Although it's only two hours away from New Orleans, visiting Cajun Country is like transporting yourself into another country. Louisiana's Bayou Country stretches over 100 miles and spans 22 parishes. And each region specializes in its own unique blend of cuisine Cajun, art, dialect (Cajun French) and music (Zydeco). If you're looking to spice up your life, our 4-Day/3-night Cajun Country Cultural Immersion package is peppered with creative culinary and exclusive cultural experiences that truly capture the soul of the Bayou.
Day 1: Welcome to Louisiana Bayou Country
Welcome to Louisiana! You'll pick-up your rental car and drive west to Bayou Country. You'll drive along scenic backroads, go by majestic Oaks and moss-covered statues, and spot mature Cypress and Tupelos by the swamps before approaching the Maison Madeleine, your charming and rustic home for the next 3 nights.
Built in the 1840's, Maison Madeleine is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in America. It's nestled among lush gardens on the shores of Lake Martin, a hidden gem that boasts one of the largest wading bird rookeries in North America. The nearby small town of Breaux Bridge is one of the cultural centers of Acadiana and the heartland of the inviting Cajun way of life. Maison Madeleine has been painstakingly restored by owner Madeleine Cenac, and features bousillage walls (a mud and Spanish moss mix), antique-filled rooms, wide porches and an exterior staircase leading to your 1 Bedroom suite. Warm and inviting, it is utterly Cajun.
Mellow out on the porch. Sip on a tall glass of tea while rocking and listening to the soothing cacophony of the Bayou "orchestra."
Day 2: Private Cooking Class and an Afternoon on the Bayou
Today, you’ll roll up your sleeves and pitch in to make a Cajun-style home cooked meal during a private cooking class! Your local Cajun chef will introduce you to the spices, flavors and techniques that make this culinary style uniquely delicious. Upon arrival, you’ll follow your private chef into the kitchen where you’ll get an introduction of the origins of the recipes you will prepare for your meal. Fresh seafood like crawfish or shrimp to locally made boudin sausage usually top the menu to make popular favorites like seafood and okra gumbo and shrimp and grits. The menu can be selected in advance working with most dietary restrictions.
With the help of your chef and using local and fresh ingredients, you will work together to create a homemade 3-course Cajun feast! Your meal will also include a wine pairing. Classes can be taught in Cajun French, if you'd like!
Later in the afternoon, climb aboard an authentic crawfish skiff and head out on an eco-excursion into the heart of the Louisiana Bayou. Your local captain and guide for the day will be an experienced commercial fisherman and educator who holds degrees in zoology and botany. He will provide information on the area's wildlife and will get you as up close as they can to wild alligators, snakes, turtles, and other native creatures! They will also detail the culture and history between the people of the area and this unique environment.
Afterwards, head back to Maison Madeleine for the evening.
Day 3: SAVEUR EXCLUSIVE: VIP Behind-the-Scenes Tour, Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory, and Culinary Adventure
Today, you'll travel to Avery Island, LA, to the Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory for a VIP behind-the-scenes guided tour and a private foodie excursion in New Iberia! An expert historian will provide insider information not only about the plant, but also the fascinating history and strong culture of South Louisiana.
After your VIP tour, you will leave the island and set-out on a 3-hour culinary adventure through the town of New Iberia, a small southern parish town founded by the Spanish in the late 1700's. Here you will be presented with the delectable opportunity to taste authentic Acadian fare from 6 different institutions. Enjoy fresh-caught shrimp spiked with Tabasco, traditional and seafood boudin, sausage, and gumbos. Find out about the history of the cuisine, meet the culinary artisans and learn how to eat like a local, with a local!
The rest of the afternoon and the evening are at leisure. How about kayaking on the Bayou or shopping at a nearby town.
And when the sun dips, how about soaking up some local culture by visiting the Blue Moon Saloon! Can you hear the accordion, fiddle, washboard, harmonica sounds now?!
Known for its Wednesday night Cajun jam, the Blue Moon is a home-grown Louisiana honky tonk that regularly hosts renowned creole and zydeco artists such as Jeffrey Broussard and Cedryl Ballou. You'll be rubbing elbows with friendly locals as you enjoy authentic bayou music in an eclectic, lively atmosphere!
Day 4: Departure
After breakfast, check-out and head back to New Orleans for your flight home. Safe travels!
Cajun Country Cultural Immersion
3-Nights at Maison Madeleine, 1 Bedroom Suite
Hot Regional Breakfast for two each day
4-day rental car (unlimited mileage, intermediate size, 4-door sedan)
Private Cooking Class for two people with a Professional Cajun Chef
3-course meal with wine pairing for two people (starter, entree, dessert)
Private Bayou Eco-excursion with a Professional Fisherman and Educator
SAVEUR Exclusive VIP Behind-the-scenes Tour with Historian: Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory
Private Culinary Adventure Tasting Tour around New Iberia for two people
24/7 support monitoring your trip
Investment:
$3,840 for two adults