Things To Do
in Broussard
Broussard is a small, friendly city in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, just west of Lafayette. It blends rural charm with a touch of Cajun-Creole culture, featuring leafy streets and historic storefronts. The surrounding area is rich with seafood, markets, and welcoming community gatherings that celebrate local heritage.
Its proximity to Lafayette makes it a convenient base for exploring Cajun country while enjoying a slower, hospitable pace.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of downtown Broussard. Enjoy breakfast at a local café where you can taste some authentic Cajun dishes. Make sure to visit the local shops to appreciate the unique crafts and products made by local artisans.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Henry D. F. de La Fontaine House to learn about Broussard's history and architecture. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant known for its mouthwatering po'boys and gumbo. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the Broussard Community Center, where you can usually find local events or art exhibits.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant where you can indulge in Cajun-style oysters and shrimp dishes. Afterward, take a relaxing walk in Lafleur Park, enjoying the serenity and beauty of the evening sky. Finish the day with live music at a local venue, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Broussard.
Kick off the day with a visit to the nearby wetlands for bird watching at the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the rich wildlife as you stroll along the trails. A breakfast picnic in the park is a perfect way to start the day immersed in nature.
Spend the afternoon kayaking or canoeing on the bayou, taking in the stunning scenery and tranquility of the waterways. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including alligators and various bird species. After a refreshing outdoor adventure, have a casual lunch at a riverside cafe to refuel.
As night falls, return to Broussard for dinner at a restaurant showcasing traditional Louisiana cuisine. Enjoy the flavors and aromas, perhaps sampling a bowl of jambalaya or étouffée. Cap off your evening with a cozy gathering around a fire pit, sharing stories under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee and breakfast | $3-7 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $40-60 |
| 🚗Gas per gallon | $3-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cajun culture and friendly locals
- Close to Lafayette and other Cajun country attractions
- Relaxed pace and walkable historic neighborhoods
- Good value for lodging and dining
- Limited nightlife within Broussard itself
- Festival seasons can bring traffic and crowds
- Heat and humidity in summer; mosquitoes
- Limited public transit within the city
Places to Visit in Broussard
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful storefronts and vintage lampposts line the street, especially photogenic at Golden Hour.
Vibrant street art celebrating Cajun culture provides a bold backdrop for portraits and wide-angle shots.
Waterfront views and moss-draped trees offer tranquil, reflective scenes at sunrise or sunset.
Historic tombstones and ancient live oaks create atmospheric, moody compositions.
Classic bridge silhouette against evening skies provides strong composition opportunities.
Food in Broussard
Broussard Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crawfish tails slowly cooked in a rich roux-based sauce, served over rice; a quintessential Cajun dish found at many local eateries.
Must-Try!
Rice, pork, and spices packed into a sausage casing, often enjoyed grilled or fried at markets and local cafés.
A thick, flavorful stew that can be seafood, chicken‑and‑sausage, or vegetable-based, typically served over rice.
A hearty one-pot dish of rice, meats (often sausage or chicken), vegetables, and Cajun spices.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, and ready-to-eat Cajun snacks from local vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly, sociable greetings are common; small talk about local life and food is welcomed in social settings.
Casual attire is standard for most venues; nicer restaurants may expect smart-casual dress.
Safety
Tipping in Broussard
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars; leave smaller tips for less formal service and tip hotel staff and drivers as appropriate.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash and contactless payments are common; ATMs are available statewide.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid, with frequent afternoon storms. Stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Mild and pleasant, ideal for outdoor exploration and photography with colorful foliage and harvest events.
Generally mild to cool; pack a light jacket for chilly mornings and evenings.
Lush landscapes and blooming flowers; brief rain showers are common—bring a compact umbrella.
Broussard at Night
Hiking in Broussard
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, shaded trails through a cypress swamp with boardwalks and birdwatching opportunities.
Riverside and forested trails nearby along Bayou Teche, suitable for a scenic hike.
Airports
How to reach Broussard by plane.
Small regional airport with connections to major hubs; roughly a 15-20 minute drive to Broussard.
Major international airport about a 2-2.5 hour drive from Broussard.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A core cultural influence shaping language, cuisine, and music in the area.
A mix of long-term residents and newcomers seeking a slower pace and community feel.
People connected to Lafayette's educational and business sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local school and college games draw community support and provide a lively fall atmosphere.
Indoor and outdoor leagues; youth programs are common in the region.
Popular outdoor activities in the broader Cajun country surrounding Broussard.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Broussard.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Cajun dishes can be adjusted; look for vegetable-based gumbo, salads, roasted vegetables, and ask for no meat or seafood stock in soups. When in doubt, request grilled vegetables with a starch side.