Drives Louisiana Louisiana and Mississippi
Highway 23: Belle Chasse to Venice
LA 23 · Belle Chasse → Venice
The drive
Highway 23 is the main road down the west bank of the Mississippi below New Orleans, and it ends at Venice, the last community on it. This drive starts at Belle Chasse and runs south through Plaquemines Parish: Jesuit Bend, Myrtle Grove, West Pointe à la Hache, Port Sulphur, Empire, Buras, Triumph and Boothville, on the way to Venice. It is the Great River Road's west bank route, and Venice marks its southern end.
This is a drive for the setting, not for curves. The road is flat and mostly straight, four lanes except through Port Sulphur, running along the river's west bank into the delta. Orange groves near Belle Chasse give way to fishing towns, and Venice is known for charter boats heading for the Gulf.
Plan it as a day with time to spare. It is 64.9 miles and about 1 hr 10 min each way, and services thin out south of Buras.
Along the way
- Belle Chasse (Highway 23)
- Venice
Good to know
- Fuel and food are scarce south of Buras, so fill up before you leave Belle Chasse or Buras.
- Highway 23 is a hurricane evacuation route for the west bank, so expect it to be heavily used, and possibly closed, when a storm threatens.
- The road is not controlled-access, so expect local turns and slower traffic through the towns.
- Venice is the end of the road: a local road continues a little farther southwest toward Tidewater.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Louisiana 511 (LADOTD).
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 23 from Belle Chasse to Venice take?
Highway 23 from Belle Chasse to Venice is 64.9 miles and takes about 1 hr 10 min one way, longer with slow traffic in towns.
Is Highway 23 to Venice, Louisiana, twisty?
No. Highway 23 is flat and mostly straight, a relaxed drive along the river levee and marsh. The draw is reaching the end of the road in the Mississippi River Delta.
Where does Highway 23 end in Louisiana?
Highway 23 ends at Venice, in the Mississippi River Delta, at Jump Basin Road. Venice is also the southern end of the Great River Road.
Is Highway 23 a hurricane evacuation route?
Yes. Highway 23 is described as a critical hurricane evacuation route for people living along the west bank of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.