LE VIEUX VILLAGE HERITAGE PARK & MUSEUM

To get a glimpse of Louisiana's history from the time of its discovery by the French to the present day, you must visit Le Vieux Village. Seven historic buildings have been assembled to recreate a village of yesteryear and trace the life of the past. Dr. Laffleur's office was built in 1890; it was donated by his descendants and moved in 1991 from Prairie Ronde. The tourist information office is a lovely Victorian building that offers brochures in French and a small exhibit on Zydeco. The Union Pacific Freight Depot is a donation from the Union Pacific Railroad, a former Court Street station with a beautiful 1911 Mary Jane Train Engine with a wood boiler. It was used to transport freight and went 25 miles per hour. The Venus House was built in the second half of the 18th century and is the oldest building in the village. It is of Creole architecture and was brought from Grand Prairie. The Witeville School dates from 1911, it was donated and brought from Witeville in the northern part of St. Landry Parish. The Emar Andrepont Store dates from 1880 and was brought from Prairie Ronde, Louisiana; it was a store for over one hundred years. There is also a house built in 1970 as a typical 19th century Cajun home. Finally, the 19th Century Outhouse is a sort of garden shed from 1890. Please note that guided tours are offered Tuesday through Friday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm upon reservation (free).