Port Barre, also known as the ”Birthplace of Bayou Teche,” is a small town located along U.S. Highway 190, approximately 6 miles east of Opelousas and Interstate 49, which came into existence as a port town before the days of the railroads. Steamboats traveling along the navigable streams were the only means of transportation and movement of freight. ”Barre’s Landing” was started by the Barre family. In 1820, Charles Barre purchased numerous acres along the bayou side from Sieur Jacques Guillaume Courtableau where the Barre family operated a goods handling business and the settlement therefrom grew. Port Barre is home of the Bayou Teche RV Park which is located at the junction of Bayous Teche and Courtableau. The site of this small camping park was a French Trading Post a mere 250+ years ago where a ”courier de bois” and his partner traded whiskey with the Opelousas Indians in exchange for furs and other goods. Today, the RV Park plays host to many tourists and travelers and offers a variety of things, including a little history, great fishing and sight-seeing. Port Barre is a thriving community with many industries providing jobs for our townspeople as well as those in the surrounding area. Port Barre plays host to numerous festivals and attractions, including the Lions Club Cracklin Festival, held on the second full weekend of November, and the Tour du Teche canoe and kayak race which begins right here in our little town, also known as the ”Birthplace of Teche.” It’s definitely worth the drive to be greeted by warm, gracious people ready to open their hearts.
