Major city · United States
Ste. Genevieve
Half a day is enough for the historic district; one night if you want a slow dinner and a morning walk. Not a base for the region.
Ste. Genevieve, founded in 1735, is the oldest permanent European settlement west of the Mississippi. Its compact historic district holds French colonial buildings, a National Historical Park visitor centre and a state historic site. Most visitors stop for 2–4 hours on the way between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (humid), Dec–Feb (cold, some sites on reduced hours)
- Airport
- STL
- Nights
- 0–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ste. Genevieve911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ste. Genevieve, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSTL St.
- Getting aroundYou need a car to reach Ste.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–4
- Sit-down mealDinner (sit-down, one course)$15–25
- Street or quick mealLunch (sandwich or burger)$8–14
- BeerBeer (domestic, bar)$4–6
- Budget bedMotel room (chain, double), a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedMotel room (chain, double), a night, per roomUS$100
- High-end bedMotel room (chain, double), a night, per roomUS$150
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$120 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- STL St. Louis Lambert International Airport (About 1 hour drive north via I-55)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Jan (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ste. Genevieve: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
8 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
12 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car to reach Ste. Genevieve. Once downtown, the historic district is walkable. Parking is free on the street.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
I-55 south, about 30 min
Larger town with a riverfront and more dining options.
St. Louis
goDoor to door: About 1 h
I-55 north, about 1 h
Gateway Arch, museums and zoo; a full day trip.
Sikeston
goDoor to door: About 45 min
I-55 south, about 45 min
Home of Lambert's Cafe (throwed rolls).
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Historic district (downtown)
Walkable to the main sights; a few B&Bs and inns.
Along Highway 32 / I-55 corridor
Chain motels, about 5–10 min drive from downtown.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–90 excl. bed
- Mid
- $90–150 excl. bed
- High
- $150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel room (chain, double)1 × 1 night × US$100 | US$100 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| National Historical Park visitor centre2 × US$0 · Free entry | US$0 |
| Felix Vallé House State Historic Site2 × US$5 · check | US$10 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$35 |
| Trip total≈ US$193 per person per day, bed included | US$385 |
2026 estimate in USD; car rental and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–4 |
| Lunch (sandwich or burger) | $8–14 |
| Dinner (sit-down, one course) | $15–25 |
| Beer (domestic, bar) | $4–6 |
| Gas (per gallon)check | $3–4 |
| Motel room (chain, double) | $70–150 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- National Historical Park visitor centre hours vary by season: check the NPS site before you go.
- Many restaurants and shops close by 20:00 or earlier on weekdays.Many restaurants and shops close by 8:00 PM or earlier on weekdays.
- Flooding on the Mississippi can affect access to riverfront areas; check local alerts.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Ste. GenevieveSte. Genevieve
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Take me to this address, pleaseTake me to this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- St. Louis (STL) → Ste. Genevieve, car: about 1 h, 65 miles via I-55
- Ste. Genevieve → Cape Girardeau, car: about 30 min, 35 miles via I-55
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
English is the only language you need.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ste. Genevieve. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (humid), Dec–Feb (cold, some sites on reduced hours) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for the National Historical Park visitor centre, Felix Vallé House, and Old Brick restaurant with verified hours.
- Walking route map of the historic district with 6–8 stops.
- Seasonal event calendar (Jour de Fête, Christmas tour of homes).
Sources
Ask about Ste. Genevieve
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