All Plan in Sainte Genevieve

Milice Encampment – 18th-Century Living History in Sainte Geneviève Twice yearly—typically the second Saturday in April and October—the grounds of the LeMeilleur House transform into working 18th-century military camp as the Ste. Geneviève Militia, Inc. hosts the Milice Encampment, bringing colonial-era French and Spanish frontier life to vivid reality. This free, family-friendly living history event (9:30 AM-4 PM) operated by the Centre for French Colonial Life invites visitors of all ages to explore authentic demonstrations including gun building, chair seat weaving, spinning, and leatherwork, while children participate in hands-on period crafts and activities. Experience direct, engaging immersion in the skills and traditions that shaped early Sainte Geneviève—no ropes, no glass cases, no museum distance. Just artisans working in period dress, demonstrating 18th-century craftsmanship, answering questions, and welcoming curiosity about daily life when French colonists and Spanish administrators defended Missouri’s oldest settlement. Practical Information Event Name: Milice Encampment Schedule: Twice yearly, typically second Saturday in April and October Time: 9:30 AM – 4 PM Location: LeMeilleur House grounds, Centre for French Colonial Life, Sainte Geneviève, Missouri Host: Ste. Geneviève Militia, Inc. Operator: Centre for French Colonial Life Admission: Free Age Appropriateness: All ages welcome; hands-on children’s activities available Demonstrations: Gun building, Read more…

Ste. Genevieve Muny Band Concerts A Romantic Small-Town Tradition On summer evenings, there’s something undeniably romantic about sitting under the stars listening to a municipal band—and that’s exactly what the Ste. Genevieve Municipal Band delivers. For over 70 years, this ensemble has been performing polkas, marches, show tunes, kids’ tunes, and popular melodies to audiences who bring lawn chairs and blankets (or simply park their cars) to enjoy what’s become increasingly rare in America: a functioning municipal band playing for their community. The Ste. Genevieve Muny Band represents the kind of tradition that defines small-town character—reliable, accessible, and a genuinely romantic surprise to stumble upon if you’re a visitor enjoying the ambiance of a sleepy town on a Thursday night. Bring a picnic, grab a table, and settle in for a short performance by neighbors and musicians as they thrum the heartbeat of summer in Missouri’s oldest town. A Tradition That Refused to Disappear Municipal bands were once common across America—nearly every town of size had one. They’ve mostly vanished, replaced by streaming music and indoor entertainment. That the Ste. Genevieve Municipal Band has survived over 70 years and continues performing speaks to something important about this community. It’s a Read more…

Ste. Genevieve Trolley – Your Ride to Wine Country Adventure Since 2016, the Ste. Genevieve Trolley has been providing safe, friendly transportation that connects the charm of historic downtown with the scenic beauty of the county’s wineries. What began as a community transportation service has become an essential part of the Ste. Genevieve experience—especially for visitors wanting to enjoy local wines without worrying about driving. The Perfect Wine Country Solution Missouri wine country is one of the region’s hidden treasures, and Ste. Genevieve County is home to several excellent wineries producing everything from traditional varietals to distinctive local specialties. The challenge? These wineries are spread across the beautiful countryside, and responsibly enjoying wine tastings means having a designated driver. That’s where the trolley transforms your day from logistically complicated to blissfully simple. How It Works For just $20, you receive an all-day ride wristband that gives you unlimited access to the trolley service. This isn’t a rushed, schedule-locked tour—it’s flexible transportation that lets you create your own wine country adventure at your own pace. Board the trolley at one of the convenient downtown stops, settle into your seat, and enjoy the scenic ride through the countryside to the wineries. Once Read more…

WorldAtlas.com ranked Ste. Genevieve as one the 10 best fall towns in Missouri, and we are in some good company. https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/these-small-towns-in-missouri-come-alive-in-fall.html Read more…

AAA Magazine ranked the top Christmas towns in the Midwest.  Ste. Genevieve came in at #2! Party like its 1745 in the old French village of Ste. Geneviève where the new blends with old traditions during the Holiday Christmas Festival on the first full weekend in December. On Saturday, December 4, festivities kick off with a parade led by Santa, followed by shopping opportunities and open houses honoring French Christmas traditions. On Saturday afternoon, the Felix Vallé House State Historic Site, which dates to 1818, re-creates Le Réveillon—a traditional feast usually served after midnight Christmas Mass that includes 13 desserts honoring Jesus and his disciples. Then return to Ste. Geneviève on December 31 for La Guignolée, a French New Year’s Eve tradition. Follow costumed La Guignolèe revelers as they march to select sites in town and sing a beggar’s song for drinks and favors. The party continues at their final stop, the Centre for French Colonial Life, and participants welcome the New Year. Read more…