Charenton
This quaint town is home to the Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel, a popular gaming and dining destination, as well as important indigenous history and heritage sites.
At a Glance
Known For: Chitimacha Tribal Nation, Chitimacha Reservation, Native American heritage, Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel
Top Things to Do: Visit the Chitimacha Museum, paddle the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, enjoy gaming and entertainment at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel
Major Events: Live entertainment and seasonal concerts at The Pavilion
Top Things to Do in Charenton
Charenton is home to the Chitimacha Tribal Nation, the only federally recognized Tribal Nation in Louisiana that continues to occupy a portion of its ancestral homeland. At the Chitimacha Museum, visitors can learn about the Tribe's history, traditions and enduring cultural heritage through exhibits that highlight traditional lifeways, ceremonies and the nationally recognized basket-weaving artistry passed down through generations.
For a different perspective of the region, paddle a section of the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, which winds through Charenton on its journey from Port Barre to Berwick. The trail offers opportunities to observe South Louisiana's wetlands, where cypress trees draped in Spanish moss provide habitat for herons, kingfishers, wood ducks, warblers and other native wildlife.
Visitors can also enjoy entertainment at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel, a Chitimacha Tribal Enterprise featuring gaming, dining, overnight accommodations and live performances at The Pavilion throughout the year.
Places to Stay
Stay where you play at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel, where contemporary guest rooms, luxury suites and an RV park provide convenient accommodations in the heart of Charenton. Or book a comfortable, unpretentious motel nearby in Franklin, such as the Best Western Forest Inn or the Franklin Inn & Suites.
Food & Drink
Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel offers several dining options showcasing both Louisiana flavors and contemporary cuisine. Mr. Lester's Steakhouse serves premium steaks alongside regional specialties like shrimp and grits and crawfish dishes, while Loco Mexican Grill & Cantina features Mexican favorites with Cajun influences. For lighter fare, stop by Mabel's Kitchen, or pick up seasonal boiled seafood from Fluke's Seafood Shack.
Travel Tips & Resources
It's easy to navigate Charenton. Catch a flight to Lafayette Regional Airport, then rent a car or take a rideshare. Charenton is also a short drive from Biloxi, Mississippi (3 hours), Galveston, Texas (5 hours), and Texarkana, Arkansas (5 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Charenton?
Some of the best things to do in Charenton, Louisiana, include visiting the Chitimacha Museum to learn about the history and living culture of the Chitimacha Tribal Nation, paddling the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, and enjoying gaming, dining and live entertainment at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel.
What is Charenton known for?
Charenton is best known as the home of the Chitimacha Tribal Nation, the only federally recognized Tribal Nation in Louisiana that continues to occupy part of its ancestral homeland. The community is also known for its Native American cultural heritage, renowned basket weaving tradition and Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel.
What is the best time of year to visit Charenton?
While there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Charenton, we’d say the best time is spring and fall, perfect for festivals and outdoor activities. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild and less crowded.
What is the weather like in Charenton?
Charenton typically enjoys hot, humid summers and short, cold winters. Expect average highs of 90° F in July and August, with lows dipping to 43° F in January. Pack layers for winter, and sunscreen and a hat for summer.
Where can I get more travel information about Charenton?
For official travel information about Charenton, Louisiana, visit CajunCoast.com, the area's official destination marketing organization. The site provides visitor guides, maps, transportation details, hotel and lodging information, event calendars and planning resources to help travelers make the most of their visit. Travelers can also find statewide trip ideas, itineraries and regional guides on ExploreLouisiana.com, Louisiana’s official tourism website.