Discover Abbeville through its culture, public spaces and outdoor activities. In the center are the St. Mary Magdalen Church, Rectory and Cemetery complex, as well as Magdalen Square. Other attractions include exhibitions, theater, music, golf and park trails.
Cultural History and Exhibitions
The three parts of the complex can be clearly distinguished by their dates: the Cemetery dates to around 1844, St. Mary Magdalen Church to 1911, and the Rectory to 1921. The cemetery is therefore the oldest dated part; the Rectory is the newest, and the church falls in between.
The Acadian Centre Acadien displays photographs and exhibits about the expulsion of Acadian families from Nova Scotia in 1755. Many of these families later settled in Louisiana. The exhibition is presented in English and French, connecting the history of the expulsion with the families’ subsequent settlement in Louisiana.
The Abbeville Cultural and Historical Alliance displays photographs, paintings and memorabilia related to the Giant Omelette Celebration; exhibition content may change. The Louisiana Military Museum explores a different subject, with military exhibitions, oral histories, Hall of Fame members and historical memorabilia from Louisiana veterans.
Theater is also part of the cultural offering. Abbey Players is a community theater in South Louisiana that has been in operation since 1976. It is located at 200 South State St. in Abbeville.
Squares, Park Trails and Golf
Magdalen Square is in the center of town and is distinguished by its large oak trees. The square also features a fountain and a pavilion.
The park trails differ in their features and surroundings: the walking trail at Gertie Huntsberry Park has exercise and stretching stations. At Lafitte Drive-In Park, a paved walking path winds through the park; the trail at Godchaux Park lies in the shade of mature trees. Choose between exercise stations, a paved surface and a shaded route.
If you’d like to include golf, Southern Oaks Country Club is another option: this public golf course in Abbeville has 18 holes.
Events, Music and Local Flavor
The event calendar features a variety of seasonal occasions. The city’s Daylily Fest takes place every year on Memorial Day weekend; the Sounds on the Square concert series runs each spring and fall. At the Giant Omelette Celebration, an omelet made with more than 5,000 eggs is prepared in early November to celebrate French heritage. Check the specific event dates for your travel dates.
Le Bayou Legendaire is located in the former Richard Sale Barn. Live music is part of a smoke-free listening environment where the audience can interact with the artists. If you’re planning a visit, you can check the schedule in advance.
C.S. Steen Syrup Mill is also part of the area’s local character: pure sugarcane syrup is made there in an open kettle using a method passed down unchanged for five generations.
For groups of ten or more, local guided tours are available in French and English. Arrange the details before your trip. When planning your hotel stay, event dates, cultural history and the different park trails can all help you choose when to travel.
For a broader travel overview: Vermilion.
