How long is the New Orleans & Cajun Country: A Louisiana Bayou Loop route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 5 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from New Orleans, Louisiana to New Orleans, Louisiana in Louisiana, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is March to May, October to November.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Culture, Food & drink, Nature, Classic road trip.

New Orleans & Cajun Country: A Louisiana Bayou Loop

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The route · 5 stops

4 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

New Orleans, Louisiana

3 nights

The cultural anchor and arrival hub. Spend three nights on the French Quarter's wrought-iron balconies, with Creole and Cajun cooking, live jazz and the oak-lined Garden District. It sets the tone before the bayou, and you return here to close the loop.The cultural anchor and arrival hub. Spend three nights on the French Quarter's wrought-iron balconies, with Creole and Cajun cooking, live jazz and the oak-lined Garden District. It sets the tone before the bayou, and you return here to close the loop.

Recommendations

1h 20m · 96 km drive to Houma (Bayou Country)

Houma (Bayou Country)

1 night

The gateway to deep bayou country, about an hour southwest of New Orleans. This is the route's wildlife day: take a guided swamp tour through cypress-lined waterways to spot alligators, herons and egrets, then eat along the Bayou Country crawfish trail.The gateway to deep bayou country, about an hour southwest of New Orleans. This is the route's wildlife day: take a guided swamp tour through cypress-lined waterways to spot alligators, herons and egrets, then eat along the Bayou Country crawfish trail.

Recommendations

2h 36m · 187 km drive to Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette, Louisiana

2 nights

The heart of Cajun and Creole country, once named America's happiest city. Use two nights for Avery Island's Tabasco factory and Jungle Gardens, the cypress rookery at Lake Martin, crawfish at Breaux Bridge, and Vermilionville's living-history village. Evenings bring Cajun jams and dancehalls.The heart of Cajun and Creole country, once named America's happiest city. Use two nights for Avery Island's Tabasco factory and Jungle Gardens, the cypress rookery at Lake Martin, crawfish at Breaux Bridge, and Vermilionville's living-history village. Evenings bring Cajun jams and dancehalls.

Recommendations

1h 31m · 109 km drive to Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

1 night

Louisiana's capital, reached across the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, an 18-mile causeway over the largest river swamp in the country. Ride the free lift up the State Capitol, the tallest in the United States, for Mississippi views, then begin the Great River Road back toward New Orleans past antebellum plantations.Louisiana's capital, reached across the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, an 18-mile causeway over the largest river swamp in the country. Ride the free lift up the State Capitol, the tallest in the United States, for Mississippi views, then begin the Great River Road back toward New Orleans past antebellum plantations.

Recommendations

On the way

New Orleans, Louisiana
2h 11m · 157 km
Close the loop back in New Orleans along the Great River Road, stopping at plantations such as Oak Alley or the Whitney, which tells the story of slavery. Drop the car and spend a final evening with live music and Creole food before flying home.Close the loop back in New Orleans along the Great River Road, stopping at plantations such as Oak Alley or the Whitney, which tells the story of slavery. Drop the car and spend a final evening with live music and Creole food before flying home.
Recommendations

New Orleans & Cajun Country: A Louisiana Bayou Loop