Cities and Towns in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1910, Evangeline Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Evangeline Parish was formed from part of St. Landry Parish. The city of Ville Platte is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 39, Evangeline Parish has a population of 32,215 and area of 680 square miles (1,761 km²).
List of all cities in Evangeline Parish, LA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Basile, LA | 70515 | 337 |
| Chataignier, LA | 70524 | 337 |
| Lonepine, LA | 71367 | 337 |
| Mamou, LA | 70554 | 337 |
| Pine Prairie, LA | 70576 | 337 |
| Reddell, LA | 70580 | 337 |
| Saint Landry, LA | 71367 | 337 |
| Turkey Creek, LA | 70585 | 337 |
| Ville Platte, LA | 70586 | 337 |
Major Cities and Towns in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
Ville Platte
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 4.3 square miles
- Population: 7,430 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70586
- Latitude: 30.6875° N
- Longitude: 92.2718° W
Location and History
Ville Platte, the parish seat of Evangeline Parish, is located in the heart of south-central Louisiana. The town’s name, which means “flat town” in French, was derived from the flat prairie land upon which it sits. Founded in 1824 by French-speaking settlers, Ville Platte quickly became a center for farming and trade in the region, with cotton, rice, and cattle farming being the primary industries. The town has strong cultural ties to Cajun and Creole heritage, and French remains a significant part of local culture. Ville Platte’s location at the intersection of U.S. Highway 167 and Louisiana Highway 10 has contributed to its importance as a regional hub for commerce and agriculture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ville Platte is served by schools in the Evangeline Parish School District, including Ville Platte High School and James Stephens Montessori School. Key landmarks in Ville Platte include the Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum, which celebrates the local swamp pop music genre that originated in the region. The nearby Chicot State Park, a major natural attraction, offers fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities and is home to the Louisiana State Arboretum. Each year, the town hosts the Louisiana Cotton Festival, celebrating its agricultural roots with parades, music, and traditional Cajun food. Ville Platte’s vibrant cultural heritage and connection to the land make it a focal point for Cajun culture in Louisiana.
Mamou
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: 3,007 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70554
- Latitude: 30.6327° N
- Longitude: 92.4213° W
Location and History
Mamou is located in southern Evangeline Parish and is renowned as the “Cajun Music Capital of the World.” Founded in the late 19th century, Mamou grew as a farming community with a rich cultural tradition. The town was named after a local Creole word meaning “motherland” or “wetland,” reflecting its connection to the surrounding bayous and prairie lands. Mamou’s residents have long preserved their French-speaking Cajun heritage, with music, dance, and festivals being central to the community’s identity. The town is famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, where traditional Cajun customs are kept alive through music, food, and the “Courir de Mardi Gras” (Mardi Gras run), a unique rural celebration.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mamou High School and Mamou Elementary School serve the local community, providing education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The most famous landmark in Mamou is Fred’s Lounge, a bar that has hosted live Cajun music broadcasts every Saturday morning for decades, drawing visitors from all over the world. Mamou’s Mardi Gras celebration, one of the most traditional in Louisiana, features masked riders on horseback collecting ingredients for a communal gumbo. The town is also near the Eunice Prairie Wildlife Management Area, offering outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting and fishing. Mamou remains a cultural hub for Cajun music and traditions, making it a popular destination for those seeking authentic Louisiana culture.
Pine Prairie
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.4 square miles
- Population: 1,610 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70576
- Latitude: 30.7891° N
- Longitude: 92.4289° W
Location and History
Pine Prairie is a small town located in the northern part of Evangeline Parish. The town was established in the early 20th century, primarily as a farming and logging community. Its name reflects the area’s natural surroundings, with pine forests and prairie lands being the dominant features of the local landscape. Pine Prairie grew steadily as a hub for agriculture, with the timber industry also playing an important role in its early development. Today, the town retains its rural charm and agricultural roots, with farming, forestry, and a correctional facility being major contributors to the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pine Prairie High School, which serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, is the primary school in the town. Pine Prairie’s major landmarks include the Pine Prairie Correctional Center, one of the largest employers in the area. The town is surrounded by scenic pine forests, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. The nearby Crooked Creek Recreation Area, located just outside of Pine Prairie, provides camping, boating, and fishing opportunities. The town also hosts community events, including agricultural fairs and festivals, that celebrate its rural heritage and tight-knit community spirit.
Chataignier
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 334 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70524
- Latitude: 30.5803° N
- Longitude: 92.3331° W
Location and History
Chataignier is a small village in southern Evangeline Parish, named after the French word for “chestnut tree.” Founded in the early 19th century, Chataignier grew as a rural farming community with deep ties to its French-speaking Creole and Cajun heritage. The village has long been centered around agriculture, with cotton and corn being the primary crops in its early days. Over the years, Chataignier has remained a small, close-knit community, preserving its rural character and cultural traditions. The town’s location, surrounded by rich farmlands and bayous, has allowed it to maintain a strong connection to its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chataignier Elementary School serves the village’s youngest residents, providing education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The village’s most notable landmark is St. Peter Catholic Church, which has been a religious and cultural center for the community since its founding in the 19th century. Chataignier is also known for its peaceful, rural atmosphere, with nearby bayous and farmland offering opportunities for fishing, hunting, and nature exploration. The village’s annual church fairs and local festivals bring together residents to celebrate their shared heritage and agricultural lifestyle, continuing the community’s long-standing traditions of faith and family.
Basile
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: 1,214 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70515
- Latitude: 30.4858° N
- Longitude: 92.5974° W
Location and History
Basile is located on the western edge of Evangeline Parish, near the border with Acadia Parish. The town was founded in the early 20th century and named after Basile Landry, a prominent local figure. Basile’s early growth was fueled by the railroad, which brought commerce and trade to the area, and by the agricultural industry, with rice and cattle farming playing central roles in the local economy. Over the years, Basile has maintained its small-town character while embracing its Cajun and Creole cultural heritage, making it a lively community known for its music, food, and festivals.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Basile High School serves the educational needs of the town, providing instruction for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Basile is home to several landmarks, including St. Augustine Catholic Church and the Basile City Park, which offers recreational facilities for residents. The town is famous for its Cajun music and hosts the annual Basile Swine Festival, celebrating local culture with live music, food, and dancing. The nearby Grand Prairie provides outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, attracting visitors to the region’s natural beauty. Basile’s cultural events, combined with its rich agricultural heritage, make it a vibrant part of Evangeline Parish.
