Founded in the early 1700s, Ste. Genevieve was the first European settlement in Missouri, settled by French Canadians who farmed along the Mississippi River, produced salt, mined lead and trapped furs. Here you will find unique festivals, shopping, dining, historic B&Bs and modern hotels. Annual events are held year around with the largest street fair, the Jour de Fete, held every August. Visit the Great River Road Welcome Center to learn about the area’s rich heritage and plan your visit. Tour authentic French colonial tour sites including the Jacques Guibourd house, the Felix Valle State Historic Site, Bauvais-Amoureux House and the Bolduc House Museum. After exploring the shops, museums and dining in the historic district, you will find ten wineries and microbreweries sprinkled throughout the Wine Country area, each property with its own unique personality and style of wine, beer or spirits. Explore outdoor attractions like a Tiger Sanctuary, Hawn State Park, Pickle Springs Natural Area and Magnolia Hollow. Take the river ferry to explore other French colonial sites in the region.