There are some places that just leave a lasting impression on you, and LARC’S Acadian Village is one of them. Sprawled out across 32 gorgeous acres in Lafayette, this historic village will give you a glimpse of early Acadian life like never seen before. You’ll be transported through time as you stroll through the grounds, visiting historic homes and businesses, learning all about the day-to-day lives of early Acadian residents. Let’s take a closer look.
Owned and operated by LARC, the Acadian Village is one of the most unique attractions in Louisiana.
Lucie V./Tripadvisor LARC is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving those in the Lafayette area with developmental disabilities, helping them and their families reach their professional and personal goals.
Established in the 1970s, the village is a beautiful representation of what a typical Acadian village from the 1800s would have looked like.
Jack Joshlin/Google The village was created to serve three distinct purposes: to preserve Acadian heritage, raise funds to offset government cuts to the LARC program, and to provide employment for LARC members.
There are 11 buildings peppered throughout the village.
Anna Wysocki/Google Seven of them are authentic homes from the 1800s, donated by families nearby. The rest are close replicas, designed to show the passing of time and fit right in with the authentic buildings.
One of the houses you’ll stumble across is the Bernard House, pictured below.
https://acadianvillage.org The oldest structure in the village, the section on the left was built around 1800 and the addition on the right was built around 1840. As you walk through the home, you’ll notice fascinating Cajun music exhibits and learn all about the unique insulation that was used at the time, as well as how they were built.
From churches to blacksmith shops, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported through time as you walk through all the buildings.
Joy Scott/Google
You’ll get a glimpse of the day-to-day lives of early Acadians. You’ll see how their homes were set up . . .
Anna Wysocki/Google
. . . how they cooked, how their bedrooms looked, and even what kids’ toys looked like. You truly get a unique peep into the past when you visit this historic spot.
Anna Wysocki/Google Guided and self-guided tours are offered Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. and they offer tours in both English and French.
For more information, including group rates and special events, check out their website, and don’t forget to give them a follow on Facebook. If you’ve ever visited the Acadian Village, share your experience with us in the comments below!
Lucie V./Tripadvisor
LARC is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving those in the Lafayette area with developmental disabilities, helping them and their families reach their professional and personal goals.
Jack Joshlin/Google
The village was created to serve three distinct purposes: to preserve Acadian heritage, raise funds to offset government cuts to the LARC program, and to provide employment for LARC members.
Anna Wysocki/Google
Seven of them are authentic homes from the 1800s, donated by families nearby. The rest are close replicas, designed to show the passing of time and fit right in with the authentic buildings.
The oldest structure in the village, the section on the left was built around 1800 and the addition on the right was built around 1840. As you walk through the home, you’ll notice fascinating Cajun music exhibits and learn all about the unique insulation that was used at the time, as well as how they were built.
Joy Scott/Google
Guided and self-guided tours are offered Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. and they offer tours in both English and French.
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Address: LARC’s Acadian Village, 200 Greenleaf Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506, USA
