Louisiana is just jam packed with rivers, bayous, swamps, and lakes. Just about every town has some type of natural water feature that they can claim, and each one is just as beautiful as the next. Next time you’re looking for a new adventure, consider these enchanting bayou towns because they’ll capture your heart.
- Breaux Bridge
C Hanchey/Flickr
jc.winkler/Flickr Nestled right in the heart of Cajun Country, this little town will charm you in the best ways. Situated along Bayou Teche, Breaux Bridge earned the nickname of being the Crawfish Capital of the World, and is well known for hosting the annual crawfish festival every May. Take the walking tour of the town to learn the history of the town, see incredible historic buildings, and enjoy a lovely scenic view of Bayou Teche.
- Houma
dconvertini/Flickr
Houma Travel/Facebook You’ll never run out of things to do in bayou country. Houma is filled with swamp tours, airboat rides, charter fishing, antebellum plantations, art galleries, museums, and more. The Mandalay National Refuge Center is great for those looking to get a closer look at the beautiful swamps, bayous, and wildlife in the area. There’s something for everyone down in Houma. Some of the best gumbos, jambalaya, étouffée and other notable dishes can be found in Houma, so be sure to make time for a delicious meals between sightseeing.
- Natchitoches
Ron H./Trip Advisor
Kent Kanouse/Flickr It may not be a bayou, but Cane River Lake is so picturesque, we had to include it on this list. You’ll enjoy walking down Front street and stopping in all of the local shops and boutiques, and be sure to stop in the Kaffie-Frederick General Store. It’s the oldest in Louisiana!
- New Iberia
Shadows on the Teche/Facebook
Shadows on the Teche/Facebook Bayou Teche runs through New Iberia, giving way to the city’s nickname “Queen of the Teche.” A trip to New Iberia isn’t complete without a trip to Shadows On The Teche, a Classic Revival-style plantation built in 1834.
- Thibodaux
Gary Dee/Wikimedia
Laurel Valley Plantation/Facebook You’ll find Thibodaux along the banks of Bayou Lafourche in southeast Louisiana. You’ll see the French and Spanish Creole influence in everything from the food to the architecture when you visit. Thibodaux is home to the Laurel Valley Village, the largest surviving 19th and 20th century sugar plantation left in the country. With almost 60 original structures, Laurel Valley gives visitors a glimpse into the past.
- Bastrop
Billy Hathorn/Wikimedia
Chemin-A-Haut State Park/Facebook You’ll find Bastrop about 25 miles north of Monroe, close to the Arkansas state line. Chemin-A-Haut State Park is located in Bastrop, and it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Situated on a high bluff overlooking Bayou Bartholomew, this 503-acre park is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours or an entire weekend.
- St. Martinville
RossendaleMancunian/Trip Advisor
Aflossiegirl/Trip Advisor Another Bayou Teche town, St. Martinville is a charming little town. The most visited spot is Evangeline Oak Park, which is right on Bayou Teche. The tree is named for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem Evangeline, and it’s a lovely little spot for a stroll among some beautiful scenery. Lake Fausse Point State Park is nearby which provides hours of outdoor fun, and the Saint Martin de Tours Church is a must-see. Founded in 1765, it’s one of the oldest Catholic Churches in America, and the third oldest in Louisiana.
If you liked this article, check out our other article that features some other beautiful waterfront towns in Louisiana.
C Hanchey/Flickr
jc.winkler/Flickr
Nestled right in the heart of Cajun Country, this little town will charm you in the best ways. Situated along Bayou Teche, Breaux Bridge earned the nickname of being the Crawfish Capital of the World, and is well known for hosting the annual crawfish festival every May. Take the walking tour of the town to learn the history of the town, see incredible historic buildings, and enjoy a lovely scenic view of Bayou Teche.
dconvertini/Flickr
Houma Travel/Facebook
You’ll never run out of things to do in bayou country. Houma is filled with swamp tours, airboat rides, charter fishing, antebellum plantations, art galleries, museums, and more. The Mandalay National Refuge Center is great for those looking to get a closer look at the beautiful swamps, bayous, and wildlife in the area. There’s something for everyone down in Houma. Some of the best gumbos, jambalaya, étouffée and other notable dishes can be found in Houma, so be sure to make time for a delicious meals between sightseeing.
Ron H./Trip Advisor
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
It may not be a bayou, but Cane River Lake is so picturesque, we had to include it on this list. You’ll enjoy walking down Front street and stopping in all of the local shops and boutiques, and be sure to stop in the Kaffie-Frederick General Store. It’s the oldest in Louisiana!
Shadows on the Teche/Facebook
Bayou Teche runs through New Iberia, giving way to the city’s nickname “Queen of the Teche.” A trip to New Iberia isn’t complete without a trip to Shadows On The Teche, a Classic Revival-style plantation built in 1834.
Gary Dee/Wikimedia
Laurel Valley Plantation/Facebook
You’ll find Thibodaux along the banks of Bayou Lafourche in southeast Louisiana. You’ll see the French and Spanish Creole influence in everything from the food to the architecture when you visit. Thibodaux is home to the Laurel Valley Village, the largest surviving 19th and 20th century sugar plantation left in the country. With almost 60 original structures, Laurel Valley gives visitors a glimpse into the past.
Billy Hathorn/Wikimedia
Chemin-A-Haut State Park/Facebook
You’ll find Bastrop about 25 miles north of Monroe, close to the Arkansas state line. Chemin-A-Haut State Park is located in Bastrop, and it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Situated on a high bluff overlooking Bayou Bartholomew, this 503-acre park is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours or an entire weekend.
RossendaleMancunian/Trip Advisor
Aflossiegirl/Trip Advisor
Another Bayou Teche town, St. Martinville is a charming little town. The most visited spot is Evangeline Oak Park, which is right on Bayou Teche. The tree is named for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem Evangeline, and it’s a lovely little spot for a stroll among some beautiful scenery. Lake Fausse Point State Park is nearby which provides hours of outdoor fun, and the Saint Martin de Tours Church is a must-see. Founded in 1765, it’s one of the oldest Catholic Churches in America, and the third oldest in Louisiana.
What’s your favorite bayou town in Louisiana? Doesn’t necessarily have to be a bayou… just anywhere with a water view. Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from y’all!
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