Situated in southern Louisiana’s Cajun Country, St Martinville is located along the historic Bayou Teche. The town has mossy oaks and shaded streets. Residents enjoy fishing, picnicking in parks, and visiting historical museums. Residents trace their ancestry back to Acadian settlers who were expelled from Nova Scotia in the 1700s. The city is also home to the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site and the Evangeline Oak, which was featured in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1847 epic poem, which made people aware of the Acadian expulsion.
Budget-conscious travelers should consider staying at a hotel in St. Martinville. Many affordable lodging options provide basic amenities and comfort. Some of the more upscale St. Martinville hotels include bed and breakfasts. The former offers free breakfast and a full gym. The latter also offers free parking and vending machines. For those on a budget, the Super 8 by Wyndham Duson Lafayette West Area offers deep discounts on room rates.
If you are visiting St Martinville, make sure to include a stop at the Louisiana State Museum, one of the few free things to do in St. Martinville, Louisiana. The museum is filled with artifacts that tell the story of working-class Louisiana. A few buildings in the area are even on the National Historic Register. And while the city has its share of free activities, the museum is an excellent destination for families with young children.
The St. Martin Parish is situated on the banks of Bayou Teche, a river that flows through the area. It was named after the Acadian exiles who settled the region. It is the parish seat and the birthplace of Cajun culture. The downtown square is dominated by the St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church. Nearby attractions include the Acadian Memorial Museum, African American Museum, and Evangeline Oak.
Native Americans had hunting camps in the area before European settlement took place. Nearby Bayou Teche, there was an African settlement. Nearby Attakapas Indians also settled in the area. The bayou Teche also played a role in Chitimacha Indian folklore. One legend states that a serpent of fabulous dimensions lived in the Atchafalaya Basin. This myth is believed to be the origin of the famous Chitimacha Indian ‘Snake’.
Vermilionville has a living history museum that features the history of the Acadians. Visitors can learn about their way of life by watching costumed craftspeople demonstrate their craft. Other attractions include a restored 18th century Acadian house and a museum that features indigenous cultures and traditions. A visit to this museum will surely leave you wanting to return to St Martinville to discover more. If you like animals, you’ll be happy to see the many different kinds of wildlife that call this Louisiana home.