The variety of small towns in Missouri is what makes our state so unique. Not too long ago, I introduced you to some of these towns that I believe are definitely worth a visit. But today, we’re going to turn back the clock to the 1700s as we visit Missouri’s oldest town.

The beautiful town of Ste. Genevieve sits just west of the Mississippi River.
David Wilson/flickr
In 1735, the village was founded by Canadian settlers and migrants from settlements in the Illinois Country. Most of the settlers were of French-Canadian descent, so it would only make sense that they'd want to name the village after Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris.
Hints of French Creole colonial architecture is still evident in the town today.
VisitSteGen/Facebook
VistSteGen/Facebook
Many of the houses were built based on wooden posts dug into the ground (poteaux en terre) or set on a raised stone or brick foundation (poteaux sur solle). The house shown above once belonged to Louis Bolduc, a successful merchant and trader in Ste. Genevieve during the late 1700's.
To learn more about Ste. Genevieve's rich history, head over to the town's museum.
Ste. Genevieve Museum/Facebook
Ste. Genevieve Museum/Facebook
In addition to artifacts left from the French-Canadian settlers, the museum also stores artifacts from the Native Americans who lived in the area before them.
Luckily for us, present day Ste. Genevieve has even more to offer than before.
David Wilson/flickr
Out-of-towners frequently visit Ste. Genevieve for its rich history, gorgeous French Creole colonial architecture, premium dining and more.

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For starters, the eateries in this town are phenomenal.
Audubon's by Chaumette/Facebook
Audubon's by Chaumette/Facebook
All along Merchant Street, Main Street and Market Street, you'll find some pretty incredible restaurants. One of my favorites is Audobon's by Chaumette which is located at 9 N. Main Street in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri 63670.
Once you're done with dinner, sip on some of their award-winning wine.
Weingarten Vineyard/Facebook
Flora M./Yelp
Ste. Genevieve has its own wine country, and it's amazing! For a full map of wine country, click here.
The trolley ride through town is another way to explore Ste. Genevieve.
Ste. Genevieve Trolley LLC./Facebook
Enjoy a relaxing trolley ride through historic Ste. Genevieve. You can reserve it for a private group or make new friends on a public tour. Call ahead at 573-535-1911 or visit them on Facebook.
If you're looking to explore the great outdoors, Hawn State Park is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
Missouri Division of Tourism/Facebook
Hike through the Whispering Pine Wild Area or marvel at the geology found in the unique bluffs that boulder over Pickle Creek.

Address:
12096 Park Dr.
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670

Ste. Genevieve offers something for everyone, which makes it a perfect place to visit. Its beauty is unlike anything you’ll find in Missouri and its history makes it even more unique. Have you been to Ste. Genevieve before? What’s your favorite thing to do or see when in town? Let us know!

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12096 Park Dr. Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670