Joie de Vivre: Explore Acadiana!
“Joie de vivre” means “joy of living.” It captures the Cajun zest for life. Find your joy and explore everything Acadiana has to offer!
As part of a vibrant city with a culture as unique as the food on your plate, UL Lafayette works hard to welcome its student body into the community and culture of one of the Happiest Cities in America.
Lafayette, located in Southwest Louisiana, is a buzzing, vibrant city that offers graduate students plenty of research and networking opportunities. It is also, simply put, just a fun place to live. Our diverse cultural history has helped this area become a community that prides itself on music, dancing, food, and celebrating life. Indeed, the Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch has named Lafayette the “Happiest City in America.”
With numerous festivals, great food, museums and art galleries, live music, and a variety of outdoor activities, Lafayette has something for everyone.
Photo: Downtown Lafayette
In Lafayette and Acadiana, there are many places, events, and resourses that will help you enjoy all that southern Louisiana has to offer:
Gardens, Parks, and Preservations
- Lafayette Parks and Recreation
- Moncus Park
- Lake Martin
- Acadiana Park Nature Station
- Bayou Vermillion District
- Avery Island and Jungle Gardens
- Rip Van Winkle Gardens
- Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area
- Louisiana Nature Conservancy
-
Louisiana State Parks near Acadiana
- Palmetto Island State Park
- Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
- Cypremort Point State Park
- Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
- Sam Houston Jones State Park
- Chicot State Park
- Toledo Bend State Park
Emerse yourself in South Louisiana Culture
- Travel Lafayette
- Cajun Food Tours
- Atchafalaya Basin Keepers
- The Atchafalaya Experience
- Downtown Lafayette
- Museums and Day Trips Across Acadiana
- Watershed Exhitibit and Kayak/Canoe Rentals at Bayou Vermilion Disitrict/Vermilionville
- Vermilionville and Acadian Village
- Acadian Cultural Center - National Parks Service
- Festivals in Acadiana
- Festivals in Lafayette
Food Pantries
Farmers Markets
- Hub City Farmer’s Market
- Lafayette Farmer's and Artisan Market at the Horse Farm
- Fresh Pickins
- Fightingville Fresh
Thrift Stores + Second-Hand Stores
- UL Lafayette Career Closet
- Retreaux Thrift
- Advintage Thrift
- Calvary Thrift
- Lilou Thrift
- Arc of Acadiana Resale Clothing Stores
- Goodwill Industries Thrift Stores
- Hand Up Thrift Store
- Plato’s Close
- Pinhook Flea Market (337-234-1538)
- Pioneer Trading Post (337-984-3599)
- Lafayette Jockey Lot
- Salvation Army of Acadiana
- Habitat for Humanity
- Estate Sales
- Facebook Marketplace
If you are looking to donate items please consider donating any professional clothing to UL Lafayette's Career Closet or any of the thrift stores listed above.
Happy exploring!