Abbeville is renowned for its steady supply of freshly shucked oysters, boisterous community festivals and balmy Gulf of Mexico breezes. This southern Louisiana gem is one of the state’s finest for those seeking a balance of small-town charm, big city amenities and epic public parks.
Planning a visit? Stay at Abbeville RV Park.
We’re talking about Abbeville is just 20 miles south of Lafayette and enjoys an easy-going balance of great shopping, great food and great local festivities. It’s an incredible town that serves as the perfect point of departure for exploring the region at large.
Perched on the banks of the Vermillion River and modeled by its founder after a 19th-century French village, Abbeville still wears its history and its heritage proudly.
Magdalen Square at the center of town serves as a natural nucleus, complete with a picturesque gazebo, fountain, and the still-standing St. Mary Magdalen Church. The surrounding historic downtown core features a tidy collection of family-owned shops and restaurants. Visitors will also find an assortment of art galleries and museums, including the Abbeville Cultural Arts Center and the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame Museum.
The town’s proximity to Vermillion Bay, West Cote Blanche Bay and the Gulf of Mexico also means a steady supply of fresh oysters and warm ocean currents. In addition, the local temperatures average about 70 degrees. The great food and great climate, in turn, mean a suite of great festivals and events to keep the calendar full year-round. Among the most popular are the Cattle Festival, the Giant Omelette Celebration (exactly how it sounds!), and the Cake and Ice Cream Festival.
A few miles to the south of Abbeville, Palmetto Island State Park bursts with walking trails, a boat launch, fully outfitted cabins for rent, an RV park, campground and a water playground for kids.
Whether you’re looking for great outdoor spaces to roam and explore, small historic towns to plunder and experience, or big city fare to nibble and nosh on, Abbeville has it all within easy reach.
