Ste. Genevieve Travel Guide

Discover the rich history and natural wonders of Ste. Genevieve with this comprehensive tour guide. From cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and local cuisine to transportation and safety tips, we've got you covered.


Introduction to Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve is a charming city situated in the southeastern region of Missouri and is widely considered the oldest permanent European settlement in the state. Steeped in history with a vibrant culture and natural beauty, the town offers a unique travel experience for visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Ste. Genevieve

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ste. Genevieve has no shortage of cultural attractions to explore. Some of the must-visit places include:

  • Felix Valle State Historic Site: a beautifully restored 1818 home of a prominent lawyer and businessman. The site offers a glimpse into the noble family’s lives through a collection of artifacts.

  • Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center: an excellent place to learn about local history, especially the town’s French Colonial roots with exhibits, photographs, and interactive displays.

  • Bolduc House Museum: a 1785 stone house that served as Jean-Baptiste Vallé’s home. Visitors get to see original furnishings, clothing, and personal papers of the 19th-century residents.

Natural Attractions of Ste. Genevieve: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ste. Genevieve has an abundance of exciting outdoor activities and natural attractions, including:

  • Hawn State Park: an ideal place for hiking, picnicking, and nature study. With around 5,000 acres of forest, pristine streams, and fascinating rock formations, the park offers various trails for visitors of all levels.

  • Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park: a great place for swimming, wading, and rock jumping. The park has a natural water park with rock formations and rapids ideal for all ages.

  • Sainte Genevieve Wineries: If you’re a wine lover, don’t miss the chance to tour and taste amazing wine from Ste. Genevieve’s wineries.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve has several trails ideal for hiking and biking:

  • Pickle Creek Trail: a 5-mile-long trail that is perfect for day hikers. The trail goes through the Pickle Creek’s sandstone canyons and offers wildlife sightings.

  • Ozark Trail: a 384-mile-long trail stretching from St. Louis to the Arkansas border. It offers scenic views and options for camping and lodging.

Best Things to Do in Ste. Genevieve: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are other exciting activities to take part in, such as:

  • Ste. Genevieve Ghost Tours: An exciting and spooky way to learn about the town’s history, the tour takes you on a walk through haunted buildings, meeting local ghosts along the way.

  • Farm Tours: This is a great opportunity to learn about local agriculture and meet warm and welcoming farmers.

  • City Tours: Exploring the town on foot and learning about its French history is a fulfilling way to spend an afternoon.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ste. Genevieve

Day 1: Arrival and Sample the Local Cuisine

Day 2: Visit Felix Valle State Historic Site and Hawn State Park

Day 3: Visit the Wineries and Bolduc House Museum

Day 4: Explore the Caves and the City.

Day 5: Visit Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and enjoy a swim or picnic

Day 6: Enjoy a Farm Tour, Shop for Souvenirs and Have some Restaurant Hopping

Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Ste. Genevieve

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Chicken: A southern dish that comes with a crispy crust and juicy meat, served with homemade biscuits and gravy.

  • Boudin: A popular local dish made with pork sausage, rice, and Creole seasoning, with flavors that awaken the palate.

  • Pulled Pork: Another tasty Southern fare, the pulled pork is served slowly roasted, and coated with a sweet and sticky BBQ sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Sainte Genevieve Wineries: This gem offers exceptional wines in a beautiful location.

  • Logboat Brewing Company: A renowned local brewery that makes delicious craft beer and offers a taproom with various thirst-quenching flavors.

Where to Stay in Ste. Genevieve: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Ste. Genevieve, including:

  • Hotel Ste. Genevieve: Located in the heart of the town, the hotel offers comfortable beds, a restaurant, and free wifi.

  • Microtel Inn & Suites: One of the best-rated options in the area, the hotel boasts cozy rooms, a fitness center, and free breakfast.

  • Bed and Breakfasts: There are several Bed & Breakfasts around Ste Genevieve, offering the authentic experience of staying in an 18th-century French colonial town house! Always check for availability before booking.

What to Buy in Ste. Genevieve: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local Wine: Ste Genevieve is known for its wine, so taking a bottle as a gift or for personal enjoyment is common.

  • Artifacts from the Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center: Discover the town’s rich history by bringing home an item from the museum’s gift shop.

Local Culture and Customs of Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve is famous for being a French colonial town where people still hold their French heritage and traditions. French is still spoken by some residents, and the area hosts annual French Festivals celebrating the town’s culture.

Best Time to Visit Ste. Genevieve

The best time to visit Ste. Genevieve is from the middle of September to the beginning of November, when the temperatures are cool and the fall foliage is at its most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ste. Genevieve

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions in Ste. Genevieve.

  • Explore the local wineries and farms.

  • Take part in the outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural or historical attractions.

  • Speak loudly or indiscreetly in public areas.

  • Overstay or block the roads when touring the town.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve is a safe and friendly town, but visitors should take normal precautions like being aware of personal belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night.

Health in Ste. Genevieve

The town has several health services, but visitors should ensure they are up-to-date with all standard travel vaccinations before visiting.

Getting to Ste. Genevieve: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ste. Genevieve

The nearest airports to Ste. Genevieve are Saint Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI).

Bus Stations Near Ste. Genevieve

Greyhound Bus Lines provide bus services to and from Ste. Genevieve via Cape Girardeau and St. Louis.

Other Options

Driving and taxis remain the most convenient options for transportation in the town.

How to Get Around in Ste. Genevieve

Walking, biking, and driving remain the most popular forms of transportation within the town.

Where to Go Next from Ste. Genevieve: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • St. Louis: one of the biggest American cities and known for its iconic Gateway Arch. Located an hour’s drive away from Ste. Genevieve.

  • Cape Girardeau: just an hour drive away from Ste. Genevieve, Cape Girardeau has numerous downtown shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Conclusion

Ste. Genevieve is a town with unique charms, natural beauty, and rich tradition. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a wine lover, or a history buff, the town offers something for everyone. With numerous attractions, tours, and exciting activities to partake in, it is worthy of a spot on every traveler’s itinerary.