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.
- Ville Platte
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. Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
- Grand Isle
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. Grand Isle, LA, USA
- Abita Springs
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. Abita Springs, LA 70420, USA
- Madisonville
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. Madisonville, LA 70447, USA
- Breaux Bridge
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. Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, USA
- St. Francisville
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. Saint Francisville, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
- Donaldsonville
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? Donaldsonville, LA 70346, USA
What’s your favorite small town in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments or nominate it for a chance to be featured.
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.
Ville Platte, LA 70586, 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.
Grand Isle, LA, 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.
Abita Springs, LA 70420, 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.
Madisonville, LA 70447, 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.
Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, USA
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.
Saint Francisville, St Francisville, LA 70775, 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?
Donaldsonville, LA 70346, USA
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