When you think of Cajun Country, towns like Breaux Bridge, Lafayette, or Opelousas may pop into your brain, but there’s a hidden gem in Louisiana that’s perfect for a weekend escape. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing, secluded spot, then Ville Platte, Louisiana is just what you need. In this sleepy little Cajun town, you’ll trade the crowds for cypress trees, lazy waterways, and beautiful scenery. Let’s explore one of the best small towns in Louisiana to discover all it has to offer.

When you want to get away from it all and enjoy a more natural landscape, Ville Platte is the place to be.
S2sailor/Trip Advisor
Home to about 7,000 people, Ville Platte is the definition of a small town. But what it lacks in people, it makes up for in picture-perfect views like this.
Chicot State Park is one of the most popular attractions in this town, and it's easy to see why.
Ville Platte Louisiana
Emily Friis/Google
Lake Chicot is a great spot to do a little fishing, and the paddle trail offers eight miles of beautiful scenery to enjoy from your canoe. If you didn't BYOB (bring your own boat) you can always rent a canoe from the park.
The park is the best place to spend the night.
Ville Platte Louisiana
Rose C/Google
You can bring your RV or pitch a tent, but the waterfront cabins are ideal. Not only will you have everything you need during your stay, but you can dock your boat right at your doorstep!

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Nothing clears your mind faster than a walk. The park's 17-mile trail will take you around the entire lake.
Hythem Elsaleh/All Trails
You might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife along the way! Gators are the usual, but keep an eye out for turtles, deer, swamp rabbits, and of course, egrets, herons, and anhingas.
For shorter trails, check out the Louisiana State Arboretum.
Rachel Burns/Google
It's technically a part of Chicot State Park, but you'll have to leave the park to access it. Here, you'll find a labyrinth of hiking trails to explore. You'll also come across several informational signs along the way, so you'll learn a thing or two on your walk!

Fun fact: the Louisiana State Arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country!
Of course, you're going to want to try the food.
Lee Krywitsky/Google
You're in Cajun Country, after all! The Crawfish Barn, pictured above, is a casual, family-friendly joint that's loved by locals and tourists alike.
You won't have any problem finding a good meal in Ville Platte.
Johnny Devillier/Google
Crawfish is king in this part of Louisiana, but if you visit outside of crawfish season, don't worry, you'll still find loads of delicious Cajun cuisine on menus across the town.

Once you’ve explored the sights and sounds of Ville Platte, check out some of the other small towns in Louisiana that are ideal for a weekend getaway.

Looking for more fun in Cajun Country? Check out this video by Travel Thoughts listing some of the best places to visit in Louisiana.

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More to Explore

Weekend Getaways In Louisiana

Melanie J. | January 09, 2024

Aside from Ville Platte, what are some more small towns in Louisiana that are perfect for a weekend getaway?

While Ville Platte might be one of the best small towns in Louisiana for a weekend escape, here are 12 more towns in Cajun Country that belong on your list:

  • Ponchatoula, Tangipahoa Parish
  • DeRidder, Beauregard Parish
  • Grand Isle, Jefferson Parish
  • Lutcher, St. James Parish
  • St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish
  • Breaux Bridge, St. Martin Parish
  • St. Martinville, St. Martin Parish
  • Labadieville, Assumption Parish
  • Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish
  • Madisonville, St. Tammany Parish
  • Eunice, Acadia/St. Landry Parish
  • Donaldsonville, Ascension Parish

Discover more by reading our previous article highlighting these small towns in Louisiana that are great for a weekend escape. 

What are some of the best hidden gems in Louisiana?

From swamp tours to nature preserves, and more, these are the best hidden gems in Louisiana that we recommend: 

  • Driskill Mountain, Bienville Parish
  • Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Monroe
  • Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Pioneer
  • Liberty Lagoon, Baton Rouge
  • Cajun Encounters Tour Company, Slidell
  • Rip Van Winkle Gardens, New Iberia
  • Lake Claiborne State Park, Homer
  • Gators and Friends, Greenwood
  • Chimp Haven, Keithville
  • Wild Azalea Trailhead, Woodworth

Don’t forget to read our previous article telling you more about these incredible hidden gems in Louisiana.

What are the best state parks in Louisiana that are great for a weekend getaway?

Here are some of the best state parks in Louisiana that are the perfect destination for a weekend getaway:

  • Lake Bistineau State Park, 103 State Park Rd, Doyline
  • Bogue Chitto State Park, Franklinton
  • Lake Claiborne State Park, Homer
  • Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, Martinville
  • Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles
  • Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, Delhi
  • Jimmie Davis State Park, Chatham

Be sure to read our previous article with more information on these state parks in Louisiana that are great for a weekend trip.

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Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA