Exploring Arnaudville, Breaux Bridge, and Lake Martin   

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Louisiana’s cultural heritage as you explore the captivating destinations of Arnaudville, Breaux Bridge, and Lake Martin in St. Martin Parish. Discover the Cajun influences that make this area so unique, from Breaux Bridge’s renowned crawfish scene to Arnaudville’s local art galleries and the NUNU Arts and Culture Collective. Find solace in the picturesque beauty of Lake Martin, where kayaking, bird-watching, and wildlife spotting create unforgettable experiences. Indulge in mouthwatering Cajun cuisine and embrace the lively festivals and music scene that bring the spirit of Louisiana to life in St. Martin Parish.  

Arnaudville  

Arnaudville, nestled in the heart of Acadiana, is a charming town steeped in Cajun culture and history. With its vibrant music scene, delectable local cuisine, and thriving arts community, visitors are immersed in the rich heritage of this old Louisiana town. Explore the bayous, savor boudin sausage, and enjoy the Cajun fiddle tunes that echo through the streets of Arnaudville. 

Treat yourself to a true Cajun experience with shrimp po’boys and other classic dishes at the family-owned Myran’s Maison de Manger, overlooking the picturesque Bayou Teche. For beer enthusiasts and food lovers, a visit to Bayou Teche Brewing offers creatively crafted pizzas, cracklins, and desserts perfectly paired with their fresh draft and packaged beers. Explore the arts scene at the NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, housed in a former hardware store, offering a diverse selection of fine art, jewelry, pottery, and more, along with engaging programs and events showcasing the local culture. To top off your visit, stay at the historic Maison Stephanie, a unique B&B getaway steeped in rich history dating back to the late 1700s. This historic property promises a memorable stay on 20 acres of Bayou Teche land, where generations of families have resided and left their mark. 

Breaux Bridge    

Breaux Bridge has a rich history dating back to 1771, when Firmin Breaux began buying land surrounding what is now Breaux Bridge. Bayou Teche running through the land created the need for a bridge, and in 1799, Breaux built the first suspension bridge across it. The vehicular bridge was built in 1817, and in 1829, Scholastique Picou Breaux, Firmins daughter in-law, founded the town and named it after the bridge and women who helped establish it. Breaux Bridge gained fame for its association with crawfish, as the first place where restaurants openly featured crawfish on their menus. It was within these eateries that the renowned crawfish etouffee dish originated. Since earning the title of the Crawfish Capital of the World in 1959, Breaux Bridge has proudly hosted the annual crawfish festival, a celebration widely regarded as one of the state’s premier events. 

In Breaux Bridge, a visit to Randol’s s a must for those seeking an authentic Cajun experience. Classic dishes like seafood gumbo and alligator bites are made with the freshest Gulf seafood—and don’t miss their shrimp étouffée, a local specialty prepared fresh daily. Venture off the beaten path to try Glenda’s Creole Kitchen Restaurant, where Miss Glenda herself still serves up Southern classics like stuffed turkey wings, smothered steak, and shrimp stew.

Beyond the delicious cuisine, explore the town’s well-preserved Historic Downtown District and Veteran’s Park honoring local veterans and the town’s female founder. Be sure to experience the 20-foot granite Bayou Teche Snake Sculpture. Inspired by a Chitimacha legend, the body of the snake sculpture is designed to follow the exact shape and route of the bayou as it winds its way through the Teche country of South Louisiana.  

For those who love antiquing, Breaux Bridge offers a variety of charming shops filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. For a true taste of Breaux Bridge, wake up early on Saturdays to savor the world-famous Zydeco Breakfast at Buck & Jonny’s. Couples take to the dance floor to shimmy, swing, and sway to the zydeco music. After working up an appetite reward yourself with local favorites like boudin-stuffed omelets, grilled boudin, or crawfish étouffée grits. Extend your time in Breaux Bridge with a delightful stay at Chez Moi, a cozy Airbnb within walking distance of Bayou Teche and downtown district that just so happens to be owned by Grammy-nominated musician Yvette Landry, a Breaux Bridge native.  

Lake Martin    

Lake Martin in Louisiana’s Cypress Island Nature Preserve is a unique and vital ecosystem that supports a diverse array of native wildlife. As one of the largest bird nesting colonies in the state, Lake Martin is a haven for species like the anhinga, great blue heron, and roseate spoonbill. And while alligators are the preserve’s most prominent wildlife, visitors can also observe a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and the infamous nutria. Activities like hiking, boat riding, kayaking, and bird-watching make Lake Martin and The Nature Conservancy’s Cypress Island Preserve a one-of-a-kind visit destination for nature lovers.  

For a serene nature getaway, book an extended stay at Maison Madeleine. Originally a circa 1840 French Creole cottage moved to its Lake Martin location in 1997, this bed-and-breakfast exudes charm and history. Accredited for exceptional service and authentic preservation, the property represents one of the few surviving 19th-century structures in the Acadiana Parishes and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Maison Madeleine serves as a gateway to experiencing the natural wonders of the area, attracting visitors worldwide to witness the annual migration of birds from February to June. Guided tours throughout the year by companies like Borel’s Swamp Tours offer glimpses of the diverse wildlife and lush vegetation that make Lake Martin a renowned destination for kayakers, photographers, and bird-watchers. Maison Madeleine is also renowned for its exceptional Secret Supper Series. This culinary event showcases an illustrious lineup of James Beard Award-nominated chefs and GRAMMY-nominated musicians.  

Plan your visit today at CajunCountry.org.