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LOUISIANA

The state of Louisiana possesses a richness of cultural influence like no other, one that spills out into its creole cuisine and Cajun culture. It’s a rambunctious carnival of a place, from the famous Mardi Gras of New Orleans to the local dancehalls of Lafayette. There’s tranquillity, too, on its lakes, bayous and beaches, and deep in its forest and woodland.

OUTDOORS IN LOUISIANA

The intricate network of bayous, creeks and swamps that sets Louisiana apart will tease out your child-like explorer. Never knowing what is round the riverbend or hidden behind a cypress tree is all part of the fun! Outdoor life and culinary delights are inextricable in this state, so you’ll always know a unique, local dish is waiting for you at the end of an adventurous day.

TOP OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

01: ATCHAFALAYA SWAMP

01: ATCHAFALAYA SWAMP

As the USA’s largest wetland and swamp, the Atchafalaya Basin has long played an integral role in Louisiana life, not least supplying that Louisiana culinary staple, crawfish. Tour the twisting bayous on canoe or kayak and find peace among the cypress trees in this remarkable, magical place teeming with wildlife.

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02: NORTHLAKE NATURE CENTER

02: NORTHLAKE NATURE CENTER

Louisiana sunshine makes its way through the hardwood and pinewood creating a dappled light on the forest floor and pond-swamp. The Northlake Nature Center is a tranquil and serene place to spend the day birdwatching and reptile-spotting.

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03: LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN

03: LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN

Lake Pontchartrain, a huge estuary on the banks of New Orleans, can be crossed by the longest continuous bridge over a body of water in the world. Stake out your place on a fishing charter and, with the help of an expert guide, catch the supper of a lifetime.

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04: KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST

04: KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST

Fishing, horse-riding, mountain biking and hiking – Louisiana’s only national forest has it all. It may be short at only 1.5 miles, but the Longleaf Vista Interpretative Trail packs a punch in terms of panoramic viewpoints and varied terrain, across steep flat-topped hills and meadows, through forests and alongside babbling creeks.

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05: FLYWAY BYWAY

05: FLYWAY BYWAY

A drive down the 55-mile Flyway Byway will take you past fields of the agriculture and industry that have come to define this special part of Louisiana. Home to more than 160 species of birds, this southwest Louisiana trail has the greatest concentration of migratory birds in the southeastern part of the United States. It is a birders paradise.

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KEY CITIES IN LOUISIANA

New Orleans

One of the country's oldest and most interesting cities, New Orleans is known as a culturally rich and vibrant centre of fun, festivity, fine dining and history. Landmarks and historically significant architecture abound, as do sights, attractions and activities for families. Discover the restaurants, clubs and centuries-old buildings of the world-famous French Quarter and the grand homes of the Garden District

Northshore Area

Clear streams, piney woods and idyllic communities filled with antiques shops, galleries and restaurants are found throughout St. Tammany Parish, on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Only forty minutes from the French Quarter in New Orleans, revel in Northshore art, cuisine, culture and the great outdoors.

Lafayette

As the largest city in Lafayette Parish, Lafayette, Louisiana mixes all the amenities of urban life, including universities and medical centers, with the unmistakable influence of the region's venerable Cajun and Creole cultures. Visitors can learn about the area's roots by touring either the Acadian Cultural Center or Vermilionville.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, in the southwest region of the state, is a thriving destination that caters to many different tastes, from glitzy casinos and the quiet greens of award-winning golf courses to hunting and fishing adventures. It boasts over 75 festivals, ranging from the area’s family-friendly Mardi Gras to the Louisiana Pirate Festival!

Natchitoches

The City of Natchitoches is the heart of Natchitoches Parish. Founded in 1714 the site was established near a village of Natchitoches Indians. As the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, its history is also a story of the development of our nation.

New Orleans

Northshore Area

Lafayette

Lake Charles

Natchitoches

KEY CITIES IN LOUISIANA

New Orleans

One of the country's oldest and most interesting cities, New Orleans is known as a culturally rich and vibrant centre of fun, festivity, fine dining and history. Landmarks and historically significant architecture abound, as do sights, attractions and activities for families. Discover the restaurants, clubs and centuries-old buildings of the world-famous French Quarter and the grand homes of the Garden District

Northshore Area

Clear streams, piney woods and idyllic communities filled with antiques shops, galleries and restaurants are found throughout St. Tammany Parish, on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Only forty minutes from the French Quarter in New Orleans, revel in Northshore art, cuisine, culture and the great outdoors.

Lafayette

As the largest city in Lafayette Parish, Lafayette, Louisiana mixes all the amenities of urban life, including universities and medical centers, with the unmistakable influence of the region's venerable Cajun and Creole cultures. Visitors can learn about the area's roots by touring either the Acadian Cultural Center or Vermilionville.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, in the southwest region of the state, is a thriving destination that caters to many different tastes, from glitzy casinos and the quiet greens of award-winning golf courses to hunting and fishing adventures. It boasts over 75 festivals, ranging from the area’s family-friendly Mardi Gras to the Louisiana Pirate Festival!

Natchitoches

The City of Natchitoches is the heart of Natchitoches Parish. Founded in 1714 the site was established near a village of Natchitoches Indians. As the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, its history is also a story of the development of our nation.

OTHER EXPERIENCES IN LOUISIANA

Mardi Gras World

In New Orleans— home of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in North America—don't miss Mardi Gras World. This huge warehouse along the Mississippi River welcomes visitors for tours of the giant floats, figurines, costumes and Carnival decor used in the parades and balls of the city's most famous Mardi Gras krewes. Take your time, the scenes are breathtaking.

Melrose Plantation

Melrose Plantation, formerly known as Yucca Plantation, was the original seat of the Afro-Creole Metoyer family. It was owned and operated by Coin-Coin, a former slave who became a wealthy landowner and businesswoman. Melrose historian Francois Mignon wrote, “Among other sterling attributes, Marie-Thérèse was endowed with unusual energy and intelligence. This resourceful woman, her sons, and her slaves worked valiantly, clearing the land, cultivating tobacco, corn, and other crops, raising cattle, to achieve a successful plantation operation.”

Cajun Music in Lafayette

Next to jazz, perhaps no musical tradition is more associated with Louisiana than Cajun. The Acadians, or Cajuns, found refuge in Louisiana after being exiled from Nova Scotia in 1755 and made a new life in the harsh environment. As their communal ties grew stronger, so too did their traditions of storytelling, singing and dancing.

RW Norton Art Museum

R.W. Norton Art Gallery is Shreveport's largest museum and houses thousands of American and European sculptures, paintings, artifacts and decorative arts spanning four centuries. The architecturally beautiful building sits on 40 beautifully landscaped acres featuring azalea gardens, trails and more. Each Spring, the grounds of the Norton Art Gallery burst into bloom with beautiful azalea gardens.

Gas Station Eats Food Trail

Anyone who travels to Louisiana knows local cookin’ is a big attraction. The state has its mainstays-off-the-freeways like everybody else. But, if you’re looking for authentic Louisiana flavour - the eats and treats you hear gossip about - you’ve got to explore the byways-and-highways of the No Mans Land Food Trails! Day-trippin’ the gas station eats of No Man's Land offers a slice of southern hospitality, tasty scenic landscapes, and several big bites of what you came here for.

Mardi Gras World

Melrose Plantation

Cajun Music in Lafayette

RW Norton Art Museum

Gas Station Eats Food Trail

OTHER EXPERIENCES IN LOUISIANA

Mardi Gras World

In New Orleans— home of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in North America—don't miss Mardi Gras World. This huge warehouse along the Mississippi River welcomes visitors for tours of the giant floats, figurines, costumes and Carnival decor used in the parades and balls of the city's most famous Mardi Gras krewes. Take your time, the scenes are breathtaking.

Melrose Plantation

Melrose Plantation, formerly known as Yucca Plantation, was the original seat of the Afro-Creole Metoyer family. It was owned and operated by Coin-Coin, a former slave who became a wealthy landowner and businesswoman. Melrose historian Francois Mignon wrote, “Among other sterling attributes, Marie-Thérèse was endowed with unusual energy and intelligence. This resourceful woman, her sons, and her slaves worked valiantly, clearing the land, cultivating tobacco, corn, and other crops, raising cattle, to achieve a successful plantation operation.”

Cajun Music in Lafayette

Next to jazz, perhaps no musical tradition is more associated with Louisiana than Cajun. The Acadians, or Cajuns, found refuge in Louisiana after being exiled from Nova Scotia in 1755 and made a new life in the harsh environment. As their communal ties grew stronger, so too did their traditions of storytelling, singing and dancing.

RW Norton Art Museum

R.W. Norton Art Gallery is Shreveport's largest museum and houses thousands of American and European sculptures, paintings, artifacts and decorative arts spanning four centuries. The architecturally beautiful building sits on 40 beautifully landscaped acres featuring azalea gardens, trails and more. Each Spring, the grounds of the Norton Art Gallery burst into bloom with beautiful azalea gardens.

Gas Station Eats Food Trail

Anyone who travels to Louisiana knows local cookin’ is a big attraction. The state has its mainstays-off-the-freeways like everybody else. But, if you’re looking for authentic Louisiana flavour - the eats and treats you hear gossip about - you’ve got to explore the byways-and-highways of the No Mans Land Food Trails! Day-trippin’ the gas station eats of No Man's Land offers a slice of southern hospitality, tasty scenic landscapes, and several big bites of what you came here for.