Les meilleurs hôtels à Monroe

A raucous Mardi Gras celebration brings the spirit of New Orleans to North Louisiana as decorated floats parade through the streets of Monroe and the krewe members throw plastic beads and candy to a surging, appreciative crowd. Facing each other from opposite banks of the Ouachita River, the twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe in the northeastern corner of the state anchor the surrounding farm communities. Home of Northeast Louisiana University, one of the state's largest universities, Monroe also boasts a Bible museum, several restored historical sites and the Masur Museum of Art. The archeologically significant Poverty Point State Commemorative Area -- with its ancient earthworks and artifacts -- is a short drive from Monroe. Monroe is also within easy driving distance of numerous lakes and rivers that have helped give Louisiana the nickname of Sportsman's Paradise. "Gone Fishing" signs are frequently posted by local anglers headed to their favorite fish rendez-vous such as Chemin-a-Haut State Park, the Ouachita-Black Rivers Navigation Project (with its 322-mile navigation project) and Lake D'Arbonne State Park. Boating, swimming, skiing and camping are also part of this outdoor scene. Back in the city, water skiers and fishermen have their favorite spots on the river and on Bayou DeSiard.