Pierre Part's Cajun culture in Bayou Country
Founded by Acadian settlers in the late 18th century, Pierre Part remained a hotbed for the French language well into the 1900s, thanks in large part to the town's isolation deep in Bayou Country. As Pierre Part slowly became more connected to the rest of Louisiana, the prevalence of French as a primary language began to wane. However, in the late 20th century, residents worked with the school system to start a French immersion program at Pierre Part Elementary, connecting a new generation to the community’s heritage. “When my dad went to school when he was little, he could not speak English,” says Kallie Bailey, a Realtor and lifelong resident of Pierre Part. “Putting my daughters in French immersion, it allowed them to be able to speak to their grandparents in French.” Today, nearly 40% of the town's 3,000 residents speak at least some French. While some things have changed — nearby oil plants now overshadow the traditional fishing industry — Pierre Part’s Cajun history still binds it together.
Ranch-style and manufactured homes, including some on the water
Most ranch-style or manufactured homes date to the middle of the 20th century. Homes line the narrow streets, with cars parked on concrete driveways and under carports.
Some homes back to canals or waterways, offering access for boaters. “You don’t have any little subdivisions that have these cookie-cutter homes. That’s not here at all,” Bailey says. “Every property is different.” Prices range from $80,000 to $220,000. Some homes, especially those farther from Highway 70, are within FEMA-designated high-risk flood zones. Homeowners may be required to maintain flood insurance. The overall CAP Index Crime Score for Pierre Part is 2 out of 10, lower than the national figure of 4.
Recreation options run from sports to kayaking and fishing
Recreation within Pierre Part centers on Veterans Park. Operated by the parish government, the park includes sports facilities like baseball fields, tennis courts and a basketball court, plus a playground. Visitors can also kayak the water trails that start at the park’s river access and traverse the community's canals, bayous and lakes. Pierre Part is also one of several gateways to Lake Verrett, a destination for bass and crappie fishing. The Elm Hall Wildlife Management Area lies on the opposite side of the lake from Pierre Part, with camping and hunting in the swamps and bottomlands of Louisiana.
French immersion at Pierre Part Elementary
The Assumption Parish Schools system serves Pierre Part and receives a B-minus overall grade from Niche. Pierre Part Elementary teaches kindergarten through eighth grade and gets a B rating. The school’s French immersion program started in 1991 and is now offered in each grade level. Students can then head to B-minus-graded Assumption High in Napoleonville. Assumption High provides career-focused courses in subjects including agriculture, health science and hospitality.
Locally owned shops include the Pierre Part Store and Landry's Seafood
The Pierre Part Store is a staple of the community, having been open in one form or another for over a century. Originally accessible only by boat, the store is now located along Louisiana Highway 70 and sells everything from groceries to hardware. Several smaller shops and restaurants sit on the highway throughout Pierre Part. Buddy’s Drive-Inn serves burgers and ice cream, and the Hangout is a neighborhood bar featuring events like live music. But locals head to Landry’s Seafood for regional specialties like crawfish and gumbo. “That was actually my grandfather that opened that,” Bailey says. “His son ran it for years, my mom’s brother, and now his son is running it. It’s really the only true dining restaurant in Pierre Part.” Residents can drive to Morgan City or Gonzales for more shopping.
Food-focused fundraisers benefit the church and firefighters
Residents come together to celebrate the holidays in Pierre Part. The city puts on a Christmas tree lighting each December, followed by a parade the following day. Locals also attend events like the annual fair at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, a fundraiser benefitting the church that features food and live entertainment. But the community’s favorite gathering is the Firemen’s Food Fest, held each fall. “All different people in the community sponsor a booth,” Bailey says. “You provide all the food, and people come and buy little cups, like taste testing. And then all the proceeds go to our local fire department.”
Louisiana Highway 70 heads toward nearby cities
Louisiana Highway 70 is the main route through Pierre Part, leading 20 miles south to Morgan City or 30 miles northeast to Interstate 10. While some residents work in the community, others commute to nearby petrochemical plants and refineries. The Assumption Parish Council on Aging offers on-demand rides for seniors, but most residents drive to their destinations. Assumption Community Hospital is the nearest healthcare facility, 18 miles away in Napoleonville. Travelers mainly head 70 miles to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for commercial flights.
