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 Cajun Country that’s perfect for a weekend escape. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing, secluded spot, then Ville Platte is just what you need. In this sleepy little Cajun town, you’ll trade the crowds for cypress trees, lazy waterways, and beautiful scenery.

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.

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.

Chicot State Park/Facebook 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!

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.

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.

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.

Chicot State Park/Facebook

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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Address: Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA