Escape to a world where the art of fine living, conversation, fine food* and elegance in the old world tradition, '"a la louisiane", is alive and well!

Welcome, to Courtableau House, A Registered, Louisiana Plantation B&B in historic Washington, La.* See our featured historic ad in Southern Accents Nov/dec edition 2008!

NEED A CAR? See erentals.co.uk

Bienvenu chez nous! Oui, ici on aime toujours parler en francais!

COURTABLEAU HOUSE is the former CREOLE plantation JEAN-BATISTE LA FLEUR II , son of Jean-Batiste Andre, dit, La Fleur.  Jacques, through whose lineage the current owner descends, and Jean-Batiste were half brothers, sons of Jean-Batiste Andre, dit, La Fleur, of  the Alabamous territory, and a French Creole himself. 

Louisiana Creoles, orignally, were descendants of French, Amer-indians, and some Spanish extraction.  And, since "free people of color" were considered equally human and beautiful (to French men) they, too, were taken as "femmes place'es" thus producing Creoles of color, too. 

 

Today, "Creole" signifies not so much racial origins, (although this is foundational) but rather, the term represents a cultural legacy; a very unique and elevated culinary and linguistic family tradition.  Many so-called "Cajuns" are self-described due to fear of being confused as having any African extraction, since "Creole" was appropriately claimed by "white" and "non-white" alike.  Since bread and wine are known to change into blood and flesh in this area, we also accept that people who have little if any Acadian origins suddenly changed into "Cajuns".   Of course, because of these grotesque circumstances, many Creoles of color "passed" as Caucasians; many leaving for Texas and even as far away as California, in order to live without fear of mistreatment and disdain.

Many Creoles of color today, don't even hold to this very real racial category anymore; having bought into the label of "African-American".  Creole is a recognized racial category in both South America and the Caribbean. Informed individuals in south Louisiana still do, however, hold on to this racial, ethnic distinction.

Of French heritage, the name, "la Fleur" is traced to ancient origins, from North Africa, and signifies a place of origin.  Claude de Petit-pas, Seigneur de la Fleur, was the French Clerk of Court sent to Trois Rivieres in Canada by Louis xiv and patriarch of the La Fleur's in the new world of North America.  Jean Batiste Andre' dit la Fleur's origins are directly connected to him.  

However, he seems to have moved  from France quite independently into the New World.  The English administration adhered to this degrading system of denigrating people based upon their apparent color!  The French system recognized a three-tiered social order of, Whites, Free People of Color (which could include quite a spectrum!) and Slaves.  The English recognized only Whites or Blacks; non-white was equated to slave/black. 

 Indians, Latinos, Spanish, and even Jewish people, (not to mention Africans) could never be "white" enough by English standards!  The English hated the French for many reasons. The French disdained the racism they saw under English/American rule, and disregarded English/American taboos regarding blacks and whites. 

At Courtableau House, an apparition has been seen, or felt, on several occasions, by guests and resident-staff. However, we do not offer "ghost tours"! The 'ghost' only manifests itself during Autumn, and sometimes in the Spring.  "She" is always unannounced!

The plantation was sold in 1842.

In 2000, the plantation homesite was purchased by the current owner from the 19th C  steamboat Captain, Webb Quirk's family, who owned the homesite for several generations. 

It is being beautifully restored and decorated.  Lovely, enclosed gardens, in the middle of which is an elegant circular pond surrounded by wrought iron chairs and little tables, provide a summer spot for guests to enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, outdoors if preferred.  

The beautiful front gallery, outfitted with rocking chairs and little tables sits high on the "mound" on which generations of French & English speaking families watched the steamboats coming up  Bayou Courtableau. 

Mr. John, the resident-gourmet, Mark Gillis, the Concierge & Ellen, our hostess  prepare and serve magnificent "plats" of delicious breakfasts each morning for guests.  (See, CREOLE COOKBOOKS page)

Legendary Louisiana coffees, French herb-scrambled eggs, sausage & shrimp a l'herbe, frecked faced grits & butter constitute the main breakfast fare.*  Fresh fruit plates w/yogurt/preserves are another delectable culinary accent to this sensual event.  Fabulous floral arrangements, adorn the painted dining hall. Antique French furniture, Haviland-Limoges china and antique silver add to a truly "Creole" experience in old world style!  Old French is still spoken here. Couples/parties may also elect to have a private in-house dinner party, prepared by our house Creole gourmet, Mr. John, himself.

*See our Creole Bookstore for our new cookbook, Courtableau House Favorites: Creole Gourmet Secrets of Louisiana which features an incredibly delicious array of authentic French Louisiana culinary secrets!

Our elegant Tea Room is unique, outside of New Orleans & Baton Rouge.  It is also listed in Great American Tearooms.

(See, Cafe/Tea Parlor page)

Today, the old plantation homesite is Courtableau House B&B,  and is part of the Louisiana Registry of Historic places along with the rest of historic, downtown, Washington, Louisiana. It's present name was taken as a commemorative of the beneficent, Count Jacques Courtableau, for whom one of the two bayous in Washington, was named.

Ellen, Mark or John always graciously greet our guests and serve stimulating evening cocktails, or wine, along with our delicious, house pate' and hors d'oevres at 5:00pm.  Refreshing walking tours to historic cemeteries, antiques stores, historic properties, private in-house dining (and local) on authentic Louisiana cuisine  and tours of private gardens are all part of the magic we offer our guests!  

Escape to a forgotten world of elegance and fine dining when you visit Courtableau House, a registered Louisiana Creole plantation and bed n' breakfast.

 

Did you know? 

You and your special someone can enjoy an exquisite, private dinner, (prepared by Mr john himself!) in the painted dining room without having to go out? See RATES page for details.

*See our ad below for A Cultural Legacy: Creole Gourmet Secrets of Louisiana-OLD & NEW! our house cookbook! anticipated release feb. 2010!!!

 

 

Please check our Reservations/Availability Board below, before calling in your reservations!

Call us at 337 826 8534 or at 337 418 1506  E-mail us at: info@courtableauhouse.com

Courtableau House is a very old, yet elegant, and classy international, French colonial Creole guesthouse-for special people who love life in all of its' ambient texture, and who love to celebrate it! * 

 "Courtableau House...is an authentic Louisiana Creole House and is an architectural/interiors marriage of old New Orleans and old Paris with incredibly delicious food, presentation and service....unforgettable ambience wherein old French is still spoken!" See, "Some Guests Comments" page

Do not expect phones or TVs, quick showers or La-Z-Boys!  Do expect,Fine hors d'oeuvres & mint juleps. Or, how about our Louisiana Afternoon "High" Tea for the holidays or much needed 'getaway'? See High Tea page for details/prices!

 

" il ne faut pas se depecher! il faut savourer la vie, une boucher a la fois! "-Jean la Fleur II

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RATES:

$165.00 @ 8% tax per night per couple/per room. Includes check-in cocktails/hors d'oeuvres, splendid coffee service & breakfast, fresh flowers in guests suite and dining hall. Complimentary Champagne for anniversary & newly weds!

 (see our GUEST COMMENTS page)

Cycle Zydeco guests: $70.00/room @ 8% tax (Special Rated Discount)

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COURTABLEAUHOUSE * is 20-minute drive from Lafayette, the capitol of francophone Louisiana and its' famed, Festival International Lafayette!

  

Reserve now if you haven't, because if you don't you may not be able to later! 

Call us at 337 826 8534 or at 337 418-1506  E-MAIL Mr. John directly at: info@courtableauhouse.com day or night!

<A href='http://www.iha.com' title="IHA.com - Vacation rentals, guest house, bed and breakfast B&B, self catering accommodation, gite, charming rental and luxury holiday rental book direct with owner">IHA.com : Vacation rentals, bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation book direct with owner</A>

 

 

*Courtableauhouse Inc. also sponsors private, small group guided tours of London, Paris, Florence, Rome and other locations! Mr. John, an international tourguide/interpreter of now 30 yrs. experience leads and organizes each one as per request! See SPECIALS PAGE 

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 Reservations/Availability BOARD

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sept. 12. High Tea Party 2:00-4:00pm ORLEANS ROOM -closed-

sept. 20  (Private Party)

sept. 27  Private Party-Orleans Room  

           Carribean Suite-Baton Rouge, Le Grands

           Paris Suite-lafayette, Johnson

oct. 5, LouisianaWedding Shower-Duplechain

oct. 11, Paris suite closed-OHS Reunion-Rish family

oct. 11, Caribbean closed-Sinitiere

oct. 17-19, Caribbean ste closed-Bourgeois

Paris Suite closed-Tilley's (Texas)

oct. 21, paris suite closed (Houston, Tx)

oct. 31-nov.1 New Orleans (Couvillion)

nov. 8, (Mamou, La.)

nov. 28-29 Paris suite closed - Whites (Calhoun, La.)

dec. 6-7 Halpin (Lafayette, La.) Caribbean Ste closed

dec. 28, Sachida, Jean, Joseph, Chris & Frank (Low Tea/5)

jan 4 High Tea-McManus group/Orleans room 2:00pm

jan. 17, Private Guests (no suites)

jan. 24, Paris suite, LaHayes, Mamou, La.

feb 6-7, Caribbean Ste. -Texas-Dubrocs

feb 7, Paris suite-Brookhaven, Mi (Leggetts)

feb 14, Anderson party, Carribean Ste./Dinner

feb. 13, All suites closed-private guests; New Orleans

MARDI GRAS WEEKEND ALL SUITES CLOSED-UNLESS CANCELLATION

march 24, 09 Rick Trimble, Seattle, Washington

april 17, 09, Birmingham, Al - Retan & Co. (all suites closed)

april 17, 09, Indianola, Iowa- Patins (Garconniere)

april 24-25 Caribbean Ste. closed -Courville party. Late arrival

may 2, 09, Cucchiara Wedding party, (Grand Service) Lafayette, La. (All suites closed) 

may 9, 09  D. Morrow  (Caribbean Ste.)

may 18 (monday) Wilder party 3 Rooms (All suites closed)

 

may 29, Fri/Sunday,  Harvey family, Paris-closed

-Creole Open

june 6, 09, Pat Bigger party + dinner for 3 (All suites closed)

june 11, 09, Bowdler & Co. Ground suites closed.

june 20, 09 Schultz party + dinner 2

june 27- 09 Webers, Albuquerque, NM

june 26, 09, Rodriguez Wedding party (New Orleans, La., Caribbean  ste.)

july 3-5 -Stanleys w/dinner 2

aug. 8-09, Whipp-Keating, Wedding--Caribbean Creole Ste.

oct. 2, 09  Amich family + dinner 2 Fort Worth, Tx

nov. 7, 09 Sat. Caribbean Ste. closed (private)

Paris closed (private)

december-closed per holidays

jan. 9, 2010, Scherer wedding party, Louisiana

mar. 6, 2010, Rozelle, Dallas, Tx

april 9, 2010, Villeneau, London, England

april 9, 2010, Mc Laughlin, Massachusetts

We are closed during Thanksgiving this year. Otherwise open by appointment only! Please ask about our private guest lunch banquet (See Specials Page for menu & prices and schedule!)

 

 

Your comfort, our service !

It is our joyful privilege to serve you. RESTORING YOUR SENSE OF HUMANITY IS IMPORTANT TO US.  SEE ROOMS & GUESTS COMMENTS PAGE

 You'll feel at home with the great people at Courtableau House. -We will convince you!

We welcome PEOPLE, everyone, without bigoted discrimination! It's O.K. to "take your shoes off" at Courtableau House Plantation. YOU CAN MOVE ABOUT FREELY, THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE & OUTDOORS, IN OUR BEAUTIFUL, ENCLOSED GARDENS.

Start a new tradition this weekend with that special someone, or all  by yourself, at historic Washington's best kept secret, and only international, intercultural guesthouse plantation! We respect the privacy of all our guests.

It's not a sin to have fun, here...! Dare to live! 

If you crave attentive service, exquisite food in an atmosphere of warm ambience;  if you can imagine the charm of an elegant old French colonial plantation in which the staff still speak French, all set in park-like gardens surrounded by an array of flowers and trees, right here in America, then please realize you're not dreaming.  The splendid reality of Courtableau House Plantation B&B awaits you!

Contact us at the Courtableau House and take advantage of all the world-class amenities we offer.

We've served many noteworthies such as author of, WEEKEND GETAWAYS IN LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI & ARKANSAS, Mary Fonseca & husband, Judge Fonseca and their personal friends.

COMING SOON!!!  Mr. John's long anticipated LOUISIANA COOKBOOK, 

*A Cultural Legacy:  CREOLE GOURMET SECRETS OF LOUISIANA,

An Absolute MUST for EVERY LOUISIANA CREOLE FOOD LOVIN GOURMET, it features a special essay by Mr. la Fleur, an expert in Louisiana French culture and a teacher of modern French, which restores the dignity and understanding of a culture, people and language greatly misunderstood and often misrepresented in history's memory. Gorgeous food displays of authentic indigenous meals were shot ON SITE AT BEAUTIFUL COURTABLEAU HOUSE Plantation! This book is unique book provides a serious study of the culture, language and people through the food language. All recipe headings are in original French w/ English subtitles.This COOKBOOK, is ILLUSTRATED in about 100 full color images by NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CAJUN PHOTOGRAPHER, Norris Fontenot. Almost 200 RECIPES for UNIQUE LOUISIANA CREOLE FOOD, WINES, HORS D'OEUVRES, ENTREES, SALADS, SOUPS, GUMBOS, DESSERTS & TEA long enjoyed by COURTABLEAU HOUSE family guests & friends with a special section of, 'OTHER SECRETS' by talented veteran Cajun/Creole cooks! A dictionary of origins and meanings provides fascinating historical-etymological information on the food and recipes presented; by an author who knows the language (and teaches modern French, too!) A cultural cookbook never anticipated and long overdue, Courtableau House Favorites: Creole Gourmet Secrets of Louisiana is all about French-speaking Lousiana's Evangeline, St. Landry, Avoyelles and rural Lafayette parishes; the culture, language and the food of its's fascinating and racially diverse people! $59.95  -RESERVE YOUR COPY BY CALLING, or EMAILING US TODAY at 337 418 1506; email: info@courtableauhouse.com!!!

Ms. Claire Creppel, owner of the famed, New Orleans Hotel/Bar,  The Columns, and Dr. Greg Glowacki's (of Opelousas) mother, raved about our cuisine. We've even served the local, "RED HATTERS"  and, many more!

Some of our high profile guests request anonimity to protect their privacy. We respect and protect YOUR rights and patronage. (See our Rooms & Guest's Comments Page)

Isn't it time you started living? 

Discover classic Cajun/Creole living in a setting that looks like a picture from the French West Indies, where the accent is Cajun, and the warmth of your soon-to-be new friends is unmitigating, and real.

CONTACT US AT: 337 418 1506 or if line is busy, email: info@courtableauhouse.com

Activities During the Spring & Summer

***********************TOURISTS INFO KIOSQUE***********************

 SOUTHERN LIVING magazine recently named WASHINGTON, La. as one of America's top WEDDING DESTINATIONS! Here are some reasons, along with some of our, heretofore, unknown! NOV/DEC 2008 EDITION SOUTHERN ACCENTS FEATURES COURTABLEAU HOUSE IN HISTORIC WASHINGTON AD!!!

  *Antique Churches, (Catholic & Protestant) possessing unmatched architectural charm and perfectly preserved for staging that fairy-tale wedding!

See St.John's Episcopal, a Gothic Victorian jewel perfectly 'frozen' in time and available by contacting Washington Garden Club, President, Linda Taylor at 337 826 6518.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, JACQUES LEMELLE'S French Creole architectural masterpiece built by his slaves for his fellow 'gens de couleur' (free people of color)

  *Washington is also home of one of the earliest Jewish settlements in America with its' own Hebrew Rest graveyard!

 *FABULOUS LEON WOLF BANQUET HALL FOR ELEGANT RECEPTIONS & PARTIES and formerly one of the earliest Jewish mercantile stores in Louisiana founded by one of Washington's great humanitarians, Leon Wolf!

 *Beautiful, historic BED 'N BREAKFASTS  (plantation and post-Civil War era houses) add to the magic and pleasure of accommodating YOU & YOUR Wedding guests! All within walking distance to Wolf Hall! (See our, SPECIALS PAGE for more listings)

 *AWARD-WINNING CAJUN/CREOLE American CUISINE AT CHEF JASON HUGUET'S, STEAMBOAT WAREHOUSE RESTAURANT (one of the last warehouses of the antebellum era featuring 60ft hand-hewn cypress rafters !) ON THE BAYOU!

Or, try Soileau's Dinner Club in nearby Opelousas!

*ROBINSON'S CANING AND WEAVING TEXTILES, split oak baskets & historic art passed down from several generations of African artisans! Collectors and art lovers can't afford to pass up! Call 337 308 1693 for an appointment!

 *Festival International a Lafayette, April 24-27, 2008! Viens danser!

 *WASHINGTON CATFISH FESTIVAL, Cajun /Zydeco Music Spring/Food FESTIVALS  MARCH 13-16!!!!

  *Annual Cycle-Zydeco Destination! Saturday night open-air Zydeco Dancing!

 *SPRING Garden & Historic Cemetery Tours

  *Escort to FRED'S lounge, in Mamou, La. for the world renown 'radio show' & CAJUN DANCING!!!

    If you get hungry go directly to the end of 6th St. to Cajun Grocery for delicious, inexpensive plate lunches!

 * Numerous Antiques Markets for which Washington is well-known for inexpensive prices!

 *Annual WASHINGTON Antique School Mall Yard Sale (October! See town of washington louisiana website!!!)

 *ARDOIN'S CAJUN GROC. & MEAT MARKET (a real Cajun charcuterie!) for Cajun/Creole smoked meats and Louisiana Cookbook ingredients!  Oui, ils parlent en francais ici

*OLD FASHION "COURRIR DE MARDI GRAS"  in/from GRAND PRAIRIE, LA. comes through Main St.

*Headquarters of "Grandma Rena's, Mudhouse Foods" a native Louisiana Cajun Foods distributor! Currently not in operations due to Katrina complications!

*Outdoor Campers will love WILLIE'S CAJUN DANCE HALL/BAR & CAMPGROUND & RV park alongside beautiful Bayou Courtableau!

*Canoeing on Bayou Courtableau is one of our little-known outdoor recreational sports here! Bring your own and launch at the Boat launch behind CATFISH FESTIVAL PARK!

 *Plan a trip to the Horse races and  Casino at EVANGELINE DOWNS at Opelousas, La.

 *Nature lovers will enjoy the scenic  walking trail at beautiful Magnolia Ridge Plantation!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*WANT TO GO FISHING? yOU CAN RIGHT OFF THE BANKS OF BAYOU COURTABLEAU OR BAYOU CARRON! JUST BRING yOUR POLE, WE HAVE 2 or 3 BAIT SELLERS IN THE AREA!

 Eh, ben, oueh, on parle en francais ici,  a Courtableau House!  
    

Ask us about our fabulous Louisiana High Teas for any of your special life occasions in the Orleans Room!* *see our HIGH TEA PAGE for details!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Please read our reservation/policies below, CAREFULLY, before booking a room!!!  CALL US if you need clarification, call 337 826 8534 E-mail: info@courtableauhouse.com

PLEASE NOTE: Courtableau House is an ADULT recreational facility, WE CATER TO ADULT COMFORT AND ENJOYMENT only.

  CHILDREN ARE NOT ALLOWED except during outdoor weddings which will be held at our SOON TO BE CONSTRUCTED, 'PAVILLION DE BONS TEMPS'

Deposits on cancellations are not refunded.

We provide 'rain check' good for 1yr. from date of booking, unless the cause is our oversight, in which case we provide refund, LESS, any incurred expenses. We presume all clients have read and agree to these terms at time of booking a guestroom. See Rates page.