Iberville Parish

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Welcome to East Iberville Parish!

Separated from the rest of Iberville by the Mississippi River, East Iberville is nonetheless an important and thriving part of the parish offering its own unique attractions. A quick ride across the Plaquemine ferry is a treat for visitors wanting to get a close look at the turbulent Mississippi River.

East Iberville includes the communities of St. Gabriel, Sunshine and Carville. Only recently incorporated, St. Gabriel is the second largest municipality in the parish. The area was settled in 1767 by farmers who built St. Gabriel Church from swamp cypress in 1769. The oldest Catholic church in the state, St. Gabriel Church features a silver steeple bell given to the farmers by the queen of Spain. Today, it is protected by the National Register of Historic Places.

One of the most intriguing attractions of Iberville is located in rural Carville. Now the home of the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth Challenge and Jobs Corps Center, the sprawling facility was, for many years, home of the Gillis Long Hansen’s Disease Center. Another National Register property, it was the only long-term treatment facility for Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) in the continental U.S. It features a plantation mansion designed by famed architect Henry Howard, and a museum dedicated to those who lived, died, loved, worked and healed at Carville.

EAST IBERVILLE ATTRACTIONS

ST. GABRIEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

Believed to be the oldest Catholic church structure in Louisiana, St. Gabriel Church has been lovingly restored and maintained by the church congregation. It was built in 1769 and has been moved several times. The steeple of the church, believed to be made primarily of silver, was a gift from the Queen of Spain in 1770. The church is no longer used by the large Catholic congregation in St. Gabriel, but is often the setting for photographs or picnics. It is located on the River Road in St. Gabriel but is not open to the public.

CARVILLE ACADEMY AT INDIAN CAMP PLANTATION

The pictureseque Indian Camp Plantation, hidden away on the back roads of Carville, is actually the site of abuse and miracles. It was formerly the Gillis Long Hansen’s Disease Center, the only hospital in the nation to treat Hansen’s Disease (leprosy).

EAST IBERVILLE RESTAURANTS

BERTHELOT’S RESTAURANT

Passing by, you might miss this spacious country diner because it’s located in the Hwy. 30 Truck Plaza, which also includes a video poker parlor and convenience store. But, down home cooking and its extensive buffet lunches have made this a haven for locals. Berthelot’s boasts that it has the “world’s best catfish.” Another favorite is its Catfish Bayou, which features catfish with pasta and a crawfish topping. It is also the only restaurant in the area which is open 24 hours a day. Located at 4001 Hwy. 30 in St. Gabriel. Hours: 24 hours daily. Phone: (225) 642-8226.

IBERVILLE BAR & GRILL

Iberville’s atmosphere changes daily. At lunch time, it caters to a bustling lunch crowd, and at night, it offers a more subdued bar atmosphere. Among its specialties are seafood, oysters, boiled crawfish (in season), fried chicken, po-boys, hamburgers and daily lunch specials. Located at 2605 Hwy. 30 in St. Gabriel. Hours: 10 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. Phone: (225) 642-8009.

ROBERTO’S RIVER ROAD RESTAURANT

An old River Road favorite, Roberto’s changes its menu from lunch to dinner. At lunch a light fare of plate lunches, hamburgers, po-boys and salads is offered. The dinner menu is more extensive, and notes a French Creole influence. It includes duck, seafood, pork and gumbo dishes. Located at 1985 Hwy. 75 (the River Road) in St. Gabriel. Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and Thursday-Saturday 5-9 p.m.

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