Lafayette is the heart of Cajun Country in south Louisiana, a city where French heritage, music, and food shape daily life. Vermilionville, a living history museum on Bayou Vermilion, recreates Acadian life with historic homes, crafts, and music. Acadian Village, a collection of relocated historic buildings, preserves Cajun homes and a chapel. Festival International de Louisiane, held each spring downtown, brings musicians from French speaking countries around the world to Lafayette streets. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette adds campus energy, and the nearby Atchafalaya Basin offers swamps, wildlife, and bayou tours.