Grand Coteau seems like just a wide spot in the road, but it won't take long to explore it. First see the beautiful, more than 180-year-old Academy of the Sacred Heart, 1821 Academy Rd. (tel. 337/662-5275; www.ashcoteau.org; tours by appointment only, offered 9am-2pm on school days but other times may be arranged), and its gardens. Then stop off for a quick bite and a few gifts.
