Cities and Towns in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana
Founded in 1844, Vermilion Parish is one of 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana. Historically, Vermilion Parish was formed from part of Lafayette Parish. The city of Abbeville is the parish seat. With FIPS code of 113, Vermilion Parish has a population of 57,204 and area of 1,538 square miles (3,983 km²).
List of all cities in Vermilion Parish, LA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Abbeville, LA | 70510 | 337 |
| 70511 | 337 | |
| Cow Island, LA | 70510 | 337 |
| Delcambre, LA | 70528 | 337 |
| Erath, LA | 70533 | 337 |
| Gueydan, LA | 70542 | 337 |
| Kaplan, LA | 70548 | 337 |
| Maurice, LA | 70555 | 337 |
| Meaux, LA | 70510 | 337 |
| Perry, LA | 70575 | 337 |
Major Cities and Towns in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana
Abbeville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 5.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 12,257 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70510, 70511
- Latitude: 29.9740° N
- Longitude: 92.1340° W
Location and History
Abbeville is the parish seat of Vermilion Parish, located in southern Louisiana near the Vermilion River. Founded in 1843 by Père Antoine Désiré Mégret, a French missionary, Abbeville was named after Mégret’s hometown of Abbeville in France. The town grew as a center for trade, thanks to its location along the Vermilion River, which provided a key transportation route for goods. Over the years, Abbeville developed a rich culture steeped in Cajun and Creole traditions. The town played a role in the growth of Louisiana’s agriculture, particularly rice and sugarcane farming, and is also known for its role in the production of seafood from nearby marshlands and the Gulf of Mexico.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Abbeville is home to several educational institutions, including Abbeville High School and Mount Carmel Elementary, which are part of the Vermilion Parish School District. Landmarks in Abbeville include Magdalen Square, a central gathering place surrounded by historic buildings, and St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. The town also hosts the Giant Omelette Celebration, a festival that honors its French heritage. Nearby Palmetto Island State Park offers outdoor recreational activities, including camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, making Abbeville a cultural and natural gem of Vermilion Parish.
Kaplan
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,600 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70548
- Latitude: 30.0041° N
- Longitude: 92.2901° W
Location and History
Kaplan is a small town located in the western part of Vermilion Parish, known as “The Gateway to the Coastal Wetlands.” The town was founded in 1902 and named after Abrom Kaplan, a prominent businessman who played a key role in its establishment. Kaplan grew rapidly as an agricultural center, particularly for rice and cattle farming. Over time, it also became known for its strong cultural ties to the Cajun French-speaking community. Today, Kaplan maintains its small-town charm while preserving its agricultural heritage, with the Vermilion River flowing nearby and providing opportunities for trade and transportation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kaplan High School is the primary educational institution in the town, serving students from the surrounding rural areas. The town’s major landmarks include the Kaplan Museum, which chronicles the history of the area and its people, particularly focusing on its agricultural roots and Cajun culture. The annual Kaplan Food Festival celebrates local cuisine, including boudin, gumbo, and crawfish dishes, highlighting the town’s culinary traditions. The nearby Intracoastal City and coastal marshlands offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, crabbing, and boating, making Kaplan a key stop for nature enthusiasts and those exploring Louisiana’s coastal wetlands.
Erath
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,114 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70533
- Latitude: 29.9583° N
- Longitude: 92.0343° W
Location and History
Erath is a small town located in eastern Vermilion Parish, about 10 miles northeast of Abbeville. The town was founded in 1899 and named after August Erath, a Swiss immigrant and businessman who helped develop the local railroad. Erath quickly became a thriving agricultural community, with rice farming as its backbone. The town has a strong Cajun influence, evident in its local culture, festivals, and traditions. Erath is known for its deep community spirit and its annual Fourth of July celebration, one of the oldest and most popular in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Erath High School and Dozier Elementary School serve the town’s educational needs and are part of the Vermilion Parish School District. A major landmark in Erath is the Acadian Museum, which preserves the history and culture of the Acadian people, who are ancestors of the Cajuns. The museum offers exhibits on Cajun history, including the Great Expulsion from Nova Scotia and the settlement of the Acadians in Louisiana. Erath’s Fourth of July Celebration is another important event, drawing thousands of visitors each year for fireworks, music, and a traditional parade. The town is also located near Lake Peigneur and its famous sinkhole, which is a geological curiosity.
Gueydan
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,398 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70542
- Latitude: 30.0255° N
- Longitude: 92.5068° W
Location and History
Gueydan, often referred to as the “Duck Capital of America,” is located in the southwestern part of Vermilion Parish, near the Gulf Coast. The town was founded in 1884 by Jean Pierre Gueydan, a Frenchman who purchased land in the area to develop rice farming. The town’s location along the Mermentau River made it an ideal spot for agriculture and trade. Gueydan is famous for its rich hunting grounds, particularly for waterfowl, due to the nearby marshes and wetlands. Over the years, the town has developed a strong reputation as a premier destination for duck hunting enthusiasts from across the country.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gueydan High School serves the educational needs of the town and surrounding rural areas. The major landmarks in Gueydan include the Gueydan Museum, which highlights the town’s history and its connection to rice farming and hunting. The annual Duck Festival is one of the town’s biggest events, celebrating the local hunting culture with contests, parades, and live music. The nearby White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area offers visitors the chance to explore Louisiana’s natural beauty through guided tours, birdwatching, and nature walks. Gueydan’s proximity to coastal wetlands and the Mermentau River makes it a vital part of Vermilion Parish’s ecological and cultural landscape.
Maurice
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,826 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 70555
- Latitude: 30.1042° N
- Longitude: 92.1251° W
Location and History
Maurice is a small village located in northern Vermilion Parish, about 10 miles southwest of Lafayette. The town was founded in the late 19th century by Maurice Villien, a French immigrant who established a settlement that grew into a thriving community. Maurice has retained its rural charm while benefiting from its proximity to the larger city of Lafayette. The town is known for its strong Cajun culture, with a focus on traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Agriculture, particularly rice and sugarcane farming, played a central role in Maurice’s early economy, and these industries remain important today.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Maurice is served by schools in the Vermilion Parish School District, with Cecil Picard Elementary School being a key educational institution. Major landmarks in Maurice include the historic St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, which reflects the town’s strong religious and cultural roots. The town is also famous for its local Cajun restaurants, which draw visitors from across the state to enjoy authentic Cajun food. Maurice hosts several annual festivals celebrating its cultural heritage, including local food festivals that highlight dishes such as gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and boudin. The nearby wetlands and rural landscapes offer opportunities for outdoor activities like birdwatching and fishing.
