Historic Downtown Natchitoches We are where you want to be
Greetings from Historic Downtown Natchitoches! The Château Saint Denis Hotel, a French Creole-inspired boutique property, is located in the heart of the oldest permanent establishment in the Louisiana Purchase Territory. Also at the heart of this quaint downtown area lies the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District, a 33 block district, where brick paved streets, gas lanterns and wrought iron details adorn the area. The downtown district and Château Saint Denis Hotel is nestled above the City’s beautiful waterfront, the scenic Cane River Lake, a beautiful and inspiring body of water that led to the founding of Natchitoches more than 300 years ago!
The Château Saint Denis Hotel derives its name from the French explorer, Louis Juchereau de St. Denis, who in 1714, established the first trading post making the area the first European settlement in the entire Louisiana Purchase. Since its founding, Natchitoches has drawn visitors from around the globe seeking to experience the charm that the city is revered for.
The historic downtown district is not the only draw as the area also includes a National Heritage Area, State Historic Sites, National Historical Park sites as well as plantations, museums, shopping, dining, accommodations and many other attractions.
Natchitoches, also known as the “City of Lights”, is world renowned for the annual “Festival of Lights” Christmas Festival which draws visitors to the downtown historic district in November and December each year. Thousands of spectators visit to experience the colorful array of more than 300,000 Christmas lights and more than 100 hand crafted lighted set pieces displayed along the banks of Cane River Lake. The 33 block historic district comes alive during the holiday season with firework displays each Saturday over a six week period.
For 30 years, Natchitoches has been known for the filming location of the classic southern movie, “Steel Magnolias” which put the city on the map after an adaptation of a play written by native, Mr. Robert Harling, was put on the big screen with an A-list of actors complimenting the true story about life, love and loss. Today, over a dozen filming sites from the movie are featured on a “Steel Magnolia’s Tour”, many of which are located within walking distance of the Château Saint Denis Hotel.
Just minutes from Interstate 49 and within an hour of two commercial airports, Natchitoches is located in the Northwest region of the state and is centrally located in the State of Louisiana. Natchitoches is nationally recognized as a Distinctive Destination and USA Today recently awarded Natchitoches it’s “Ten Best Reader’s Choice Award” for “Best Southern Small Town.” Countless other accolades have named Natchitoches as “Best Southern Small Town”, “One of the Most Beautiful Towns” and “Best Holiday Light Show” just to name a few.