The Natchitoches Historic District runs along Cane River Lake, with Front Street's brick paving, iron balconies, old commercial buildings, shops, and riverfront walks. It is the town's most atmospheric stretch and the place to start before driving out into Cane River country.
This is a small district, not a grand city centre, so slow down. Walk the river, look at the older buildings, and use it as a way into the town's mix of French colonial, Spanish, Creole, and southern Louisiana stories.