Experience a bygone era of the Deep South at the Acadian Village. A group of 11 authentic structures show how the Acadians (or Cajuns) lived and worked on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion in the 1800s. Each building was donated by ancestors of the people that greatly influenced the cultural identity of Louisiana. Browse art exhibitions at the Acadian Village, shop for handicrafts and be part of a vibrant Christmas festival.
Two of the most striking landmarks within the village were owned by Doctor Hypolite Salles, who was one of Lafayette’s first dentists. Doctor Salles’ House also serves as an art gallery and studio and has superb landscape and floral paintings. All of the exhibited pieces are available to purchase. Adjacent to here is the Greek Revival-style Doctor’s Museum, which stores antique medical books, diplomas, instruments and medicine bottles.
Find spinning and weaving equipment in a house brought from a sugar plantation in Broussard. A mural depicting the Acadian exile from Canada in the 1750s decorates the village’s oldest building, Bernard House. Watch blacksmithing demonstrations in the blacksmith shop and see the replica of a mid 19th century church. Peek inside the birthplace of the one-time state senator and affluent entrepreneur Dudley J. LeBlanc.
Visit in December for Noel Acadien au Village, a spectacular Christmas celebration when half a million lights illuminate the buildings. Have fun on fairground rides, sample typical Cajun cuisine and listen to live music performances. Local artisans sell art, handicrafts and toys at a pop-up market. Acadian souvenirs are sold year-round at the village’s Le Magasin general store.
The village is about a 20-minute drive southwest of downtown Lafayette. There’s a free car park at the entrance.
Acadian Village is open from Monday to Saturday, except for select public holidays, and there’s an admission fee. It’s free for children aged 4 and under. Guided tours are available by prior reservation and for a fee. There’s an additional fee for Noel Acadien au Village. Visit the village’s official website for more information.
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