Natchitoches

Travel Guide

Natchitoches showing a city
Natchitoches
Natchitoches
Natchitoches showing signage
Natchitoches featuring 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

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
The price is CA $115 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
CA $115
CA $163 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & 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. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,137 reviews)
"Internet ?"

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 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 CA $166 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $166
CA $195 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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! (720 reviews)
"Ckean"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Comfort Suites Natchitoches
Super 8 by Wyndham Natchitoches

Super 8 by Wyndham Natchitoches

2 out of 5
5821 Highway 1 Byp, Natchitoches, LA
The price is CA $96 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $96
CA $112 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Natchitoches. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (570 reviews)
Hot shower. Yay
"This place was the only place all week that I stayed at that had a hot hot shower with good water pressure."

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Natchitoches
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 Aug. 15, 2025

Cozy cabins on 30 acres...perfect for families.
Belle Vue Guesthouse

Belle Vue Guesthouse

2 out of 5
Natchitoches
Stay at this vacation home in Natchitoches. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Historic District Shopping and Kaffie-Frederick ...
Great location and proximity to historic, downtown Natchitoches
"Outstanding location and walking distance to Natchitoches historic district, very clean, and convenient. I highly recommend."

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2021

Belle Vue Guesthouse
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! (25 reviews)
A gem in a great location
"Beautifully renovated historical home in a great location, walking distance from the historic downtown district. Cozy, comfortable and the amazing backyard deck overlooking the river, complete with a swing and a table for outdoor dining, was our absolute favorite! Our family really enjoyed our time ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 22, 2025

Downtown Riverside Oasis: Deck, Hot Tub & More!
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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