There’s only one way to kick off a weekend in Breaux Bridge, and that’s at the world-renowned Buck and Johnny’s Zydeco Breakfast. This can’t-miss experience is a fast-track immersion into all things Acadiana. You’ll find yourself eating beignets, a tasso omelet, and a pizza with pork skins on it, drinking bottomless Cajun Bloody Marys, and spinning in circles ‘round the dance floor to a Zydeco stomp—all before noon.
While the energy’s high, late Saturday morning makes a perfect time for exploring downtown Breaux Bridge. Wander through the district’s eclectic antique shops, like Janell’s Gifts and Antiques, the 17,000 square foot Lagniappe Antique Mall, or the Silver Screen Vintage Market. Pop by Bridge Street Books to find a curated selection of literature housed in the town’s old clock shop, a space shared by the local florists at Boho Blooms. Treat yourself to a new ‘fit at Monroe Boutique, or search for the perfect ‘tit cadeau for loved ones back home at Trove & Company or Fabrique Designs. If you’re looking for local art, stop by the Pink Alligator Gallery—the destination for regional artists to sell their creations. Don’t miss the historic 1940s-era “Murph Theater,” which is home to the Teche Center for the Arts—an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting arts and culture in St. Martin Parish. There, you’ll find an extensive display of artworks by local artists, called “The Bridge Collection”.
1 of 2

Buck & Johnny's Zydeco Breakfast
2 of 2

Beignets at Buck & Johnny's Zydeco Breakfast
Carrying Forth on Culture
In recent years, a major conversation happening in St. Martin Parish cultural circles has been the revival of Acadian Brown Cotton. Get behind the scenes of this fascinating agricultural and artisanal movement with a tour of cotton farmer Jerry Hale’s home plot. Schedule a free tour with Jerry ahead of time at (337) 446-3814, and he will not only welcome you to his home, he’ll share his expertise on the process of growing, processing, spinning, and weaving Acadian Brown Cotton—an heirloom variety of cotton historically cultivated by the Cajuns who lived in this area.

Acadian Brown Cotton
For lunch, head to Tante Marie—housed in the historic circa-1925 Broussard’s Hardware Store, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Make it there before 1 pm and you’ll catch the Saturday Biscuits and Jam live music performances by Cajun, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop stars the likes of Chad Huval and Reggie Matte. Whether you’re feeling brunch (boudin-stuffed beignets, anyone?) or lunch (can’t miss with the catfish plate), you’re bound to leave heavier than you arrived. The good news? Nothing cures that like fresh spring air, straight from the swamp.
Several tour companies—all owned and operated by Cajun folk who have been here for generations—will gladly help you explore the national wonder that is Lake Martin. Whether you go with Champagne’s Swamp Tours (the only one with restrooms onsite), Butch Guchereau’s Cajun Country Swamp Tours, or Wendy Thibodeaux’s Louisiana Swamp Tours—you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by the elegant rise of cypress trees, the mysterious curl of Spanish moss, and the songs of migrating birds. Guides will regale you with the histories of this storied swamp—human and otherwise. You might even get to witness nature in action: a Great Blue Heron catching a fish, an alligator soaking up the sun.
If you’ve still got some daylight and some want-to, especially if you’ve got kids, Poche’s Aqua Park is a well-worth-it excursion. Opened in 2024, Louisiana’s largest aqua park features a massive inflatable obstacle course with slides, rope-climbing, and various other shenanigans.
By now, the sun will be going down, but the day’s not. Head back downtown for dinner at Café Sydnie Mae, a beloved community hotspot serving up yet more local live music and a menu bristling with dishes like crab au gratin, shrimp and grits, and several steak options. Fuel up, you’ll be ending the day like you started it: dancing.
La Poussiere Dancehall’s legacy goes back to 1955, and its name is French for “Dust”—referring to the impact hundreds of boots have on a hardwood dancefloor over time. Called “La Petite Cathedrale de Musique Cajun,” this is one of the last Cajun dancehalls of its kind—the real deal. Musicians who take the stage are some of the best in the circuit, recognized nationally. Soak it all in, and stay as long as you like—the doors don’t close until midnight.
Get more ideas for your next trip to St. Martin Parish at cajuncountry.org.