Natchitoches, LA

Travel Guide

Natchitoches featuring a city
Natchitoches
Natchitoches
Natchitoches which includes signage
Natchitoches which includes flowers

Be captivated by the European-influenced culture in this historic community, which was Louisiana’s first French colony, on the scenic banks of the Cane River.

Spend a few days exploring the historic streets of beautiful Natchitoches to discover the rich melding of European, Southern and indigenous cultures that gives this place so much personality. Browse stores located in pretty French-style buildings, visit an array of fascinating historic sites and take plenty of photos of the scenic surroundings, both manmade and natural.

The name Natchitoches comes from the indigenous people who first settled this land. The French established a colony here in 1714, with French traders recorded in the area as far back as 1699. This makes Natchitoches the oldest such colony in the state. Wander the streets of the National Historic Landmark District, filled with interesting stores, and admire the gorgeous French façades that will make you feel like you are in Europe. Take a free guided walking tour of the area to learn about the way the indigenous and French influences have shaped this historic area.

Spend some peaceful hours walking along the beautiful Cane River, which runs through Natchitoches. See the Cane River Lake at its best from the lovely Beau Jardin Water Feature & Garden, which offers stunning views of this body of water. The banks of the river itself are scattered with former Creole plantations, some of which are now open to the public. Wander the lush grounds of the Oakland Plantation or the Magnolia Plantation Complex. Gain a somber insight into the past at the American Cemetery, one of the oldest graveyards in the whole of the South.

Natchitoches also has another prominent historic site: the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, which is the state’s oldest general store. Stroll down aisles jumbled with all kinds of odds and ends and imagine what this place would have been like back in 1863, when its doors first opened.

Drive to Natchitoches via Interstate 49, the major road that connects the town to a wide range of large cities. Come in the pleasantly cool fall and spring months to see the city at its very best.

Where to stay in Natchitoches

Natchitoches

Downtown Natchitoches

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Natchitoches, you might make a stop by sights like Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store.

Downtown Natchitoches
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East Natchitoches

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in East Natchitoches and surrounding area, you can visit Historic District Shopping and Cane River National Heritage Area.

East Natchitoches
Chateau Saint Denis Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Chateau Saint Denis Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham
2.5 out of 5
751 Second St, Natchitoches, LA
$87 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$102 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Natchitoches. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,081 reviews)
"Very convenient location to all the Natchitoches sites. Spacious rooms. Great for a visit."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Chateau Saint Denis Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Comfort Suites Natchitoches
Comfort Suites Natchitoches
2.5 out of 5
151 Hayes Ave., Natchitoches, LA
$107 nightly
The price is $126 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$126 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Natchitoches. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (706 reviews)
"Super friendly staff and it was very clean"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Comfort Suites Natchitoches
Church Street Inn
Church Street Inn
3.5 out of 5
120 Church Street, Natchitoches, LA
$115 nightly
The price is $134 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$134 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star boutique hotel in Natchitoches. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (452 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Church Street Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy cabins on 30 acres...perfect for families.
Cozy cabins on 30 acres...perfect for families.
Natchitoches
Stay at this cabin in Natchitoches. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Old Courthouse Museum and Louisiana Sports Hall of ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
A Gem in the woods for Families
"I was trying to find a hotel that would have enough room for four adults and then I stumbled across this really beautiful AND AFFORDABLE cabin rental on VRBO. What a find! The cabins were gorgeous and we had enough room for everyone. Being in the woods offered a scenic experience for all. I loved ..."

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2025

Cozy cabins on 30 acres...perfect for families.
Walking Distance to Downtown Natchitoches / Christmas Lights
Walking Distance to Downtown Natchitoches / Christmas Lights
Natchitoches
Stay at this vacation home in Natchitoches. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Historic District Shopping and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
Natchitoches
"The house was perfect for our visit. It was clean, beds very comfortable and the kitchen was well equipped with all we needed."

Reviewed on May 22, 2025

Walking Distance to Downtown Natchitoches / Christmas Lights
City View on the Cane- The most amazing spot to see it all!
City View on the Cane- The most amazing spot to see it all!
Natchitoches
Stay at this vacation home in Natchitoches. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cane River National Heritage Area and Prudhomme-Rouquier ...
10/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
Great house
"we have stayed before and will again. Beautiful property and great location"

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

City View on the Cane- The most amazing spot to see it all!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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