QUARTIER HISTORIQUE

The Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District has many interesting buildings, with wrought iron galleries overlooking the river. A stroll through the district will give you an idea of what the city was like during the days of "King Cotton" and the prosperity of Natchitoches Harbor.

The neighborhood is bounded by Front Street (supposedly one of the most romantic streets in the United States!) and Jefferson Street, where you'll see the second homes of planters who stayed in town during bad weather. On Front Street, check out Ducournau Square (1830) and the La Costa Building (1870) with its wrought iron balconies. On Jefferson Street, a rather chic street crowned with trees, there are also beautiful houses: Prudhomme-Rouquier House (1853) at 436; Levy Home (around 1830) at 328; Taylor Home at 320 and Lemée House (around 1830) at 310. Many of the buildings on Front Street were former warehouses. Be aware that all of the city's churches are located on 2nd Street.

Many films have been shot in Natchitoches, including Herbert Ross' Steel Magnolias (1989) with Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton and Shirley MacLaine, John Ford's The Horse Soldiers (1959) with John Wayne and Robert Mulligan's Man in the Moon (1991) with Reese Witherspoon. Props from the filming are on display at the city museum. Good idea: the free guided tour of the historic district (info and reservation at the tourist office).