Lafayette, California

Lafayette, 135 miles northwest of New Orleans on I-10, is geographically central in Cajun country, and the key city for its oil business. Originally named Vermilionville, after the orange-hued bayou nearby, it was renamed in 1844 in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, the aristocratic French hero of the American Revolution. Today it's a sprawling city with a small-town feel. Lafayette is particularly vibrant during the superb Festival International de Louisiane, in April, and Festivals Acadiens, in the fall; at other times, though, you could use it as a base for exploring the swamps, bayous, and dance halls of the region. There are plenty of smaller places nearby, especially in and around Breaux Bridge, that offer something a little more personal.