Ste Genevieve, Missouri: Oldest Permanent European Settlement

Rooted in Agriculture

Ste. Genevieve holds the honor of being Missouri’s oldest permanent European settlement, founded around 1735 by French Canadians and colonists from Illinois Country. Settlers came searching for fertile farmland along the Mississippi River. What they built still stands today as one of the most remarkably preserved French Colonial communities in America.

The early settlers’ lives revolved around the river. They farmed its rich bottomlands, traded goods along its banks, and built homes that reflected their ingenuity and sense of community. These “poteaux-en-terre” (posts-in-the-ground) houses, a style unique to French Colonial architecture, remain some of the most authentic in the nation.

Walking through town today, you can still see several of these rare structures, a living link to a time before Missouri was even part of the United States.

A Living History Museum of Early French America

If you love places where history comes alive, Ste. Genevieve delivers. Its National Historic Landmark District (the downtown district) is filled with carefully preserved homes, museums, and shops that tell the story of the early French settlement.

Start your visit at the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center, where you will be introduced to the town’s French roots and what to see while you're visiting. You can also get a stamp here for your National Park Service passport book. From here, step into history with guided tours of some of the most historical homes:

Bolduc House

Built in the late 18th century, this home belonged to Louis Bolduc, a prosperous merchant and farmer. The home’s steep roof and vertical log construction are classic French Colonial features. The guided tour at The Centre For French Colonial Life shares insights into how French families lived, worshiped, and worked. It's a reminder that simplicity and craftsmanship never go out of style.

Felix Vallé House State Historic Site

This Federal-style limestone home reflects the American influence that began to shape the town after the Louisiana Purchase. It’s fascinating to see the contrast between French and early American design within just a couple city blocks.

Guibourd-Valle House

A stunning example of vertical log construction, the Guibourd-Valle House still stands proudly on its original site, with hand-hewn timbers that have endured for more than two centuries. Every creak of the floorboards carries the weight of history. If your guide happens to be the grandson of the home’s last private owner, you'll hear stories passed down through generations.

Stepping into the serene backyard, you’ll feel transported, surrounded by tall stone walls, lush greenery, and a quiet garden nook beneath the canopy of an old tree. It's a peaceful escape that feels more like a touch of England than small-town Missouri.

Together, these homes tell a story not just of architecture but of adaptation — how cultures blended, how settlers persevered, and how a small town thrived on both sides of history.

Beauvais-Amoureux House

Built in 1792, the Beauvais-Amoureux House stands as one of Ste. Genevieve’s most significant French Colonial homes, with its rare poteaux-en-terre (posts-in-the-ground) construction still remarkably intact. The home was originally built by Vital Beauvais, one of the town’s early settlers, and later became the residence of Benjamin and Pelagie Amoureux — an interracial couple whose story is woven deeply into Ste. Genevieve’s heritage.

Pelagie’s journey is especially meaningful. Born enslaved, she was freed as a young woman and went on to build a life of strength and perseverance in her continued fight for racial equality. After purchasing the Beauvais home, it became a symbol of freedom and hope in a time when such stories were rare. Her courage and determination have made Pelagie an enduring figure in the town’s history. As you step through the doorways of the Beauvais-Amoureux House, you don’t just see the craftsmanship of 18th-century builders - you feel the legacy of those who called it home.

A Proud Community

Ste. Genevieve isn’t just a collection of historic homes; it’s a living community that has held tightly to its heritage and sense of belonging. Walk down Main Street and you’ll find family-run restaurants, artisan shops, and galleries, where owners still greet you with a smile and delicous food. A place where conversations come easily, I found that a friendly hello often turns into a story, a memory, or a recommendation for something we simply can’t miss.

Local artisans weave the town’s rich history into their craft, creating pieces that feel like tangible echoes of the past. Everywhere you go, history is alive in the hearts, minds, and daily lives of the people who call Ste. Genevieve home.

The town’s intentional pace and quiet atmosphere are a refreshing change from the noise and hurry of modern life. Visiting Ste. Genevieve, I became a small part of their story. And after returning home, the peace I felt there lingered, gentlely nudging me to go back.

Festivals and Wineries

With its deeply rooted Catholic heritage, many of Ste. Genevieve’s traditions and festivals follow the celebrations of the Catholic calendar. One of the most lively is La Guiannée, a New Year’s Eve custom that feels like a small-town version of Mardi Gras. Another charming tradition is the King’s Ball, held on the Twelfth Night, where locals and visitors gather for custumary dancing and sharing in the slicing of the King’s Cake.

Ste. Genevieve is a town that knows how to mix heritage and the arts. Its French heritage shines brightest during events like the Jour de Fête, a vibrant arts and crafts fair held each August, and the French Heritage Festival (pictured above), which brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of frontier French culture to life.

In the fall, the town takes on an entirely different kind of charm. During the Déjà Vu Spirit Reunion, costumed interpreters bring to life the stories of past residents at Memorial Cemetery. If mingling with spirits isn’t your style, the town also celebrates the seasons with a Honey Festival and Pecanapalooza, a street festival filled with nutty treats.

And while Ste. Genevieve’s roots are centuries old, it's one of the most unique wine destinations. The surrounding hills form part of the Ste. Genevieve wine region, which is home to several family-owned vineyards and wineries offering scenic tastings and peaceful views. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of local wine or simply breathing in the quiet beauty of the landscape, it’s easy to see why the town is known for being tranquil and serene.

Secret Charm

What makes this little town so special is the feeling of connection. There’s a pride of heritage that runs deep here. One that’s lovingly preserved in the town’s restored homes, one-of-a-kind shops, and handcrafted artisan creations. In a place that welcomes visitors like old friends, the town's history is woven into the daily lives of its residents.

No matter how long you stay, Ste. Genevieve has a way of transporting you to a time filled with warmth, conversation, and simple pleasures. Step back in time at European Entitlements, where shelves shine with the finest European products. Linger over a cup of tea and friendly chatter at Quintessential Rivertown Spice and Tea. Treat yourself to an artisanal pizza at American Custard Company, or satisfy your sweet tooth at Sara’s Ice Cream. Treasure hunters will delight in EKlekTiX, while at ASL Pewter, you can watch skilled artisans craft pewterware using traditional old-world methods.

For travelers who crave meaningful experiences or enjoy history, Ste. Genevieve is a perfect fit. It invites you to slow down and remember that the best vacations take you somewhere deeper than just a destination.