As Missouri's oldest permanent European settlement, the village of Ste. Genevieve was settled by French and French Canadians in 1735. Much of the historic charm and ambiance is due to the remarkable preservation of the original settlement.We begin our tour with a visit to the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary, which is completely paved. We will learn where the animals were rescued from and their personalities. After the tour, we can visit the Education Center, where we can view and touch tiger artifacts such as teeth, claws and pelts to name a few. Yes, there is a gift shop. Next, we are off to the Brix Winery. Here we will enjoy a delicious luncheon: Salad, Chicken Marsala, Twice Baked Potato, Vegetable, Beverage and Carrot Cake for dessert.

Following lunch, we will learn how they make their wines and enjoy a wine tasting flight of four wines. Yes, there is a gift shop. Last, but certainly not least a stop at the Center for French Colonial Life as well as tours of both the Bolduc and Lemeilleur homes has been arranged. This center is a headquarters for the museum campus. It houses both permanent and temporary exhibits. One exhibit we will experience is Saving St. Louis, which explains the role of the 60 militia men from the area who traveled upstream and were instrumental in thwarting the British attack in May 1780. We will also see, “To Shelter and Sustain”, which highlights the architecture and constructive methods of the settlers.