THE SOUL OF THE SOUTH:

NEW ORLEANS, BATON ROUGE AND LAFAYETTE

From the LaBranche House to the bayous, Louisiana is home to historic architecture, gorgeous natural ecosystems, mouthwatering cuisine and much more. For those seeking an authentic American experience, the trio of New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette offers an itinerary that reveals the true depth of Louisiana’s Deep South.

Starting in New Orleans, sample world-renowned jazz and Creole culture – a heady cocktail of French, Spanish, and African influences. A short drive inland brings you to BatonRouge, the state capital, where a relaxed pace of life meets the electric energy of college sports, including (at home games during the sports season) the spirited ‘tailgating’ scene. Finally, Lafayette serves as the cultural heart of Cajun country, where the ‘Happiest city in America’ invites you to dance the two-step in local music halls.

Together, these three cities, each about an hour’s drive from the next, provide a perfectly paced journey through the music, flavours and traditions of The Pelican State.

Baton Rouge More than a capital

At Baton Rouge’s Louisiana State University (LSU), Saturday nights in the autumn transform the 102,000-seat Tiger Stadium, nicknamed ‘Death Valley’, into one of the most intimidating yet exhilarating sporting venues on earth. Part of the fun is the legendary ‘tailgating’ culture: 650 acres of the campus are overtaken by the scent of BBQ, the sound of Garth Brooks’ ‘Callin’ Baton Rouge’ and friendly locals welcoming guests with a spirited ‘GEAUX Tigers!’. Importantly, tailgating is not just for sports fans, it’s more like a festival or immersive cultural experience and is a must-do – even if you don’t go to the game!

However, there is more to the capital than the roar of the stadium. Downtown Baton Rouge is a walkable district of museums and parks: tour the Art Deco masterpiece of the New State Capitol, the enthralling LSU Museum of Art or Capitol Park Museum. Along the Mississippi River levee, a paved path offers scenic views for walkers and cyclists.

Baton Rouge Food, history and festivals

Baton Rouge is somewhat of an underrated foodie destination and features 2025 Michelin- recommended spots like Elsie’s Plate & Pie and St. Francisville Inn & Restaurant, alongside local staples such as Louisiana Lagniappe. Be sure to sample some traditional Cajun and Creole such as jambalaya, as well as several options for global infusion cuisine including Greek and Lebanese.

For a deeper look at regional history, the LSU Rural Life Museum and the 1790s French historic home, Magnolia Mound, provide a comprehensive overview of Louisiana’s complex heritage.

Visit the Old State Capitol on the Civil Rights Trail to see where the first bus boycott in the South occurred, which inspired Martin Luther King Jr’s Montgomery bus boycott. Or pay homage to A.Z. Young and Robert Hicks, two activists who began a 106-mile march from Bogalusa to Baton Rouge to raise awareness of violence against African Americans. By the time the marchers reached the Capitol, their numbers had grown to over 600.

Be sure to check out a festival while you’re in town: Baton celebrates everything and everyone. From White Light Night (art) to Crawfete (seafood) to Baton Rouge Blues Fest (‘swamp blues’ music) to Night Market BTR (Asian heritage), there’ll be a party with your name on it. From the artsy, eclectic vibes of the Mid City neighbourhood to the high-stepping Human Jukebox marching band of Southern University, Baton Rouge offers a rich and rewarding itinerary for slow travellers.

New Orleans The Big Easy

Start your visit to NOLA with an iconic beignet (doughnut) and a coffee from Café du Monde, located on the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter. Take a walking tour to see the LaBranche House, then the St. Louis Cathedral, as well as the two Louisiana State Museums, the Cabildo and Presbytère, which house permanent exhibits about the city’s history.

For a change of pace, kayak through the nearby bayous or ride the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar through the Garden District to admire the oak trees and antebellum mansions. Let the energy levels rise as you join the ‘Who Dat’ nation at the Caesars Superdome to cheer on the NFL’s New Orleans Saints – an experience that is as much a cultural ritual as it is a game.

As evening falls, check out the authentic jazz clubs of Frenchmen Street. Whatever you do, you’ll see that New Orleans is a place where “Laissez les bons temps rouler” – let the good times roll – is not just a slogan but a way of life.

Lafayette The heart of Acadiana

The gateway to Cajun and Creole country, Lafayette is situted near the Atchafalaya Basin which is home to alligators and ancient cypress trees. The city prioritises heritage and community over tourist novelty and the culinary traditions reflect the rich multiculturalism: restaurants serve up gumbo, boudin and crawfish boils, following recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Billed as the ‘happiest city in America’, modern-day Lafayette still celebrates the joie de vivre that the French-speaking descendants of the Acadians were known for. Who wouldn’t be happy when live music plays somewhere every night? Cajun and Zydeco performances fill dance halls and restaurants throughout the week; be sure to learn the two-step while listening to French-influenced accordion music.

Festivals here, such as the Festival International de Louisiane (the largest free Francophone music festival in the States), turn the entire downtown into a global stage. And if that wasn’t electrifying enough, Lafayette is home to the University of Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns football team who regularly turn the Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium – nicknamed “The Swamp’ - into a fever pitch.

GETTING THERE British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International, with a flight time of approximately 10 hours. Alternatively, several airlines connect via Atlanta or Houston, allowing you to fly into Baton Rouge or Lafayette. The Amtrak is great between Biloxi and New Orleans. BEST TIME TO GO For the best weather and the height of festival season, visit mid-February to May or during the pleasant autumn months of October to November. Spring brings Mardi Gras and the famous crawfish season, while autumn offers American football and mild, sunny days perfect for exploring the outdoors. For those interested in the World Cup, all three cities have venues for watch parties for the football – or any other sporting event. WHERE TO STAY From elegant historic hotels and stylish boutique stays to modern city properties, cosy guesthouses and budget-friendly motels there’s plenty of choice for every taste and budget. football – or any other sporting event. FURTHER INFORMATION You’ll need a car – rent one from Louis Armstrong Airportor or use ride-share to move between New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Once inside each city’s boundary, you can walk or take one of New Orleans’ iconic streetcars. neworleans.com, visitbatonrouge.com lafayettetravel.com