While we absolutely love major cities like Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, there’s something to be said about Louisiana’s small towns. They are often where you’ll find the friendliest people and the best food, both of which are what make Louisiana so special. These charming small towns in Louisiana are the heartbeat of the Pelican State, and Louisiana just wouldn’t be the same without them.

1. Ville Platte
Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Justthe2ofusand5kids/Trip Advisor
With a population of around 6,300 people, Ville Platte residents certainly appreciate the slow-paced, natural beauty of the town. Home to both Chicot State Park and the Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte is overflowing with some of the most incredible natural scenery in the state.
2. Grand Isle
Grand Isle, LA, USA
Management/Trip Advisor
Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island is home to fewer than 1,000 people, but don't let that number scare you away. While Grand Isle has had its fair share of both natural disasters (hurricanes) and man-made disasters (oil spills) over the years, somehow it always bounces back. Grand Isle State Park has been closed since Hurricane Ida took its toll in 2021, but even if the park is closed, there are seven miles of public beaches to enjoy plus some of the best fishing in the world.

Take this wonderful birds-eye tour of Grand Isle right from the comfort of your couch!
3. Abita Springs
Abita Springs, LA 70420, USA
FlaHarlock/Trip Advisor
Tucked away in the heart of St. Tammany Parish, Abita Springs was once considered a "vacation town" for notable New Orleans to visit when doctors used to prescribe fresh air. The town's springs have long been thought to have healing powers, which also may have added to the charming allure of this tiny town of 2,600.

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4. Madisonville
Madisonville, LA 70447, USA
LANorthshore/Trip Advisor
Not far from Abita Springs, Madisonville is another charming Louisiana town, and this one is nestled along the Tchefuncta River. Fairview-Riverside State Park is located here, which is a treat for both history and nature lovers.

If you enjoyed the tour of Grand Isle, you're going to love this one, too!
5. Breaux Bridge
Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, USA
Jackie N./Trip Advisor
One of the larger towns to make the list, Breaux Bridge's 7,500 residents will most assuredly agree that this is one of the most charming small towns in Louisiana. Known as the "Crawfish Capital of the World," you can bet you'll be eating well when you visit Breaux Bridge. A visit to this little town isn't complete without stopping by Lake Martin, especially if you're itching to see some wildlife.

This wonderful visual tour of Breaux Bridge is probably just going to make you want to live there, so watch at your own risk:
6. St. Francisville
Saint Francisville, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
Management/Trip Advisor
Tucked away in the rolling hills of West Feliciana Parish, St. Francisville has a population of about 1,600 residents and more historical landmarks than you can shake a stick at. Of course, the Myrtles Plantation is one of the most popular attractions in this sleepy little town. Now a bed and breakfast, feel free to book a room here, just don't expect to get a restful night's sleep--it's one of the most haunted places in Louisiana.
7. Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville, LA 70346, USA
Laura V./Trip Advisor
Just on the outskirts of Baton Rouge, Donaldsonville's 6,700 residents have the best of both worlds: the charm of a slow town while still being just a short drive away from the big city. Did you know that Donaldsonville was actually the capital for a brief moment in the 1800s?

What’s your favorite small town in Louisiana? Which towns would you say are the best small towns in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments, or nominate it for a chance to be featured!

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More to Explore

Best Small Towns in Louisiana

Tori Jane | March 10, 2023
  1. What are some of the best small towns in Louisiana?

Louisiana might just be the perfect place if you’re a lover of small-town Americana. Turns out, there are plenty of awesome little towns in Louisiana to choose from – we can’t even list them all here. But, some of our picks for the downright best small towns in Louisiana are ones like:  

  • Ville Platte – This place is peak Cajun country vibes. It’s quite literally famous for its amazing smoked meats and unique genre of “swamp pop” music.  
  • Minden – Community is important in Minden and there’s always something fun to do, be it a festival, carnival, event, or literally anything else.  
  • Gonzales – Five words: Jambalaya. Capital. Of. The. World.  

 

Learn more about each of these towns and a few more!  

  1. What small towns in Louisiana are best for families? 

Louisiana is a wonderful state for putting down roots and settling down. If you’re a family with kids, some of the wonderful small towns in Louisiana you might want to consider are:  

  • Natchitoches – Quite literally the oldest town in Louisiana, this one’s a delight for students of all ages with award-winning schools galore. 
  • Saint Martinville – Quiet and beautiful, this town is home to “Evangeline”... you’ll know her when you see her. 
  • Madisonville – All the beauty of a river town without the wild crowds.  

 

Learn more about each of these wonderful towns in LA for families, plus a few extras.   

  1. What are some fun things to do in Louisiana?

There’s an almost absurd number of fun and amazing things to do in Louisiana – so many we can’t really list them all here, but we can mention a few of our favorites:  

  • State Parks – with more than 20 state parks to choose from, Louisiana is an amazing state for those who love the outdoors.  
  • Tour Avery Island – it's so much more than just the birthplace of Tabasco.  
  • Take a Swamp Tour – the bayous and swamps are truly breathtaking in their own way – come out and see.  

 

Learn more about all of these ideas and then some – what will you do next?   

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