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Ste. Genevieve Antique Mall
100 S. Front St.
Check out over 80 booths of gifts, collectibles, art and treasures that will delight any shopper.
Open 10:00a – 5:00p Every Day. Holiday hours may vary.
Jean Baptiste Valle NPS Site
99 South Main Street
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-880-7189
Contact the National Park Service for availability
The Jean-Baptiste Vallé House is a large and imposing example of the “poteaux-sure-solle” (post on sill) construction. In the 1850s and 1860s, subsequent owners of the house remodeled it to conform to American tastes. In the 1960s, descendants of Leon Vion, who purchased the property in 1867, restored the house to its pre-1850 appearance.
Jean-Baptiste Vallé was the commandant of this area at the time the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory eliminating that French/Spanish position. Built in 1794, this house served as both a government center and home. Today it is operated by the National Park Service and is open when rangers are available.
La Guiannée (La Guignolèe)
December 31, 2023
Founded by French merchants and fur traders, Ste. Geneviève remained a French-speaking enclave for many years in the newly Americanized Midwest. Sadly, the last generations of native French speakers are disappearing, but cherished traditions like La Guiannée still remain. This ancient tradition, analogous to the English custom of Wassailing that dates back to Europe’s Middle Ages, is celebrated by descendants of those French settlers.
You can watch and participate with these singers and musicians as they celebrate this 250-year-old tradition each New Year’s Eve in the streets, cafes, and pubs of Ste. Geneviève’s Historic District.
“Bonsoir le maître et la maîtresse, and everyone who lives here too. Now for the last day of the year, la guignolée vous nous devez.” So begins the song chanted almost every New Year’s Eve in Ste. Genevieve for well over 250 years! Ste. Genevieve’s La Guignolèe singing troupe will again run their circuit of the Ste. Genevieve historic district in their centuries old New Year’s tradition. Dressed in bizarre and somewhat archaic costumes, the revelers wander from place to place on New Year’s Eve, singing a beggars’ song for favors.
Make a dinner reservation at a restaurant to see the troupe as they make their rounds, watch them perform in the Valle gym at 7:00pm, or attend a La Guignolèe watch party sponsored by the Centre for French Colonial Life 6:30pm-8:30pm. Don’t miss this unusual display of French tradition!
Christmas Store and Collectibles
282 Market Street
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
Hours
Open Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Call us at 573-271-7004
Because the Christmas Store and Collectibles is open year-round, get your Christmas fix any weekend by dropping by to see what has been donated. Christmas decor and special items are available at great prices! Treasured collectibles are for sale too. Glassware, dishes, needlework, and more are waiting for you to add to your collection!
Ste. Geneviève Art Center & Museum
DuBourg Place and Merchant Street
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573.535.9833
Hours
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Ste. Geneviève Art Center features displays on the county’s rich art history and art by local artists. The center, home to the Ste. Geneviève Art Guild, offers art classes, workshops, and other events. Come in and browse the impressive displays!
Hands-On History at the Linden House
116 S. Main St
Ste. Geneviève MO 63670
573-880-4123
Hours
Open Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., May thru September.
The Linden House features fun and educational French Colonial Activities for kids. Visit and experience colonial crafts and skills by “shopping” in our vintage store. Learn about history and language in our 18th-century schoolroom. Throw a tomahawk* or use a bow and arrow in the yard, and so much more! *Age 8+, close-toed shoes required.
Bolduc & LeMeilleur Houses
Entry at 198 Market St
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573.883.3105
Hours
Open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 P.M.
The Bolduc House is a National Historic Landmark and is restored back to the way it was in the 1790s. The Colonial furnishings in this vertical log structure demonstrate how people lived back then. The LeMeilleur House next door illustrates the next generation of house construction and décor. Guided tours are available with an emphasis on French and Spanish culture, influence, and architecture.
Tickets for tours are available at the bottom of most hours and may be purchased at the campus gift shop inside the Centre for French Colonial Life.
Adult/$10, Student/$5, free to the military with I.D. Available to student and adult groups as well.
Call to schedule a group tour.
The Sainte Geneviève Museum Learning Center
360 Market Street
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-883-3466
Hours
Daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Check stegenmuseum.org for Holiday Hours
The Sainte Geneviève Museum Learning Center has Guy Darrough’s impressive dinosaur replicas in the Hall of Giants. See the progress on the Missouri dinosaur currently being excavated at the Official Missouri Dinosaur Visitor Site. Visit the Ancient Cultures Gallery and the Ste. Genevieve History Gallery. Get hands on with the exhibits and bring the whole family.
Mecker Research Library
198 South 2nd Street
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
573-883-9622
Speakers’ Bureau Catalog
The Mecker Research Library was founded to provide a central location for materials concerning the historic Ste. Geneviève District and the surrounding region. This is a non-circulating library open on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., other times by appointment.
It contains resources for researchers studying French American Colonial History, the Ste. Geneviève District, and the mid–Mississippi Valley region as well as indexes of related historic written materials available at public institutions in the region.
The Mecker Library also maintains files to identify private sources of information that are helpful to persons researching the history of the region. Mecker Library maintains a Speakers Bureau presenting informative presentations on the area, its people, and customs at no cost for nonprofit organizations.
Green Tree Tavern NPS Site
244 St Marys Rd
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-880-7189
The Green Tree Tavern is the oldest verified vertical log building in Ste. Geneviève. Officially dated to 1790 by dendrochronology studies, this “poteau sur sole” (post on sill) vertical log construction was built by the French Canadian Nicolas Janis.
This impressive structure has also been used as an inn, a tobacco store, and the first Masonic Lodge in Missouri. The Green Tree is transferring to the Ste. Geneviève National Historic Park.
Open seasonally.
Main Street Inn (City)
221 North Main Street
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-880-7500
Email
Originally built in 1882, as the Meyer Hotel, the Main Street Inn B&B has long been one of Missouri’s finest bed and breakfast establishments. After recently undergoing an extensive year-long renovation, the new owners and innkeeper are thrilled to re-open the Main Street Inn B&B and welcome our guests to what we hope will be a truly wonderful experience.
If you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway, the Main Street Inn B&B is the perfect destination.
French Christmas – Felix Valle House
Merchant and 2nd Streets
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call 573-883-7102
This annual holiday celebration at the Felix Valle State Historic Site highlights the music, customs, and crafts of early French Colonial Christmas in Ste. Geneviève. The celebration, known as Le Reveillon, features costumed guides who explain the early 19th-century customs of Christmas. Traditional foods and music of the period are featured on the first Saturday in December.
Ste. Geneviève – Modoc Ferry
573-883-7097
Locally referred to as The French Connection, the Ste. Geneviève – Modoc Ferry is a quick connection between Ste. Geneviève, Missouri, and southern Illinois.
From Ste. Geneviève, the ferry offers a quick route to Fort de Chartres, Pierre Menard Home, and Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Parks – as well as other interesting attractions in Southern Illinois.
To access the ferry go north on Main Street which ends at the ferry landing.
Call ahead to make sure it is running.
Ste. Geneviève Trolley
Historic District and Wine Country
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-535-1911
Ste. Geneviève Trolley was established in 2016 to provide a safe and friendly transportation service for the community.
For a $20 fee, riders will receive an all-day ride wristband and will be able to take the trolley from one of the downtown stops to several of the county wineries. Call 573-535-1911 to make arrangements.
Ste. Genevieve Catholic Church
49 DuBourg Place
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
573-883-2731
Website
The current, brick Ste. Geneviève Catholic Church is the third Catholic church erected on this block. As Ste. Geneviève was moved to higher ground due to flooding, the original log church was moved here in 1794.
A stone structure replacing the log building was consecrated in 1837. As the congregation grew a larger church was required, and a brick building was constructed around the stone one. The stone church continued to be used until the new church was completed in 1880. Then the remaining old stones were removed out the doors. In 1911 this church was expanded again with the addition of the altar apse and the two side transepts.
Come inside to admire the stain-glass windows and marble adornments!
Maison Hubardeau Guest House (c1789) (City)
102 N. Fourth 6 Jefferson Streets
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-883-5307
Built by French Canadian settler, Simone Hubardeau, this turn-of-the-century limestone house with a courtyard is filled with period antiques. The house has sleeping accommodations for up to six guests together with cooking facilities. Available by the room or whole house.
Inn St. Gemme (c1848) (City)
78 North Main Street
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
573-631-8665
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Located in the heart of the historic district is the newly renovated Inn St. Gemme Beauvais. This Inn was built in c1848 and is furnished beautifully with antiques. It offers themed king and queen suites with private baths, WIFI, cable, and DVDs. Stay in The Garden Room, The Governor’s Chambers, or in the Hunter’s Glen for example. Full breakfasts are served.
Noted as one of “11 Little Known Inns In Missouri That Offer An Unforgettable Overnight Stay” Only in Your State
Beauvais-Amoureux House NPS Site
327 St Marys Rd
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-883-7102
Open seasonally
Built around 1792 by Jean-Baptiste St. Gemme Beauvais, the Beauvais-Amoureux Historic House overlooks Ste. Geneviève’s communal agricultural fields, le Grand Champ.
Its upright cedar log walls are set directly into the earth in the rare “poteaux-en-terre” or “posts-in-the-earth” architecture method of construction. Heavy, hand-hewn timbers form the Norman truss system which supports the steeply-pitched roof that is reminiscent of early French Canadian architecture.
This vertical log home was purchased by Benjamin Amoureux in 1852 and later inherited by his wife Pelagie. Visit Pelagie Amoureux to hear her story. This house is now part of the National Park Service. Tour a display explaining how vertical log buildings were constructed and a large, impressive diorama depicting the village of Ste. Geneviève as it was in 1832! Free
Felix Vallé House State Historic Site
Merchant & 2nd Streets
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-883-7102
Hours
Open Wednesday thru Sunday April to October
Thursday thru Sunday: November to March
Travel back to Missouri’s early French roots at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site. The American-Federal style Vallé house was built in 1818 and today is furnished in the style of the 1830s with a host of artifacts that show the American influence on the French community of Ste. Geneviève after the Louisiana Purchase.
This historic site was the home of one of Ste. Geneviève’s premier colonial families, Felix and Odile Pratte Vallé. The house features the family’s living quarters displaying beautiful early Empire furnishings with fully restored, original mantels and interior trim. An outside staircase on the back porch leads to fully furnished, second-floor bedrooms. The charming garden features original brick and frame outbuildings. Special Saturday activities are offered seasonally.
Admission includes guided tours. Meet your guide in the gift shop located across the street. Tours are offered at 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Guibourd-Vallé House
Fourth and Merchant streets
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
573.883.0584
Website
Guided group tours may be arranged at any time by appointment.
Winter Hours 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. by appointment only.
Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
The Guibourd-Vallé House was constructed for Jacques Guibourd in 1806 in the “poteaux-sur-sole” style with vertical, hand-hewn log walls and a double-pitched roof. This important National Register site is the only historic house in Ste. Geneviève where visitors can go into the attic to view and study up close the Norman truss architecture employed at the time.
The house is furnished with elegant French Antiques. The museum is owned and operated by the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve as a memorial to its donor and former resident, Jules Felix Vallé.
Admission is adults $8, students $5 and a family $20, groups of 10 or more $5, students $3. Tours are led by costumed guides.
Guided walking tours in the historic district are also available Monday-Friday at noon starting at and including the Guibourd-Valle House. Admission is adults $15, students $5, and a family $35.
First Settlement Antique Store
132 Merchant St.
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-883-8002
Hours
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The First Settlement Antique Store features quality antiques. They specialize in primitives, fine glassware, vintage clothing, jewelry, toys, linens, handcrafted wood accessories, and stained glass items. Visit them today!
Ste. Geneviève Memorial Cemetery
5th & Merchant Streets
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
573-883-7544
Open Daily until Dusk
Memorial Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 3,500 people, perhaps up to 5,000. Most grave markers were wooden crosses that have rotted away leaving most graves unmarked. The oldest grave is of Louis Le Clere and is dated 1796. The newest interment, or reinterment, is dated 15 years after the cemetery was officially closed in 1882.
Dr. Lewis Linn was first buried in1843 in Memorial Cemetery, but he did not rest in peace. Because the cemetery had become quite weedy and overgrown, the “model senator” was moved nearby to the new Valle Springs Cemetery. After Memorial Cemetery was cleaned up, in 1938 Senator Linn was buried for the third time. His almost 100-year-old corpse was remarkably preserved in his air-tight, lead-lined coffin, and people lined up to view his face through the window in the lid.
Another burial after the official closure of the cemetery was for Odile Vallé. She wished to be buried with her prominent husband, Felix Valle. In exchange, she donated land for the new cemetery and an enormous sum for the construction of the new brick Catholic Church.
Other notables buried in the cemetery include John Scott, Missouri’s last territorial representative and first Congressman; Jean Baptiste Vallé, the last French commandant of the area; Jacques Misse, an American Revolutionary War soldier; and a Civil War colonel killed at the Battle of Shiloh.
The oldest part of the cemetery is the middle third. This section was for Catholics. As other faiths came to the territory, another section was added uphill. This is where victims of a steamship explosion are buried, as are Native Americans. Some African slaves are buried there as well, while others lay at peace in their enslaver’s plot.
When it became apparent that more room was needed, another parcel was added downhill from the original. Finally, Memorial Cemetery reached capacity and became a health hazard. Burials after May of 1882 were in the new Vallé Spring Cemetery for Catholics, the Lutheran Cemetery, and Crestlawn Cemetery for others.
Bequette-Ribault House
351 St Marys Rd
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-747-1000
Open Saturdays 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. seasonally by request.
Built in 1808, the Bequette-Ribault House, located across from Le Grand Champ or the “Big Field,” is an excellent example of “poteaux-en-terre” or “posts-in-the-earth” architecture.
Ste. Geneviève is home to 3 out of 5 remaining such buildings. Poteaux-en-terre architecture is in reference to the vertical logs built directly into the ground without a foundation.
The Bequette Ribault House was restored by Chaumette’s owners Hank and Jacque Johnson. In one of its outbuildings, a Hospitality Center features a tasting bar offering tastings and purchases of Chaumette’s award-winning wines.
Public tours are typically available on Saturdays, from noon to 5 p.m. and from Memorial Day to October.
Private tours on Saturdays can be arranged during the winter months by calling 573-747-1000.
For more info visit their website.
Schultz Antiques
24534 US Hwy 61
St. Mary, MO 63673
Call us at 573-631-7225
Hours
Open most Sundays 11a – 6p.
Call for more information.
Family owned and operated antique store serving Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois for 42 years, carrying a wide range of antiques, collectibles, and furniture.
Antique furniture, antiquing, custom finishes, hutches, tables, islands. We redo bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and business offices.
Zielinski and Friends
288 Merchant St.
Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670
Call us at 573-883-7551
Hours
Thursday thru Monday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Antiques & Collectibles, Books & Albums, Memorabilia & Ste. Geneviève mementos! These are Hand Picked items found throughout the adventure of the Zielinski family and friends.