Guibourd-Valle House
The Guibourd-Valle House was built by Jacques Guibourd in 1806. It is a French colonial poteaux sur solle (posts on sill) home featuring Norman truss construction. It is located at the corner of 4th and Merchant streets in Ste. Genevieve. The house is owned and maintained by the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve, and is operated as a tour home.
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Working as a secretary for a wealthy plantation owner in Saint Domingue (Haiti), a Frenchman by the name of Jacques Guibourd narrowly escapes the bloody slave rebellion there that began in August 1791 by allowing his trusted slave, Moros, to seal him in a cargo barrel and load it upon a ship headed back to France.
Arriving back in France amidst the horrors of the French Revolution, Jacques was soon faced with the reality of having to permanently leave his homeland and move to the tiny, French speaking village of Sainte Geneviève in the Louisiana Territory of America. Once there, Jacques acquired a plot of land, married a beautiful young girl from across the Mississippi River and, in 1806, built this beautiful historic family home. What makes this home truly unique is that is the only home in North America open to the public which allows complete access to the attic area to see the architecture of the massive Norman truss construction up close.
Before or after your tour, enjoy some quiet time in the picturesque garden area accented by a 75-100 year old Linden tree.
Guided tours are available at Noon, 12:30 pm, 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm, seven days a week, April through December. Other times are available with advance notice. Closed Easter and Thanksgiving.
Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students.
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NEW for 2023 Downtown Walking Tour including Guibourd Valle House and historic area. Price for this extended tour is $15 per adults, $10 for students, and $35 for family.
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During the winter months we offer donation based tours on an as needed basis. Please contact us for availability.
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Phone: 573-883-7544
GeoCache: GC2C99P​
Hear Jacques and Moros’ remarkable story, learn about the home’s construction of vertical posts and bouzillage that have supported this structure for over two centuries. Be sure to check out the informative displays, carefully preserved artifacts and family furnishings that have been collected and prepared to entertain as well as educate the most critical viewer, of any age. Take a moment to sit in the gardens and reflect on all that you have seen on your visit to Ste. Geneviève.
The Guibourd-Valle Historic House &
Gardens welcomes you and your family
to visit this and other nationally
recognized historic sites in the Ste.
Geneviève National Historic Landmarks
District and experience what life was
like in the era of Lewis & Clark and the
Louisiana Purchase!
