Vermilion Parish

With one of the highest concentrations of Cajuns in Louisiana, Vermilion Parish proudly proclaims itself “the most Cajun place on earth.” For nearly one-quarter of the population, Cajun French is the primary language. The parish’s location on the marshland-rich coast of the Gulf of Mexico means it overflows with the seafood for which the state is world-renowned. For people within Louisiana, Vermilion Parish is associated with pancakes. It is in the quaint town of Abbeville, that for a century, C.S. Steen Syrup Mill has produced its natural sugar cane syrup. But Abbeville has all of breakfast covered.  Each November, its annual Giant Omelette Celebration turns the town center into a 5,000-egg kitchen. The town of Erath, meanwhile puts on a spectacular Independence Day celebration every 4th of July. Beyond the towns, but within St. Landry’s boundaries, you discover many mysterious bayous, cheery farmlands, extensive coastal wildlife refuges and historic hunting camps.