Once a hideaway for pirates the Town of Jean Lafitte which stretches along Bayou Barataria is now home to people who make their living from the local waters and marshlands.

Just a short drive from the urban areas of Jefferson Parish visitors can watch trawl boats along the bayou dance to Cajun music taste local seafood and experience some of the best fishing and boat tours in the state. For the more relaxed traveler many restaurants offer perfect views of the sun setting over south Louisiana.

Residents of Jean Lafitte like to have a good time and find many excuses to have festivals and parties throughout the year. Some of the best are the Oyster Fest in January the Blessing of the Fleet in April the Seafood Festival in August and the Bayou Christmas Festival in December.

Jean Lafitte National Historic Barataria Park and Preserve

The Barataria Preserve is one of the four units comprising the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve. This unit interprets the culture of people who settled the delta and the unique ecosystem that sustained them. Located on Highway 45 the preserve is well-respected for its variety of birds animal wildlife and plants. There are exhibits and a 25-minute film highlight on the wildlife and foliage on the trails and waters. Guided and self-guided tours are available as well as canoe excursions. For more information call (504)589-2330.