In 1843, a French priest named Father A. D. Megret purchased a plot of land and began laying the groundwork for Abbeville. The area was settled by Acadians, descendants of French refugees who had been evicted from Canada by the British. Magdalen Square, the centerpiece of this new town, was designed in the style of French villages. Today, the Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church overlooks the square in honor of the first church built in Abbeville in 1845. A statue of Father Megret stands in the square, commemorating the man who put Abbeville on the map.
Abbeville's economy was originally centered around agricultural products like sugarcane, cotton, and rice. Companies that service oil and gas fields near the Gulf of Mexico are based in Abbeville. Oysters and seafood also play an important role in the area's economy.
The food and culture of Abbeville is a blend of French, Spanish, and African influences. Many cities and towns in Louisiana showcase Cajun food and Creole culture, and Abbeville is no exception. Abbeville oysters are a Southern staple that goes back to the 19th century when delicious oysters were first commercially harvested from the Vermillion River. Other highlighted foods include crawfish, gumbo, boudin sausage, jambalaya, po'boys, and alligator stew.
Abbeville has a population of around 12,000, 15% of whom still speak French or Cajun. The area has multiple buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Trinity Episcopal Church and Cemetery, the Abbeville Opera House, and the Abbeville County Courthouse.
Palmetto Island State Park is a favorite among RVers and one of our top picks for state parks in the area. Palmetto Island State Park is located on the Vermilion River and provides a genuine south Louisiana outdoor experience. There's a river for boating and fishing and a beautiful network of interior lagoons for paddling.
Over 6,000 acres of former Chitimacha Indian territory in the Atchafalaya Basin make up Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. The park occupies the edge of Lake Fausse and serves as a time capsule for plants and wildlife.
In central Louisiana, Chicot State Park features rolling hills and the crystal-clear water of Lake Chicot, which is a great spot for fishing. Of course, boating is also a popular activity, and the 20-mile hiking trail that encircles the park is a great place to catch a glimpse of the many species of birds that live in the area.
The Giant Omelette Celebration - This event is held in November in downtown Abbeville and features music, food, family activities, and, of course, the making of a giant omelet using over 5,000 eggs.
Louisiana Comic-Con - Held every spring in Lafayette, Louisiana, Comic-Con is one of the most popular comic conventions in the country.
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival - This crawfish festival, which is held in April just 25 miles away from Abbeville, offers Cajun delights, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
RV storage in Lafayette is your best bet if you're looking to visit the Lafayette area. American RV and Boat Storage offers indoor and outdoor storage and a dump station for your convenience. For RV storage in nearby Lake Charles, ClimaSafe Self Storage has 24/7 on-site staff and excellent security features and charges $90 for outside storage. For those in need of RV storage in Baton Rouge, there's Baton Rouge Mini Storage #1 just east of downtown, and it features well-lit spaces and a fence surrounding the area.
All around the state, travelers will stumble upon Louisiana landmarks. Even in a small town like Abbeville, there's history and culture to take in. Magdalen Square has been the center of Abbeville since the 1800s and is overlooked by the historic St. Mary Magdalen Church. From here, volunteers give walking tours through the rest of downtown Abbeville.
There's also the Sam Guarino Blacksmith Museum, which was the town's blacksmith shop in 1920, and the Steen Syrup Mill, which is famous for providing cane syrup for Cajun cuisine across the region since 1910. The Abbeville Cultural & Historic Center has plenty more history for you to explore, as well as visitor guides full of more Abbeville landmarks.
KOA Kampground of Lafayette is near downtown Lafayette and lets you enjoy country living while having access to all the urban accommodations a traveler could want. KOA features activities and amenities for the whole family, including swimming, mini-golf, and a game room. There are groceries and supplies for sale on-site, and RV storage is available.
Bayou Wilderness RV Resort is another site near Lafayette. It has plenty of amenities to make your camping trip as comfortable as possible, such as climate-controlled showers and a general store. There's a pond for fishing, a tennis court, and regular games and events. RVs can be stored here while you spend a few days enjoying the campsite and visiting Lafayette.
The RV Parks directly in Abbeville may be small, but they have plenty of charm. Abbeville RV Park gets great customer reviews as travelers enjoy the ample shade and quiet. Another top site is Betty's RV Park. Betty is known for making her campers feel like family, and she holds potlucks for the whole park to gather, eat, and get to know one another.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Abbeville, LA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Abbeville?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Abbeville from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Abbeville?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
