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Louisiana bayou

Louisiana

Jazz, Creole & Cajun Country

Visit Louisiana

Introduction

With influences drawn from its French, Spanish and African heritage, modern day Louisiana is as diverse as the patchwork of bayous, swamplands, beaches and prairies of which its landscapes comprise. And, for those that love their jazz, this birthplace of the genre is a must on any Deep South road trip.

Live music at its best

Nowhere is Lousiana’s cultural diversity showcased more than in its largest city – New Orleans. As the home of jazz, this is a place to experience first hand the very roots of American popular music, which, together with its blues sibling, has helped shape and define everything from rock n‘ roll to hip-hop. And, far from being consigned to museums, it’s still played with pride and passion on countless street corners, at festivals and throughout New Orleans’ bourbon-soaked bars and music halls.

Food, par excellence

With such a rich historical tapestry, it’s perhaps no surprise that Louisiana is right up among America’s finest culinary destinations. Blending influences from its immigrant past – French, Spanish, West African, Haitian and even German and Italian – the state’s characteristic Creole cookery, one of North America’s few indigenous cuisines, is all complex sauces and big flavours, showcased in dishes such as shrimp remoulade, bisque and gumbo soups and those all-time classics jambalaya and rice and gravy. Then there’s Cajun cuisine. Brought to Louisiana by French-speaking Acadians, this typically rustic three-pot affair often features crawfish, shrimp or andouille sausage heavily flavoured with the likes of cayenne and dried black pepper. Delicious!

Cajun Country

Which brings nicely on to Cajun Country itself, which, alongside New Orleans, is Louisiana’s most emblematic region. Here, served up alongside all that delicious food, are landscapes of wildlife-rich bayous, dusty tracks and remote farms dotted with towns and villages that hark back to the mid 18th-century when the British expelled the Acadians from what is now known as Nova Scotia. Well, Canada’s loss was the USA’s gain, as today these fun-loving locals bring a delightfully eccentric party spirit to these otherwise tranquil surroundings. There’s everything from fais do-do dances accompanied by accordion and fiddle to world championship gumbo cook-offs and even a Cajun-style Mardi Gras – a very different take on that famous Louisiana festival.  

 

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Special offers in Louisiana

Country band, Nashville

All-American Music Tour

13-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,470 pp incl. flights

When it comes to American music, all roads lead to the Deep South. This fly-drive celebrates the very best of the region's musical heritage, from soulful blues and brassy jazz to riverboat calliopes and gospel choirs.

Top itineraries in Louisiana

Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee

Rhythms of the Deep South Self-Drive

15-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,905 pp incl. flights

Discover a rich and innovative culture, history and heritage on this self-drive tour of the Deep South states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Alabama State Capitol, Montgomery, Alabama, USA

Alabama Music Self-drive

14-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,820 pp incl. flights

The Deep South has music running through its veins, and nowhere more so than in the state of Alabama. Explore its rich heritage, both musical and otherwise, on this tailor-made road-trip.

Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana

Southern Plantation Homes Self-Drive

10-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,055 pp incl. flights

This Southern self-drive begins with three days in lively New Orleans - the birthplace of jazz - before heading west along the Great River Road to Baton Rouge, Natchez and Cajun Country where you'll find grand plantation houses and delicious Southern food.

Top places to stay in Louisiana

Bienville House

Bienville House

Historic hotel

Bringing quintessential French sophistication to the old-world design aesthetic of New Orlean's historic French Quarter, Bienville House offers more than just a prime location.

Doubletree by Hilton Lafayette

Doubletree by Hilton Lafayette

Contemporary hotel

Deep within southern Louisiana in the historic city of Lafayette, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette is ideally located to discover what the Cajun Country has to offer.

The Windsor Court

The Windsor Court, New Orleans

Traditional hotel

Celebrating everything that New Orleans stands for with nationally acclaimed food, stylised interiors and its very own jazz bar, this hotel is an excellent choice in a central location.

The Inn at Houmas House, New Orleans

The Inn at Houmas House & Gardens

Historic lodge

This grand antebellum mansion provides bed and breakfast accommodation in individual cottages that line an alley of ancient oak trees.

See all places to stay

Where to go in Louisiana

New Orleans

New Orleans

New Orleans is synonymous with music, partying and great food. The city's most popular area (and where most of the action takes place) is the French Quarter, with its legendary Royal and Bourbon Streets that come alive during Mardi Gras.

Meet our Louisiana experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0636

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0636 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected