A Mississippi River town, Ste. Genevieve is the oldest permanent settlement in Missouri. French Canadians founded Ste. Genevieve around 1750 along the banks of the fickle Mississippi. The original town site was inundated by a massive flood in 1785, which prompted the townsfolk to head inland to somewhat higher ground.
The restored Louis Bolduc House from the backyard.
The town of New Ste. Genevieve has unique French vertical-log homes dating from around 1790 onwards, including three of the five poteaux-en-terre (post-in-ground) homes in the entire United States. Today, this cute little town is known for its wineries, shops, and its historic homes waiting for you to tour. Multiple historic sites can be found around town, each offering something a little bit different than the next.
The Bequette-Ribault House, built around 1804. Intriguing, isn’t it?
Only an hour south of St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve is a nice little town to spend a day or a weekend. (There are a ton of BnBs.)
Top Historic Attractions and Museums
Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park – The National Park Service runs tours of three French colonial houses, the Jean-Baptiste House, Green Tree Tavern, and the Bauvais-Amoureux House.
Bolduc House – A restored and furnished French colonial home.
Center for French Colonial Life – Museum dedicated to the French colonial period in Ste. Genevieve.
Jacques Guibourd Historic House – If you want to see some authentic Norman trusses, this is the place to go.
Felix Valle House State Historic Site – Early 1800s home of Felix Valle, a prominent Ste. Genevieve resident.
Bequette-Ribault House – Sometimes the winery opens this unique home.
More Attractions Near Ste. Genevieve
Check out my post on the history of Ste. Genevieve!
