LARC's Acadian Village

Owned and operated by LARC, a non-profit that supports developmentally disabled people, Acadian Village is the reimagination of early French settlers, living simple lives in the swamps, bayous, and prairies of Louisiana that nobody else wanted, after being exiled from Nova Scotia—their peaceful home for more than 150 years—for refusing to pledge fealty to the English King.

Speaking a regional French dialect, which then evolved into an even more distinct dialect known as Acadian, the people were rejected by other Frenchman in Louisiana, leaving only each other for support.

Proving their capacity to survive a hostile world, Acadians began to marry non-Acadians. New spouses learned to speak French and were absorbed into a population that would come to be known as Cajun. Today, Cajun is a proud and celebrated heritage rich in traditions and a unique way of life. 

Notably in the village is the New Hope Chapel, a replica of an 1850 chapel. Built of cypress and long-leaf pine, the replica chapel serves as a wedding venue for many couples.