of the Sacred Heart, c. 1821, Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House and Oak Alley, St. Charles Borromeo Church and cemetery, and St. Charles College. At the Academy of the Sacred Heart you will hear the story of the only miracle to occur in the United States (as certified by the Vatican) which led to the canonization of John Berchmans by the Catholic Church.