Louisiana Just Wouldn’t Be The Same Without These 7 Charming Small Towns

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

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

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

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.

4. Madisonville

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

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

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

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!