Natchitoches Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Natchitoches which includes a city
Natchitoches
Natchitoches
Natchitoches showing 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 sombre 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

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

While East Natchitoches isn't home to many top sights, Historic District Shopping and Cane River National Heritage Area are some notable places to visit nearby.

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
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. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,165 reviews)
"Your staff was very accommodating. We went to our room and the temperature was 99 degrees due to A/C needing to be repaired. The head of housekeeping immediately moved us to another room. She was excellent! Our room key did not work for 2 days and that was rendered immediately after each incident. ..."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 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
The price is AU$209 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$209
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & 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! (728 reviews)
Welcoming and Bright
"The hotel staff was kind, funny, and helpful. Everything was clean and comfortable. When Dad went to breakfast, there wasn't much left (I guess the first wave was hungry), but by the time I arrived everything was full and very good. The potatoes with peppers were a nice surprise. Thank you for ..."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Comfort Suites Natchitoches
Motel 6 Natchitoches, LA

Motel 6 Natchitoches, LA

2 out of 5
7624 Highway 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA
The price is AU$96 per night from 2 Oct to 3 Oct
AU$96
2 Oct - 3 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Natchitoches. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Prather Coliseum and Fort St. Jean Baptiste ...
5.4/10 (502 reviews)
"Very reasonable"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Motel 6 Natchitoches, LA
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! (100 reviews)
"Absolutely loved this place!! Everything they said it was a more! Could not recommend more! It’s beautiful safe cozy and welcoming. Personally I went to do laundry while I was there had to run to town real quick and when I got back ALL my clothes were dried and folded. How awesome is that???? It’s ..."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Cozy cabins on 30 acres...perfect for families.
Downtown Riverside Oasis: Deck, Hot Tub & More!

Downtown Riverside Oasis: Deck, Hot Tub & More!

Natchitoches
Stay at this vacation home in Natchitoches. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Historic District ...
10/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"Loved this property! Great location. Easy walk to shopping area. Hosts were very responsive and took care of our every need. The deck overlooks the Cane River and is beautiful and very peaceful. Coffee outside in the morning was very pleasant. Will book again if returning to Natchitoches!"

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2025

Downtown Riverside Oasis: Deck, Hot Tub & More!
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! (48 reviews)
"Clean places. Will stay again if I am in the area."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025

Walking Distance to Downtown Natchitoches / Christmas Lights
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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