Le Vieux Village Heritage Park is a collection of exhibits, museums, and the town’s oldest structures. French for the old village, this attraction was created in 1988 by the Opelousas Tourism and Activities Committee. Many of its components were donated by families from the area. Get a glimpse of historic Opelousas, one of Louisiana’s oldest cities, by touring the grounds which includes an old schoolhouse, a Methodist church, a doctor’s office, and the home of Marie Francois Venus. Tours are given Tuesday through Friday on the hour from 10am-2pm and by appointment. Self-guided tours are also available.

Also housed at Le Vieux Village, is the City of Opelousas Tourist Information Center & Gift Shop. It is located at the eastern entrance to Opelousas along U.S. Highway 190. The center houses the Jim Bowie Display and the Zydeco Music Exhibit. Did you know that Jim Bowie, an American hero of the Alamo, once lived in Opelousas? For more fun, historical facts, visit the center’s exhibit.

The park is also home to the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum, a facility dedicated to documenting and researching the lives of the orphan train riders.

Ici on parle français. French is spoken here.