Why you should go on a motorcycle journey along the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway
The thrill of the road is what draws most motorcycle enthusiasts. But the lands it travels by is what makes it truly special. And nowhere is this truer than along Louisiana’s Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, a winding route in the heart of Cajun Country.
Riding along the bayou, the moss-draped cypress trees, and the flowing water that stretches out around you will take your breath away. You will definitely find yourself slowing down just to soak it all in!
Cajun Country Culture
As Kevin Benefield wrote for Atlanta Magazine, “Travelers along Louisiana Highway 182, part of the Bayou Teche Byway, will find themselves immersed in Cajun culture. Family-owned establishments serve up steaming bowls of crawfish etouffee and oven-fresh loaves of French bread.” He also raves about the “small museums and stately historic homes showcasing stories of life along the bayou and the rise of the sugar and rice industries in the nineteenth century.”
And he’s right, you can’t ride through the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway without being swept up in Cajun culture. From the traditional music of Cajun fiddles and accordions to the delicious smells of crawfish étouffée and gumbo. Take a detour to Breaux Bridge, known as the ‘Crawfish Capital of the World’, or the historic St. Martinville and Franklin. Experience unique Cajun architecture or stop to savor some local dishes; either way, you’re experiencing the soul of Louisiana.
The Food & Festivals
Each community offers a chance to explore local art galleries, charming cafés where you can savor authentic Cajun and Creole flavors in the traditional foods, and mom-and-pop shops that provide a snapshot of the culture of the area. But it’s also a journey through history. Pay a visit to the Evangeline Oak, a historic tree that inspired American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem ‘Evangeline’, which follows an Acadian girl named Evangeline and her search for her lost love. Or explore the Acadian Memorial and Museum to deepen your understanding of the Acadian people’s past (Acadians are the ancestors of present-day Cajuns!)
And if you time your ride right, you could be part of some of the local festivals. From the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival to the various events at the Acadian Cultural Center which take place throughout the year. Celebrate the spirit of Cajun culture, filled with music, dance, and, of course, delicious food.
But when you’re cruising along the byway, you have to keep your eyes peeled for the real locals: the alligators lounging in the water, the turtles sunning themselves on logs, and all the birds that consider this bayou their home. The natural world is all around you and is a photographer’s dream. Capture everything from the Cajun cottages to the bayou water.
But it’s the pleasure of the ride itself that makes the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway such a memorable journey. The roads are smooth with sweeping curves, but don’t worry as they’re not too aggressive! So, you can relax and find your riding rhythm while basking in the heart of Cajun Country.
Tips: You can rent a motorcycle at Explorify Motorcycle Rentals New Orleans.