River Parishes

The River Parishes are the Louisiana parishes that line the Mississippi River in the eastern part of Acadiana, from the Mississippi state line to just outside the New Orleans metro area. From Baton Rouge north, the parishes are on the west bank of the river (we have placed Baton Rouge in the Florida Parishes). The parishes between Baton Rouge and New Orleans straddle the river and, in particular, form a unique area known as the "Acadian Coast." This was an area that the first Acadian (now Cajun) exiles settled when they arrived in Louisiana from Canada. The region's parishes are Ascension, Avoyelles, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, and West Baton Rouge.

Cities

 * – several plantations can be visited by the public
 * – several plantations can be visited by the public
 * – several plantations can be visited by the public
 * – several plantations can be visited by the public
 * – several plantations can be visited by the public
 * – several plantations can be visited by the public
 * – several plantations can be visited by the public
 * – several plantations can be visited by the public
 * – several plantations can be visited by the public
 * – several plantations can be visited by the public

Other destinations

 * (also known as Atchafalaya Swamp) - enormous swamp around the Atchafalaya River

See
Historical plantation homes dating back to the 1800s are on both banks of the river and some are open to the public, ranging from non-profit educational facilities to commercial tourist attractions with major amenities. Pre-Civil War, there were hundreds of wealthy plantations along this trail, growing mostly sugar cane. Most are gone today, but locals have worked diligently to keep the remaining plantations viable and open to the public for visiting.

Go next

 * The rest of Acadiana
 * Central Louisiana – to the north
 * Florida Parishes – to the east