Welcome to Lafayette - the heart of Cajun Country and the cultural center of Louisiana's heritage.
Lafayette is a city located on the Vermilion River in Lafayette Parish, in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Lafayette is the parish seat.
Here you'll discover the rich history of our French, Spanish and Caribbean ancestors. Learn how these diverse cultres came together, creating art and architecture, music and dance, food and celebrations and a "Joie de Vivre" that has influenced not only the lives of everyone in our state, but has made an impact on the entire world.
Lafayette is a great place for day trips as New Orleans is a hour and 1/2 drive as is Marksville to the north with its big casino. You can also catch Lake Charlews an hour to the West, so renting a car and doing some exploring would be a great idea.
Lafayette has a strong tourism industry, attracted by the Cajun and Creole cultures of the surrounding region and hosts the annual Festival de Musique Acadienne, Festivals Acadiens, and the annual Festival International de Louisiane. It also has one of the highest restaurant counts per capita of cities in the area.
More than a business center, Downtown Lafayette is the living center of our unique cultural fabric. Long the historic heart of our community, downtown has redefined itself as the civic, cultural and economic heart as well. Key public facilities and visionary urban design are incorporated in a vibrant palette of public art, festivals and events celebrating the Acadiana of yesterday, today and tomorrow, all within easy walking distance in our pedestrian-friendly urban center.
Our state is called "The Sportsman's Paradise" for many reasons, not the least of which is our wonderfully, warm year-round climate. Championship golf courses, hiking and biking trails, bird watching, and canoe trips through the swamps and bayous are just some of the many outdoor adventures that await you.
Lafayette is situated in the heart of a unique cultural region known as Acadiana. The name is derived from the hard-working and fun-loving Acadians, who were exiled from their homeland of Nova Scotia in the late 1700s. Lafayette is well known for its unique joie de vie, or love of life. When the latest work project is finished and the door closes on another week, the place to be during spring and fall is "Downtown Alive!" This giant street dance is only one of the many activities that showcase the quality of life, enhances the atmosphere of Lafayette and epitomizes the friendly and outgoing nature of the area.
There is also plenty of non-festival activities to enjoy in Acadiana. Lafayette offers a multitude of historic attractions that mirror the pride Acadiana holds for its past, including majestic plantation homes, vibrant gardens and exciting museums.
Cajuns and Creoles take fun seriously, so don't be afraid to enjoy yourself in Lafayette - it's the custom!
Housing Cost
Located just minutes from Lafayette are some of the most beautiful historic homes in the state. Hear stories of ghosts and the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte at Chretien Point Plantation. Take a tour of the stately Shadows-on-the-Teche.
Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $128,200
Demographics
Estimated population in July 2006: 114,214. Lafayette covers 47.6 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 41 feet above sea level.
Zip codes: 70501, 70503, 70506, 70507, 70508
Area code: 337
Weather
Lafayette, LA climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's and cool during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 50's.
The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 90.90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 42.10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 17 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Lafayette is 62.17 Inches. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is July with an average rainfall of 6.65 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
