The historic town of Arnaudville, where Maison Stephanie is located, is situated north of Lafayette in not just one but two Louisiana parishes, St. Landry and St. Martin, where the Bayou Teche and Bayou Fuselier join. It is one of the oldest remaining towns in St. Landry Parish and was founded on the original site of an Attakapas Indian Village. The town was first called La Murière, but was later known as La Jonction which meant “The Junction” translated from French. By the 19th century, it was named after the Brothers Arnaud who had donated a large amount of land to make a church for whites and blacks (which still exists today). The town of Arnaudville was incorporated in 1870.
Arnaudville is a fun place to visit and several unique events are held here. Semaine de la Francophonie takes place in the spring. The Étouffée Festival is held annually on the 4th weekend in April. Tour du Teche is an annual race for canoes, kayaks, pirogues, etc. along the entire length of Bayou Teche.
Artists, musicians, dancers, writers and chefs are attracted to the area due to its quaint setting and unique culture. Residents and visitors can hear live Cajun and Zydeco music in various venues around the town. One of these venues is Bayou Teche Brewery, a micro-brewery which crafts recipes to compliment the cuisine and lifestyle of Cajuns and Creoles. It often names its beers in French to preserve the native language. Visitors can enjoy beer while listening, and dancing, to some of the area’s most popular Cajun and Zydeco bands.
The sister city of Arnaudville is Jausiers, France. It is thought that four out of ten residents here speak French on a daily basis. French, as well as English, is spoken at Maison Stephanie.
Some of the best Cajun foods are prepared and served in Arnaudville, such as boudin, etouffée, seafood, gumbo, and other delicacies. The town supports a thriving arts community, centered in the old part of town.
Our innkeepers will help you plan your Arnaudville itinerary when you stay with us. We hope to see you soon!