Settling here with aid from Spain, they brought with them a diverse heritage, farming skills, a love of music and fun, and a determination to retain their language and culture.  The poorest of the poor, they settled along the bayous north of New Orleans, using the winding shallow swamps as “roads” for both commerce and communication among themselves; eventually, they spread to the plains to the north and west, adding cattle ranching to farming and fishing as a livelihood.  

These were the forefathers of today’s Louisiana Cajuns who retain the deep-seated love of family, fondness for music and dancing and reverence for good food that was part and parcel of the French colonists ousted from their land so long ago.  As time passed, their French-Acadian heritage incorporated Spanish, French, German, Haitian, and Native American Indian elements to form the distinctive, unique Cajun culture found today in South Louisiana.  

Welcome to Cajun Country, a place to make friends, eat well, and “pass a good time.”  The Cajuns will welcome you to their celebrations, large and small, their restaurants and dances – maybe even to their homes.  If you stay here for just a little while, we’re sure you’ll want to come back often.  

“Laissez les bon temps rouler!” 
(lay ZAY lay bon ton rule ay) - Let the good times roll!