Shopping in Port Barre Louisiana

We’re often recognized for our festivals, music and outdoor adventures, but Louisiana shopping is also topnotch. From the boutiques of Lake Charles and the antiques shops in Monroe to the art galleries of New Orleans and the outlet stores in Bossier City, we’ve got just what you are looking for. Be sure to leave room in your suitcase for a souvenir or two. A strand of Mardi Gras beads or a Louisiana cookbook will remind you of your wonderful Louisiana adventure until you are able to visit us again.

Port Barre, the site of a French trading post 250 years ago, sits right at the point where Bayou Courtableau flows into Bayou Teche.

In 1733, the semi-nomadic Opelousas Indians petitioned the French colonial government to send traders to their district. A couple of coureurs des bois, who had come to the area in search of trade opportunities, set up a trading post where the bayous meet.

In 1765, Jacques Courtableau, a wealthy landowner, gave land grants to 32 Acadian immigrants. That same year, he sold a large parcel of land including the site of the first trading post to Charles Barre. The post later became known as Barre’s Landing, then Port Barre.

Today, you can see where Bayou Teche begins and stay at the Bayou Teche RV Park, nestled on the bayou. You’ll also want to stop in at the local grocery to sample some of the best jalapeno, sausage & cheese bread you’ll ever taste.