Louisiana's Unsung City Between Lafayette & Baton Rouge Is Worth Visiting At Least Once

Louisiana has destinations worth exploring at every turn. You could wander through the state's only national forest, a unique destination with gorgeous foliage, or spend a long weekend in the Big Easy, a vibrant Louisiana city full of fun and amazing live music. But if you want bayou vibes without the crowds, head to the heart of Cajun Country in St. Martin Parish, where Breaux Bridge, an unsung Louisiana city, delivers a relaxing and memorable Louisiana getaway.

Breaux Bridge was established in 1829 and named after Agricole Breaux, who constructed a bridge across Bayou Teche that helped the town flourish in the 1800s. Over time, the city earned its title as the Crawfish Capital of the World, a nickname rooted in generations of crawfish farming and cooking traditions. That identity is celebrated each year during the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, held annually since 1960, where Cajun culture comes alive through music, food, and local traditions. The city has preserved the Cajun culture of its earliest settlers, French-speaking Acadians who arrived in the 18th century, and that heritage still lingers throughout the historic downtown, where 19th- and early 20th-century architecture now houses antique shops, boutiques, art galleries, and excellent restaurants.

Home to just under 7,600 residents, Breaux Bridge sits between Lafayette (about 11 miles away) and Baton Rouge (nearly 49 miles). For international visitors, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is nearly a two-hour drive away. Lafayette Regional Airport, despite being small, is served by major airlines like Delta, American, and United and sits just 20 minutes away via LA-94.

Downtown Breaux Bridge has something for everyone, especially vintage art lovers. Open Thursday through Sunday, Lagniappe Antiques lives up to its name, which means "something extra" in French. This 17,000-square-foot marketplace lets you browse unique artworks and collectibles from more than 30 dealers. Janell's Antiques & Gifts is where you'll find lotions, candles, and other gifts. Something Old Something New stocks vintage furniture, pottery, and interior decor pieces that feel like treasures waiting to be claimed.

Head to Lake Martin when you're ready for the outdoors. Located about 5 miles from downtown, this 800-acre protected swamp lake managed by the Cypress Island Nature Preserve is the city's top attraction, with a 4.8-star rating on Tripadvisor. Rent kayaks or paddleboards from local outfitters near the Bayou Teche Visitors Center to explore the cypress-shaded shoreline. The lake is also home to over 200 bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Bring binoculars to spot great blue herons, snowy egrets, and roseate spoonbills, along with alligators and turtles along the water's edge.

Guided swamp tours elevate the experience. Champagne's Swamp Tours charges $25 per seat and offers kayak rentals plus public restrooms. Louisiana Swamp Tours, hosted by local Wendy Thibodeaux, runs throughout the week and is also highly rated on Tripadvisor. As one reviewer put it, "Wendy's tour is laid back, slow paced and meanders through towering Bald Cypress and Spanish moss. She shares her knowledge of the lake, birds, flora and fauna along the way. You'll see alligators, birds, turtles and more! What you won't see are any mosquitoes. Wendy is an experienced captain who makes you feel right at home in the place she loves."

If there's one thing Breaux Bridge is known for, it's the annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival held every May. The festival dedicates a full weekend from Friday to Sunday to showcase Cajun food, music, dances, and endless activities worth planning your trip around. A weekend pass costs $25, giving visitors access to celebrate the city's cultural legacy and taste crawfish platters from local vendors. A crawfish king and queen are crowned, and crawfish races take place where visitors cheer on their favorite crustacean competitors.

Beyond the festival, crawfish and Cajun food are available year-round at Breaux Bridge restaurants. Crazy Bout Crawfish serves a variety of Cajun and Creole dishes and seafood favorites. Buck & Johnny's, housed inside a repurposed 1920s car dealership, serves Cajun-style Italian entrees, pizzas, pastas, salads, and sandwiches. Every Saturday morning, the restaurant turns into a lively scene as zydeco music fills the air and its signature Zydeco Breakfast is served. Craving French food? Head to Chez Jacqueline. Decorated with press clippings and family photos, this spot serves hearty crawfish étouffée, rice, oysters, and other French-Cajun delicacies. Bring cash (or Venmo), as credit cards aren't accepted.

After filling your stomach, take a drive along the 125-mile Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway. This route winds through several historic towns and takes up to two full days to explore on a self-guided tour. Spend your time soaking in views of cypress swamps, historic plantations, and charming communities where you can stop for local dishes and antique shopping. Just drive defensively when in Louisiana, as it is one of the U.S. states with road rage problems.