The Breaux family arrived in the area that is now Breaux Bridge in the 18th century. Firmin Breaux, an Acadian pioneer, settled here in 1765 and soon became one of the largest property owners near the Bayou Teche, a 125-mile-long waterway. In 1799, Breaux built a footbridge across the Bayou Teche to make it easier for his family and neighbors to cross the waterway. Those seeking traveling directions in the area would often be instructed to "go to Breaux's bridge," which is how the town got its name.
Breaux Bridge was officially founded by Firmin's widowed daughter-in-law, Scholastique Picou Breaux, on August 25, 1829. She had been married to Firmin's son, Agricole, and the pair had transformed the suspension footbridge built by Agricole's father into a vehicular one in 1817. After Agricole's death, Scholastique played a key role in developing the area by selling plots of land to Acadian settlers.
Today, you can still see remnants of the area's history in the city's historical center. Other popular sites include the Atchafalaya River, which snakes along the city's outer limits. Of course, the Breaux Bridge itself is also a popular landmark. Many people also enjoy exploring the landscape on one of the many swamp tours that are available to visitors.
After a day of exploring, you will have plenty of options for getting a bite to eat at a great restaurant. The area is known for its Cajun food, and there are several restaurants serving this fare, including Poche's Market and Restaurant, Cajun Claws Seafood Boilers, and Hebert's Boudin and Cracklins. Breaux Bridge also hosts an annual crawfish festival where you can enjoy as much Cajun food as you can handle.
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival - For three days, chefs from across the wetlands gather to showcase their tastiest concoctions. This May festival also features plenty of great music.
Mardis Gras - This event is celebrated every February on the first Tuesday following Ash Wednesday. The biggest celebrations occur in New Orleans, and it is only a short drive from Breaux Bridge.
Bayou Belly Festival - This belly dancing festival is held in July, so be sure to visit Lafayette during the summer. You can watch talented dancers and artists perform live on stage.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is within your grasp when you hit Breaux Bridge, so stop by and see what is in store. The Mississippi River's annual floods have filled these lagoons for thousands of years. After completing the Basin Levee System, these lakes were severed from the pulse of the Mississippi. Nevertheless, they continue to harbor diverse Spanish moss species and native fauna.
Palmetto Island State Park is nestled atop an ancient swamp, and the Vermillion River is incredibly close. This swamp's densely covered floors are replete with shaggy, tropical trees. For thousands of years, indigenous cultures have depended upon the palmetto's leaves. Thatched hut rooves were made with them almost exclusively during pre-colonial times.
Chicot State Park beckons any avid explorers, adventurers, or professional wanderers. With more than 6,400 acres of hills, its lakes are legendary among local fishermen. You can score largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and more while visiting. Furthermore, the Louisiana State Arboretum is also hidden away inside the park's limits.
The Charpentier Historic District in nearby Lake Charles is definitely a Louisiana landmark worth checking out while you're in Breaux Bridge. The district features nearly 300 buildings built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries including the Church of the Good Shepherd, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are numerous options available for camping close to Breaux Bridge. Cajun Palms RV Resort is nearby and offers multiple site options. Deluxe back-in spots are on top of concrete pads and feature 30/50-amp electric hookups. Also, they feature picnic tables for easy meals and added sewer and water hookups. Poche's RV Park and Fish-N-Camp has 85 full-slab RV sites and 76 of them back up to a fishing pond. All 85 sites include full hookups for water, sewage, and electricity. Plus, they are pet friendly, so you can bring your dogs if you want. KOA Kampground of Lafayette is only a few minutes from downtown Lafayette and features full electric, water, and sewage hookups.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Breaux Bridge, LA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Breaux Bridge?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Breaux Bridge from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Breaux Bridge?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
