Lafayette, the heart of Acadiana and the unofficial capital of Cajun Country, with its gleaming present belies an exciting and captivating past. Lafayette is a metropolis which displays an extraordinary mixture of tradition and progressiveness. Having a rich French heritage blended with Spanish, American, Indian and African influences, the city represents a colourful combination of lifestyles.

Lafayette lies 15 miles west of the Atchafalaya Basin and 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico and exhibits the subtropical climate typical of South Louisiana. The city is situated in a geographical area of forests and prairies interlaced with bayous, swamps and marshes.

Lafayette has long been known for its great food, music and festivals. Lafayette is also a place with a multitude of historic attractions, majestic plantation homes, vibrant gardens, leisurely swamp tours, and exciting museums. The museums of Lafayette shed light on early life in South Louisiana, present world-class art exhibitions, examine many facets of the universe and provide fun, hands-on activities for children and adults alike.