All Summer in Sainte Genevieve

House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping and Country Living We’ve rounded up the cutest village in every single state. Ste. Genevieve, MO, ranks number 25 in our list of the 50 most beautiful small towns in America! Good Housekeeping Read more…

The Sunday After the French Heritage Festival Levee Wildlife Refuge Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 Call us at 573-880- The famed ornithologist John James Audubon lived for a short time in Ste. Geneviève. Audubon’s Walk is a naturalist lead hike atop the Ste. Geneviève Urban Levee. Come see what shows up: cliff swallows, horned larks, red-winged blackbird, eastern bluebird, and more! Read more…

Centre for French Colonial Life At the corner of 2nd and Market Streets, where Ste. Genevieve’s Historic District pulses with the accumulated stories of generations, stands an institution devoted to making the invisible visible: the Centre for French Colonial Life. This modern facility serves as gateway to something increasingly rare in America—authentic, tangible connection to a multicultural past where French colonists, Spanish administrators, African Americans both enslaved and free, Native peoples, and eventually Anglo-Americans negotiated their shared existence within a Mississippi River Valley crossroads. Beginning Your Journey The Centre exists precisely for this moment: to prepare your eyes and mind before stepping into historic homes, to provide context transforming old buildings into living narrative, to answer the questions that emerge when you stand within spaces where real people made real lives. Thoughtfully curated changing exhibits provide depth. A well-stocked gift shop offers books and items extending your understanding beyond these walls. Friendly staff help you navigate not just the Centre but the entire museum campus—orienting you toward questions you didn’t know you carried, connecting you to stories your family might inhabit. Here, you’ll purchase tickets for guided tours through the Bolduc and LeMeilleur Houses. Here, you’ll learn about programs and Read more…

Jour de Fête – Ste. Genevieve’s Grand Celebration Every year on the second full weekend in August, the streets of Historic Downtown Ste. Genevieve transform into a vibrant marketplace and festival ground for Jour de Fête—southeast Missouri’s largest and most beloved outdoor crafts fair. This spectacular two-day celebration draws thousands of visitors who come to experience the perfect blend of artisan craftsmanship, delicious food, live entertainment, and the unique historic charm that only America’s oldest town west of the Mississippi can provide. A Feast for the Senses With over 150 vendors lining the historic streets, Jour de Fête offers an unparalleled shopping experience for lovers of handcrafted goods and unique artisan work. Stroll beneath the shade of century-old trees as you discover an impressive array of arts and crafts: hand-thrown pottery, custom jewelry, woodwork, paintings, textiles, metalwork, folk art, home décor, and so much more. Each booth represents the passion and skill of talented craftspeople, many of whom have been returning to Jour de Fête year after year, making it a beloved tradition for vendors and visitors alike. Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift, looking to add to your art collection, or simply enjoy browsing beautiful handmade items, you’ll Read more…

Moonlight Madness – Christmas in July Shopping Extravaganza Who says you have to wait until December to embrace the spirit of the holidays? On the second Wednesday in July, downtown Ste. Genevieve transforms into a midsummer Christmas celebration during Moonlight Madness—a delightful shopping event that combines holiday cheer with summer evening magic. Christmas in July: The Best of Both Seasons There’s something wonderfully whimsical about celebrating Christmas in the heart of summer. Picture this: warm July evening breezes, historic streets lit by shop windows, the relaxed pace of summer vacation—all infused with the festive spirit of the holiday season. It’s the perfect antidote to midsummer routine and a chance to get a head start on holiday shopping without the stress and crowds of December. Moonlight Madness captures the joy of Christmas shopping while leaving behind the cold, the pressure, and the last-minute panic. You can browse leisurely, chat with shop owners, enjoy the evening air, and make thoughtful purchasing decisions without fighting winter weather or holiday traffic. An Evening of Special Shopping From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., participating shops throughout Ste. Genevieve’s Historic District extend their hours and roll out special discounts exclusively for Moonlight Madness shoppers. This isn’t Read more…