The term French Louisiana refers to two distinct regions: Each term has been in use for many years.

French Louisiana, district of New France

French Louisiana was one of the districts of New France. Beginning in 1682 this region, known in French as la Louisiane française, functioned as an administrative district of New France. It extended from the Gulf of Mexico to Vincennes, now in Indiana. France ceded the region to Spain and Britain in 1763 after the French and Indian War, regained it by treaty in 1800, and sold it to the United States in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase.

Modern French Louisiana

Greater New Orleans and the twenty-two parish cultural region known as Acadiana compose present-day 'French Louisiana'. Although the Louisiana French (Cajuns & Creoles) dominate south Louisiana's cultural landscape, the largest French-speaking group in the state is thought to be the United Houma Nation Native American tribe. Other important ethnic groups in the region include African-Americans, Isleños, German Coast settlers, Filipinos and various immigrant groups, including Vietnamese, Laotians, and a growing number of Hispanics. In addition, French Louisiana influences can be found in cities adjacent to the region, such as Alexandria and Baton Rouge.