New Orleans

New Orleans, which is still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 devastated the city and flooding left, is world famous for its unique charm and is a melting pot of different cultures, including French, Spanish, African, Caribbean and German. These influences are reflected in a fascinating mix reflected in its excellent cuisine, architecture and culture of the city. There are numerous museums and art galleries to visit. The city is the birthplace of jazz and cocktails, which are typical of their lifestyle.


The unique French Quarter is a very popular tourist destination with its buildings from the colonial period, hidden courtyards, interesting wrought iron railings and the New Orleans Jazz, the sounds through the streets. Jackson Square, focal point of the French Quarter, is a meeting place for mimes, musicians, tap dancers and other artists. There are many excellent restaurants, bars and night clubs. The city lies at the mouth of the Mississippi River and is ideal for walks along the river or on the Esplanade, overlooking the Atlantic.

In Cabildo, a former Spanish royal seat, there was the historic purchase of the State of Louisiana; Casa Hove is a fine example of Creole architecture. Other attractions include the International Trade Mart; Duelling Oaks (in the 18th century battles took place here), the Conti Wax Museum, Audobon House, where the famous painter lived and worked, and the Audubon Zoo and Zoological Garden, the Aquarium of the Americas ( four habitats of different fish and plants); Vieux Carr; Orleans Ballroom and St. Louis Cathedral. In the excellent cafes of the French market on the riverside French pastries will be served.


Pontalba House is an interesting state museum with antique furniture and decorations. Interesting are the Preservation Hall, in which every night original New Orleans jazz played, and The Garden District, the mansions with white columns are surrounded by beautiful gardens with elegant oak and wrought iron fences.

At the end of Canal Street is the pier for many ferries that cross the Mississippi or up and leave. 1-11-day cruises are also offered. Steamboat Natchez offers harbor and dinner cruises and John James Audubon Zoo, a cruise between the Aquarium and Riverfront Park to the Audubon Zoo. The Cypress Swamp Tours offer special cruises through the Louisiana swamps. Information on Mississippi Cruises granted the New Orleans Steamboat Company (see International travel).

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana is in the middle of the plantation region. The Blues played a significant role in the history of the city, it was sung by slaves in the cotton harvest. In Baton Rouge many famous musicians of the USA Blue was born. Numerous clubs, concerts and festivals that pay homage to melancholy music.

The 135-meter-high marble Capitol Building is a 34-storey building with a viewing platform overlooking the 11 acre gardens of the Capitol, the property, the Old Capitol is a blend of Norman, Gothic and Moorish architecture. In the Governors Mansion exhibits of art, natural history and anthropology can be seen. The 56-acre Baton Rouge Zoo is home to over 400 animals. The Louisiana Arts and Science Center Riverside is located in a reconstructed train station, the Open Air Museum The Rural Life Museum on the site of a former plantation offers a glimpse into the working methods of the 19th Century.

In this region there are many impressive old plantation houses, some of which offer bed and breakfast and sightseeing. The most beautiful plantation house, Le Petit Versailles was, in the 19 Century, the planter Valcourt Aim, who was known as Louis XIV of Louisiana.

Lafayette

Even Lafayette, a city with beautiful gardens and home of the Mardi Gras is worth a visit. In the industrial and cultural center of Cajun country live 100,000 people, many of whom speak French. The first settlers arrived in 1764 from Nova Scotia (Canada) on the run from the Britons here, after they refused to take off their Catholic faith and swear allegiance to the British crown. They were originally called Acadians, which was later shortened to Cajuns. The country consists largely of swamps and marshy creeks. In Acadian Village and Vermilionville are replicas of old Cajundörfer.

From the city of Houma, one can excursions to the Atchafalaya area many companies, the former delta of the Mississippi. This vast wetland is crossed by hundreds of channels, where one can get lost hopelessly without a guide. Here you can, snakes, water birds and other animals in the wild alligator spotting. New Iberia is home to the world-famous Tabasco sauce. You can participate in guided tours of subtropical gardens, stately homes dating from before the Civil War, rice mills and the farms and factories for the production of Tabasco state visit. St. Martinsville is a quiet and elegant town, Le Petit Paris was once known as, since balls and operas on a grand scale took place luxurious. The Cajun-museum and the church are worth a visit, as well as the Creole Nature Trail near Lake George, where you can see ducks, geese, alligators, beavers and muskrats in the wild.

Natchitoches

The oldest town in Louisiana is located on the Cane River and was founded in 1714 as a fort and trading post, which should prevent the Spaniards from the invasion of the French colony, and is now an agricultural center with an uncanny flair. Most of the numerous historic buildings offer accommodation with breakfast. The city is surrounded by Pecannussbäumen, cotton farms and manor houses from the 18th Century. The area around Natchitoches is known as the Crossroads region, because here meets the Spanish and French culture of the south with the pioneering spirit of the North. There is also a stronghold of country music and produced artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. In Marthasville is held each year, a violin competition.

Monroe, nearby, is another river town with many historic houses and a museum. Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo (Monroe) is a 40-acre park with moss-covered oak trees, gardens and winding waterways. The 29 km long trail leads Dogwood Trail Drive on the highest hill of the state, past flowering dogwood, which reveals the inherent beauty of the region.

Shreveport

Shreveport is a major natural gas and oil center near the Texas border and is considered a typical American. The city is also a well known commercial and entertainment area with three major events each year that attract visitors from near and far. In the Shreve Square, there are several night clubs, restaurants and shops. The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum dioramas, an art gallery, historic wall paintings and archaeological finds is well worth seeing as the RW Norton Museum, the Old-West-artist exhibits, and the American Rose Center.

This area is because of the many forests and lakes that offer excellent fishing, canoeing and hiking, as a sportsman’s paradise known. Active holidays are offered. Toledo Bend Fishing Tournament takes place every year. The Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred Racetrack, on the other side of the Red River in Bossier City, is late spring to autumn for horse racing open from. The Poverty Point State Commemorative Area is an old Indian settlement dating from around 1700 BC and one of the most important archaeological sites in the United States. Also the Hot Wells resort is worth a visit.