Group Tours

The Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau is ready to assist you with your Cajun Coast group tour.

Our complimentary services include:
• Check accommodations for space availability on your preferred tour dates and solicit proposals from those properties that meet the special requirements of each tour.
• Assist in planning a customized itinerary, including detailed information on area attractions, restaurants and shopping.
• Make recommendations on special events that can be the highlight of your tour.
• Supply color slides.
• Provide promotional brochures and materials to help generate interest and excitement for the tour.
• Upon departure of your tour, present each member of your group with a gift. (Must overnight in local hotel/motel and arrangements must be made in advance.)

We will make every effort to accommodate any of your special requests before your arrival and during your stay on the Cajun Coast.

Receptive Operators | Tours | Casino Hub and Spoke Tour |
Cajun Country Hub and Spoke Tour | Two Day Golf Tour | One Day Tours |
10 Quick Stops that Easily Fit Your Itinerary | Accommodations | Attractions | Restaurants | Driving Distances & Maps | Services | Emergency

The Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau does not independently verify information contained within these listings and does not warrant the quality or reputation of the services or products offered.

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Tours

Casino Hub and Spoke Tour
Day One: Arrive in Morgan City/Franklin at the hotel of your choice and freshen up for a fun-filled evening. Drive down to Charenton to the Cypress Bayou Casino, Louisiana’s first land based casino. With over 1200 slots, 42 table games (including all your favorites: Black Jack, Craps, Let it Ride, Roulette and Texas Hold ´Em Bonus) and two great restaurants (including Café Bayou and Mr. Lester’s Steakhouse), you’re bound to enjoy Acadiana’s loose and easy casino. A new addition is Shorty’s, featuring slot machines, table games, off-track betting, a poker room; RIKRAK, an upscale Asian restaurant with sushi bar; Eddie’s Grill, serving lunch and dinner; fresh, a coffee bar serving fresh baked pastry items as well as panini and salads, and Rox, an upscale nightclub featuring national entertainment. Overnight in Morgan City/Franklin.

Day Two: Spend the day at the Cajun Coast’s first floating casino, The Amelia Belle. Overnight in Morgan City/Franklin.

Day Three: Today you’ll travel to the Big Easy to Harrah’s Casino. In the heart of the downtown area, you’ll experience live jazz and Mardi Gras parades while playing your favorite slots and table games. Looking for a new spot in the afternoon or evening? Try Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner. Return to Morgan City/Franklin.

Day Four: Today it’s off to Plantation Country for more fun and excitement. Begin the day at The Belle of Baton Rouge Casino and end the evening at Casino Rouge. Progressive slot machines, Elvis Slots, video poker and table games (including Black Jack, Craps, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker and Let it Ride) can all be found in the Capital City. Return to Morgan City/Franklin.

Day Five, Six & Seven: After breakfast, pack up and travel to Lake Charles, Kinder, Marksville or Shreveport to enjoy Louisiana’s land and riverboat casinos. Select your favorite and let the good times roll. Your choices are Harrah’s, Isle of Capri, Horseshoe, Hollywood, Paragon Casino Resort, Grand Casino Coushatta, Casino Magic or L’Auberge du Lac Casino.

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Cajun Country Hub and Spoke Tour
Day One & Day Two: Arrive in The Big Easy for two days of nonstop excitement. Spend a day walking and shopping in the French Quarter. Stroll the Riverwalk or go on a cruise down the mighty Mississippi River. Tour to the Garden District. Take in a show at the IMAX, visit the Audubon Zoo, tour the National WWII Museum, Long Vue Gardens or the New Orleans Metropolitan Museum of Art. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the many top-rated restaurants, listen to music at Preservation Hall or House of Blues or try your luck at Harrah’s Casino. Overnight in New Orleans.

Day Three: Today travel into Cajun Country and learn about the Bayou Cajuns. In Thibodaux, tour Laurel Valley Plantation, the largest surviving sugar cane plantation in the United States, which is still cultivating cane today. After touring Laurel Valley, drive over to Houma, the Venice of Louisiana, and enjoy a swamp tour. Whether you’re looking for musical entertainment, education or exotic nature, Houma has a tour for you. After dining at one of Houma’s numerous restaurants, visit the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum where various exhibits explain the life and culture of the Bayou Cajuns. Next, it’s off to Morgan City, where you’ll tour the Cypress Manor and Mardi Gras Museum. Enjoy appetizers and learn about Mardi Gras. View splendid costumes and memorabilia of local krewes. If time permits, enjoy a walking tour of Morgan City’s Historic District or shopping down Main Street. After Cypress Manor and the historic district, arrive at the hotel of your choice and get ready for the evening’s entertainment, Krewe de Mardi Gras, where some of your guests will be crowned royalty for the evening! In the evening, try your luck at Cypress Bayou Casino or the Amelia Belle. Overnight in Morgan City/Franklin.

Day Four: After breakfast, travel to Franklin, described as one of the prettiest Louisiana towns by Lyle Saxon in Old Louisiana. A knowledgeable step-on guide from the Landmarks Society will tell you all about this stunning English town, which boasts over 400 noteworthy properties, many listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tour two plantation homes, private or public, and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch. If time permits, enjoy shopping down Franklin’s Main Street, where merchants will offer discounts and goodies for your guests. Next, travel to New Iberia, home of the world famous Tabasco® sauce and the spiciest, saltiest and sweetest spot in Louisiana. Tour the Tabasco® factory, Jungle Gardens, Konriko (the oldest rice mill in the United States), Shadows-on-the-Teche (the most documented plantation home in the South) or Rip Van Winkle Gardens. After touring New Iberia, return to Morgan City/Franklin. Enjoy a catered meal followed by a Cajun humorist or let the bureau set up a Cajun Fais Do Do, complete with music, a catered meal and Cajun dance lessons. Overnight in Morgan City/Franklin.

Day Five: Today you’ll visit Plantation Country via Highway 70. The first stop is Nottoway, the largest plantation house in Louisiana. From there you’ll travel to Baton Rouge to tour the Old State Capitol. After the Capitol, enjoy lunch at one of Baton Rouge’s many restaurants then head over to the Rural Life Museum, an outdoor museum depicting pre-industrial 19th century Louisiana, tour the Louisiana Mud Painting Gallery or shop at one of the many antique malls in Baton Rouge. From there, travel to Vacherie where you’ll tour Laura Plantation, a Creole plantation, and/or Oak Alley, the most photographed plantation in Louisiana. Eat dinner at Oak Alley or one of the seafood restaurants located nearby. Return back to Morgan City/Franklin.

Day Six: Today you’ll travel to the heart of Cajun Country. The first stop is St. Martinville, home of the famed Evangeline Oak. Afterwards tour St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church or the Acadian Memorial. Enjoy lunch at Mulate’s, the world famous Cajun restaurant in Breaux Bridge. Afterwards, travel to Lafayette and tour the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, Acadian Cultural Center, Vermilionville or Acadian Village for a glimpse into the life of the Acadians. If time permits, enjoy walking Lafayette’s downtown for a little shopping. After a full afternoon, enjoy dinner at one of Lafayette’s award-winning establishments. Return back to Morgan City/Franklin.

Day Seven: Wake up, pack, eat breakfast, load up and get a farewell gift from the bureau. Head back to New Orleans to fly home or begin your journey home via motor coach.

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Two Day Golf Tour
Day One: Wake up along the Cajun Coast and prepare for the ultimate golf experience—the Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild. Designed by internationally renowned design team of Robert Von Hagge, Smelek & Baril, the Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild has 18 holes of picturesque beauty. The 7,533-yard public golf course contains five lakes and 10 native wetland areas that encompass nearly 40 acres of this 175-acre layout, and is home to over 40 species of indigenous flora. Over one-half million yards of native soil was used to develop dramatic elevations on the course creating spectacular vistas. Unique to the Atchafalaya at Idlewild is the large common green shared by holes 9 and 18. The course features five sets of tees, each named after an animal native to the basin, large fairways and generous pin placements. The course includes a complete practice facility and pro-line rental clubs. Enjoy lunch at the Acadian-Style clubhouse, built from over 130,000 board feet of cypress lumber. That afternoon, visit Morgan City’s Historic District and dine at one of our local restaurants. Overnight in Morgan City.

Day Two: Today you’ll travel to Lake Charles for a round of golf at Gray Plantation. This artfully landscaped 18-hole, 7,000-yard course will challenge the pro and amateur alike. Complete with 60 acres of lakes, 94 bunkers and towering pines, this picturesque course will amaze you. Take a break in the raised plantation-style clubhouse, which is surrounded by scenic marshland. That evening, visit the brand new L’Auberge du Lac Casino and Golf Resort for the ultimate gaming experience. Overnight in Lake Charles.

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One Day Tours

Cultural Tour
Begin the morning with a tour of the International Petroleum Museum & Exposition, the “Mr. Charlie,” the first submersible oil rig. Learn about the history of the oil industry, the role “Mr. Charlie” played and the future of the oil and gas industry. While in the downtown area, enjoy a walking tour of the Morgan City Historic District. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Atchafalaya River, shop along the Front Street area, tour Cypress Manor & Mardi Gras Museum or visit Trinity Episcopal Church, one of the oldest churches in Morgan City. For lunch, eat at one of our local seafood restaurants or enjoy a seafood boil at Lake End Park. After lunch, tour Swamp Gardens and learn about the Cajun swamp dwellers. If time permits, travel to Charenton to tour the Chitimacha Museum and learn about the history of the Chitimacha Native Americans. Return to Morgan City/Franklin for an evening with a Cajun storyteller or a Mardi Gras tableau. The next day, travel to Franklin and enjoy a sugar cane field tour. Learn how sugar cane is planted, the growing season and the harvesting of sugar cane.

Nature-Based Tour
For early risers, enjoy a walk around Lake End Park, where you’ll get an unobstructed view of Lake Palourde. For breakfast, travel to the Brownell Carillon Bell Tower, a 10-acre swamp park where you can walk the trail, sit and listen to the sounds of the swamp and Carillon bells while viewing wildlife. After Brownell Tower, travel to Patterson to board Cajun Jack’s Swamp Tour. On this two-hour tour, you’ll go deep into the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp. Bring your cameras and binoculars because you’re sure to see egrets, turtles, flora and fauna and possibly a gator. After Cajun Jack’s tour, enjoy a seafood boil at Lake End Park or enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants located throughout the Cajun Coast. Following lunch, travel to Jungle Gardens in New Iberia, where you’ll see various types of birds and wildlife. Return to Morgan City/Franklin for a night of Cajun comedy or let the bureau set up a Cajun Fais Do Do, complete with music, a catered meal and Cajun dance lessons.

Preservation
Preservationists won’t want to miss Franklin, described as one of the prettiest Louisiana towns by Lyle Saxon in Old Louisiana. A knowledgeable step-on guide from the Landmarks Society will tell you all about this stunning English town that boasts over 400 noteworthy properties, many listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Make up your own tour from a list of public homes open daily or from churches or private homes opened especially for your group. For lunch, enjoy a gourmet picnic basket at one of the homes. Mix the tour with a walking tour of the historic district or shopping down Main Street, where merchants will greet your guests with discounts and goodies. After a full day of touring and shopping, enjoy a wine and cheese party at a plantation home and dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants. Overnight in Franklin/Morgan City.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography
Stop by the Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau for a copy of the America’s Wetland Birding Trail on the Louisiana Great Gulf Coast brochure. The brochure highlights 11 sites along the Cajun Coast that are great for birding and wildlife watching. You can tour the area on your own, or you can take a boat ride on Cajun Jack’s Swamp Tour, located next to our Patterson visitor center. Cajun Jack will take you through the mysterious Atchafalaya Basin swamp, the largest overflow swamp in the U.S., for an close-up view of bald eagles, osprey, heron, egret, nutria, alligators and many more animals native to Southern Louisiana. In January and February, view the American bald eagle.

Civil War
St. Mary Parish played an integral role in the War Between the States because of its strategic location next to the Atchafalaya River and Bayou Teche. Visit the sites of Fort Starr (also known as Fort Brashear), Fort Buchanan, Fort Bisland, the Battle of Bisland and the Battle of Irish Bend. See the bell from the gunboat Diana at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church or visit the Young Sanders Center for the Study of the War Between the States.

Stained Glass Church Tour
Spend the day touring three local churches, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Trinity Episcopal Church and Church of the Assumption. All three are steeped in religious history, full of unique architecture and adorned with beautiful stained glass windows.

In Morgan City, visit the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, dating back to the 1850s, which has a rare European-style baptistery fashioned after the Roman bathhouses of centuries ago. The building is a Gothic church structure complete with ornate stained glass windows, comparable to those of Europe. The stained glass throughout the church illustrates Biblical scenes and depicts the four gospel writers. The church houses a baptismal font, chapel and a shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, which is also adorned with stained glass windows complementing those found in the church.  Trinity Episcopal Church, founded in 1874, is one of the oldest congregations of worship in eastern St. Mary Parish. At the turn of the century, a chancel was added to the “shotgun” style church, the interior and exterior were refinished, and the church was completely furnished. Native cypress lumber was used extensively, with lasting results. In 1911, the church was remodeled after the old St. Andrew’s Church of New Orleans and beautiful stained glass windows were included in the mid 1950s.  On one side of the church the stained glass windows depict the seasons of the Christian year and on the other side symbols of the miracles of Christ are represented. Throughout the church, musical symbols, Episcopal shields and chalices are pictured in the glass. 

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then travel to the City of Franklin. Church of the Assumption of Franklin is considered one of the most magnificent in the state of Louisiana. Designed along the simple and elegant lines of classical Greek Architecture, this 1910 church features seven Romanesque columns with Corinthian capitals on either side of the interior. A plaster cast suspended ceiling of octagon shaped medallions is highlighted with brilliant gold leaf detail. The exterior has a beautiful Basilica designed twin façade and baroque gables with three arch front towers. The beautiful stained glass windows found throughout the church are of German craftsmanship and portray the life of Mary, the patron Saint as well as the Priest of the Old Testament, the Priest of the New Testament, the Sacrifice of the Old Law, the Sacrifice of the New Law and the Agony in the Garden.

Fairs & Festivals
Louisiana has hundreds of fairs and festivals throughout the year where you and your guests can experience Cajun joie de vivre (joy of life). Labor Day weekend offers two top-rated festivals in Cajun Country. On Saturday, make your way to the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival in Plaisance. Enjoy zydeco music and Creole cuisine. On Sunday and Monday, enjoy the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival, named the best festival in Louisiana in the 50,000-plus attendance category by the Louisiana Fairs & Festivals Association. Also named a Top 20 Southeast Tourism Society event and a top 100 American Bus Association event, the festival features over 16 great events. Attend Mass in the Park, the historic Blessing of the Fleet and boat parade, street parade, music, arts and crafts and lots more.

Mardi Gras on the Cajun Coast
Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout South Louisiana. If you’re looking for the small town scene, Morgan City is the place for you. Arrive on Friday before Mardi Gras and enjoy the Krewe of Adonis parade at 7 p.m. Following the parade, enjoy a Cajun Fais Do Do complete with a catered meal, music and Cajun dance lessons, a Cajun humorist or dinner at one of the local Cajun restaurants. On Saturday, tour Cypress Manor & Mardi Gras Museum where you can view splendid costumes and memorabilia from previous carnival seasons. After Cypress Manor, get a bird’s-eye view of the Atchafalaya River from on top the 21-foot seawall, take a walking tour of the historic district of Morgan City or enjoy shopping in the downtown stores. After lunch, drive to Franklin via the Bayou Teche scenic byway to Oaklawn Manor, a plantation home beautifully decorated in purple, green and gold. Afterwards, travel to Berwick/Bayou Vista for the Krewe of Dionysus parade. Following the parade, enjoy dancing at the Krewe of Dionysus After Parade Party or go back to the hotel to get ready for the Krewe of Hephaestus Mardi Gras Tableau Saturday evening. On Sunday, attend Sunday services at one of the local churches, enjoy lunch and then get ready for the Krewe of Galatea Mardi Gras Parade.

Christmas on the Cajun Coast
Tour stunning plantation homes beautifully decorated for the holiday season including Cypress Manor, Grevemberg and Oaklawn Manor. Experience Christmas Under the Lampposts in Franklin, Morgan City’s annual Christmas Festival and local parades. Enjoy Christmas carols at the Tuneweaver’s Concert or Pharr Chapel’s Old-Fashioned Christmas. See beautiful Christmas lights at Idlewild Plantation Christmas lighting.

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Special Group Packages

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Ten Quick Stops that Easily Fit into Your Itinerary
• Because we’re midway between New Orleans and Lafayette, the Cajun Coast is an excellent place to stop and have lunch at one of our local Cajun restaurants.
• Stop at one of our main streets, walk around, stretch your legs and do a little shopping. With notice, refreshments and discounts will be offered.
• Have a gourmet picnic basket lunch at one of our plantation homes, the Louisiana State Museum or Cypress Manor and Mardi Gras Museum.
• Schedule a pick-me-up coffee and snack break at one of the attractions or Cover to Cover Books & Coffee, The Coffee Corner or The Main Street Café.
• Tour the International Petroleum Museum and have lunch in the galley of the “Mr. Charlie” oil rig.
• Super Wal–Mart is always open and easily accessible.
• In October, November and December stop and pick your own satsumas (similar to tangerines).
• Have a picnic lunch in Lawrence Park and go shopping in Morgan City’s Historic District.
• Enjoy a boiled seafood get-together at Lake End Park.
• Go birdwatching at the Brownell Carillon Bell Tower.

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The events highlighted below are ideally suited for the needs of tour operators. But to view the complete schedule of events on the Cajun Coast, click here or call (800) 256-2931 or (985) 395-4905.


Eagle Expo
Feb. 14–16, 2008 / February 2009 TBD
Morgan City
Boat tours into various waterways to view eagle’s nests. Presentations on the American Bald Eagle, wildlife, flora, fauna and the culture of the area by wildlife professionals and photographers. Guided tour of Brownell Memorial Park, a designated birding sanctuary
Hospitality hour, dinner and breakfast. Admission charged. (985) 395-4905 or (800) 256-2931, http://eagles.btnep.org


Mardi Gras on the Cajun Coast
February 1–5, 2008 / February 20–24, 2009


Patterson Cypress Sawmill Festival
April 4-6, 2008 / April 2009 TBD


Bayou Teche Bear Festival
April 2008 TBD
Downtown Franklin
The fifth annual Bayou Teche Bear Festival will be held in Franklin’s charming downtown and will celebrate one of the Cajun Coast’s most distinguished residents: the Louisiana black bear. The festival will feature an art sale & exhibit, educational seminars, children’s activities, field trips, arts & crafts, food, music and much more. www.bayoutechebearfest.org


Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival
Aug. 29 - Sept. 2, 2008 / Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, 2009


Christmas on the Cajun Coast
December 2–25, 2007 / December 2–25, 2008 / December 2–25, 2009

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Driving Distances & Maps

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Airport

Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport
3884 Airport Rd., Patterson, (985) 395-4501, E-mail: pfc@glacoxmail.com

Diesel Fuel

Bayou Vista Truck Plaza
1829 Hwy. 90 W, Bayou Vista, (985) 399-7032

Boone’s Chevron
1032 Hwy. 317, Centerville, (337) 836-5580

Cliff’s Mobil Service Station
611 Main St., Patterson, (985) 395-5392

Diamond Shamrock
1923 Main St., Franklin, (337) 828-2510

Hollywood Truck Plaza & Casino
2051 Hwy 90 W, Suite B, Bayou Vista, (985) 399-4000

Menard Oil Co.
1034 Lee Charles, Franklin, (337) 828-0810

Northwest Truck Stop
1401 Northwest Blvd., Franklin, (337) 828-2606

Patterson Exxon
702 Hwy. 90 W, Patterson, (985) 395-6051

Patterson Truck Stop & Casino
1902 Hwy 90 W, Patterson, (985) 395-2379

Stazione Deli Market
6602 Hwy 182 E., Morgan City, (985) 385-6815

Wag-A-Pak
518 Hwy. 90 W, Patterson, (985) 395-6611

Sewage Dump

Swamp Gardens
725 Myrtle St., Morgan City, (985) 384-3343

Kemper Williams Park
264 Cotten Rd., Patterson, (985) 395-2298

Repair Service

A & W Engine Service
1030 Hwy. 317, Centerville, (337) 836-5500

Custom Muffler Shop
7866 Hwy. 182 E, Morgan City, (985) 384-0601

Frank’s Motor Co. Inc.
6322 Hwy. 182, Morgan City, (985) 384-0830

Guarisco’s Truck Engine
8900 Hwy. 182 E, Morgan City, (985) 384-6900

Towing

Bayou Ramos Wrecker Service
9237 Hwy. 90 E, Morgan City, (985) 385-2888

C & J Wrecker Service
120 Lipari St., Patterson, (985) 395-2453

Gene’s Tractor Repairs
16207 Hwy. 182 W, Baldwin, (337) 923-4890

Ronald’s Wrecker Service
7892 Hwy. 90 E, Morgan City, (985) 384-7400

Scotty’s Towing Service
1600 Main St., Franklin, (337) 828-4940
(337) 828-3298–Nights, Sundays and holidays

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Emergency

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