French Influence in Missouri

Missouri might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of French heritage, yet the state has a rich history rooted in French influence. Uncover the narrative, culture and a bit of “joie de vivre” – all of which continue to shape the French-inspired communities as we know them today. From the French-colonial architecture of Ste. Geneviève to the Soulard Mardi Gras celebrations in St. Louis, you’ll discover exciting traditions and unique things to do in the Show-Me State.

History

Historic Ste. Geneviève

Step back in time and explore the first French settlement west of the Mississippi River – Ste. Geneviève. Fertile soil and access to the river were a large draw to the settlers who arrived in the 1740s. Today, the community’s historic charm and ambiance continue to thrive in the preservation of the early settlers’ architecture. As visitors walk the narrow streets, they’ll find “French-Colonial” buildings with fenced yards and small gardens in Ste. Geneviève’s National Landmark Historic District. Learn more about the area’s history at the Centre for French Colonial Life Museum Campus. This exceptional site includes a museum and offers guided tours of historic houses with authentic period furnishings. Moreover, Ste. Geneviève highlights its French heritage with annual festivals and celebrations, including one with a French-singing troupe in honor of years past.

St. Louis Origins

Starting in the late 1600s, French explorers began to arrive in the area that would become St. Louis. Because of its location and since it was not prone to flooding, the area grew in popularity. In 1764, Pierre Laclede Liguest (St. Louis’s founder) received a land grant from the King of France and chose the area as a dedicated fur trading post. The village’s construction began in 1765 and remained predominantly French well into the 19th century. After the Louisiana Purchase, immigrants flooded to the area in hopes of finding a new life on the frontier’s edge. Nevertheless, French culture made a mark in St. Louis, and it’s apparent in the city’s architecture, historic sites and celebrations like Soulard’s Mardi Gras.

Culture

Architecture

There are several identifying characteristics in French Colonial architecture. These elements combine to make sturdy, resilient buildings that are still standing both in Ste. Geneviève and St. Louis. Using vertical log construction and burying posts directly into the ground, these buildings generally featured a rectangular exterior, a door in the center with windows on each side, wrap-around porches, tall ceilings and some Romanesque-inspired elements like rounded arches.

Ste. Geneviève Architecture

• Bolduc and Lemeilleur Houses – Furnished with original, late 18th century and early 19th century artifacts, these homes feature the unique French Creole vertical timber style of architecture.
• Felix Vallé House State Historic Site – This site features a home built in 1818 that is furnished with a host of artifacts from the 1830s.
• Green Tree Tavern – The oldest home in Ste. Geneviève (1790), this building is an example of how early-American architectural design played a role in French colonial vertical log homes.
• Jean Baptiste Vallé House – This home has served as a private residence for many families, including the last colonial leader of the community.

St. Louis Architecture

• Laclede’s Landing – Visit St. Louis’s historic Laclede’s Landing entertainment district. Named after Pierre Laclede, the city’s French founder, The Landing includes restored warehouses on the Mississippi River where Lewis and Clark originally departed. Today, the warehouses have been converted into clubs, bars, restaurants and offices.
• The Old Courthouse – View a stunning set of displays depicting French Colonial architecture in Old St. Louis. Additionally, the galleries are filled with objects that were important to daily life in St. Louis’s younger years. Built from 1839-1862, the Old Courthouse also includes exhibit rooms on local history and a beautifully decorated dome.
• St. Louis City Hall – City Hall was designed after the Hotel de Ville in Paris. Moreover, travelers can admire a statue of Pierre Laclede at the Market Street entrance.
• Soulard Neighborhood – Even if you don’t visit during Mardi Gras, it’s worth a drive through Soulard neighborhood. Brick row houses, blues music clubs and corner taverns line the streets, showcasing the French influence in the area. Furthermore, stop and shop on Wednesdays at the Soulard Farmers Market. Operating since 1779, it’s the oldest farmer’s market in the country, so visitors can peruse the offerings just as French settlers did.

French Influence on Traditions

• French Heritage Festival, Ste. Geneviève – The city’s historic downtown brings French culture and traditions to life with storytelling, tours, French singers, reenactors in period dress, tea with “Marie Antoinette” and more.
• La Guiannée – Ste. Geneviève remained a French-speaking territory for many years in the Americanized Midwest. While the last generations of native French speakers are fading, the La Guiannée celebration remains. This ancient tradition (for over 250 years) is celebrated by descendants of the early French settlers, and singers and musicians wander from place to place on New Year’s Eve, singing the original language of their ancestors – French patios – while dressed in bizarre, archaic costumes.
• La Réveillon, Ste. Geneviève – The annual holiday celebration takes place at the Felix Vallé State Historic Site and promotes the music, customs and crafts of an early French Colonial Christmas.
• Mardi Gras, St. Louis – From January until March, Soulard Mardi Gras transforms the historically French neighborhood of Soulard. This event is one of the biggest in the nation, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.

• Bastille Day – Soulard embraces its heritage on Bastille Day, honoring the peasants who rejected the monarchy by “gathering the mob.” The elected King and Queen lead the “peasants” (the participants) throughout the neighborhood, gathering at local businesses for drinks and snacks. The parade ends with a proclamation in the park and a mock beheading of the French rulers.
• La Fete du Vin, St. Charles – Meaning the festival of wine, La Fete du Vin celebrates French culture with delectable wines, delicious food and entertaining music.

Food and Drink

French Dining in St. Louis and the Surrounding Area

• Bistro La Floraison, Clayton – This upscale French bistro and wine bar serves a beautiful prix fixe dinner on Tuesday through Saturday. The multi-course meal gives guests the chance to enjoy more of the menu, and the perfect pairing from the robust French wine list ensures you’ll have an exquisite, full experience.
• Brasserie by Niche, St. Louis – An unmistakable bright red exterior and a warm, inviting interior, Brasserie by Niche offers a menu of bistro fare with modern interpretations of classic dishes, including French onion soup, house made country pâté and cassoulet with duck confit.
• French Crêperie, Chesterfield – It’s love at first bite at French Crêperie. Wanting to provide an authentic French crêpe experience, the French owner recreates the fresh, made-to-order sweet and savory treats – just like the ones in France.
• La Bonne Bouchée, Creve Coeur – This patisserie and café serves authentic French fare with high-quality ingredients in a cozy, charming setting. Bringing a slice of Paris to the local community since 1981, La Bonne Bouchée is a well-loved establishment you can visit any time of the day.

French-Inspired Fare Along the Mississippi River

• Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine, Cape Girardeau – On the banks of the Mississippi River, a Cajun man and his wife opened Broussard’s, a restaurant serving authentic bayou fare, with a French-inspired Louisiana vibe.
• Petit Paree Restaurant & Lounge, Festus – This restaurant is nestled in the heart of Festus and has been operating for more than 60 years. It stands out as “par excellence” in the region and serves European dishes with French-style influence, using fresh ingredients directly from the property’s garden.

French Wine Country

Ste. Geneviève residents have been making wine for centuries, originally using native wild grapes. The community has continued to perfect their winemaking skills, and today, the town is home to multiple wineries along the Route du Vin Wine Trail. This itinerary includes those wineries and has recommendations for where to eat and stay during your visit.

Plan a French-Inspired Trip

Ste. Geneviève

A trip to one of Missouri’s primary French settlement communities is the perfect way to experience the state’s history. If you prefer a smaller town, visit Ste. Genevieve with this weekend itinerary as your guide. In addition to its historic buildings and French festivals, the community has even more waiting to be discovered.

St. Louis

Visit St. Louis during Mardi Gras season or travel throughout the city and admire the breathtaking architecture. When looking for a place to stay, book the hotel at St. Louis Union Station – an architectural wonder modeled after the French fortress of Carcassonne. Or for a more intimate accommodation, reserve a room at Benton Park Inn, a small bed-and-breakfast with tall, narrow windows and high ceilings, located near the Soulard neighborhood.

From the architecture to the vibrant cultural traditions, Missouri’s French heritage offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s history. Whether you choose to visit Ste. Geneviève or St. Louis during a lively festival or to admire the historic attractions, the state provides an immersive experience and shows visitors how Missouri’s French roots continue to shape its identity today.