The St. Louis French Festival is an artistic and educational collaboration between the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Symphony Community Partnership, the Missouri History Museum, the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the St. Louis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, with St. Louis Cathedral Concerts spearheading this endeavor. These institutions are joining forces to make February 24 through March 1 in St. Louis a memorable week filled with French culture and charm.

The St. Louis French Festival touts cultural experiences with a uniquely French flair. Events include lectures on French music, art, and architecture, concerts featuring French music, tours of the Saint Louis Art Museum French collections, a special tour of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, a theatrical presentation on the French roots of the City of St. Louis, and French wine and cheese tastings.

All of the events are open to the public and most of the events are free of charge, unless otherwise indicated.

A Special French Festival Hotel package is available with Drury Hotels.
Just click here for details and to make reservations today!

French Festival featured in The West End Word, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch,  The St. Louis Beacon, Midwest Traveler Magazine and The Edge.

Festival Events

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

7:00 p.m. University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL, Millennium Student Center): Lecture by His Excellency Pierre Vimont, Ambassador of France to the United States, presented in English: "Franco-American Cooperation in the Middle East."
Lecture is free and open to the public but you must register by calling 314-516-7299 or by visiting www.cfis-umsl.com and click REGISTER.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

11:00 a.m. Saint Louis Art Museum: Lecture: “French Art in the Early European Collection” Space is Limited www.slam.org

12:00 Noon THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT Alliance Française hosted Lunch with His Excellency Pierre Vimont, Ambassador of France to the United States. Keynote Address presented in English at the St. Louis Club.
$65 for Alliance Française, St. Louis Club members, and Cathedral Concerts Patrons
$75 non-members
$125 Lunch Patrons - supporting Alliance Française classes & programs (Name will appear in Program and Spring 2010 Gazette.)
For more information contact Alliance Française at 314-432-0734 or visit their website at www.allliancestl.com.

Friday, February 26, 2010

2:00 p.m. Missouri History Museum: “Veuve Chouteau,” 20-minute theatrical performance based on the city of St. Louis’ founding mother’s thoughts of the Louisiana Purchase. Performance followed by Q&A session www.mohistory.org

4:00 p.m. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: Guided tour of Cathedral and the Great Cathedral Organ in English and French

6:00 p.m. Saint Louis Art Museum: Lecture: “French Art in the Early European Collection” Space is Limited www.slam.org

7:30 p.m. Missouri History Museum, Grand Hall: Professor Lynne Davis lecture on the architecture and the stained glass windows of the Chartres Cathedral in France followed by a wine and cheese reception. (Lecture is free; Admission Fee for the wine and cheese reception $25, Limited Remaining Spaces may be purchased at the door this evening)

Saturday, February 27, 2010

11:00 a.m. Missouri History Museum: St. Louis French Heritage tour hosted by Anne Woodhouse. 30-person limit for the tour. Handouts available for separate self-guided tour of History Museum French Heritage collection

1:30 p.m. Saint Louis Art Museum: Guided tour of the Art Museum’s French Collections  www.slam.org

2:30 p.m. Saint Louis Art Museum: Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra Chamber group performance, musical theme will be French in nature Space is Limited www.slam.org

Sunday, February 28, 2010

2:30 p.m. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: St. Louis Cathedral Concerts will present organist and scholar, Lynne Davis, in recital at the Cathedral. (Tickets: $12)

Monday, March 1, 2010

7:30 p.m. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: The American Guild of Organists (AGO), with St. Louis Cathedral Concerts, presents a lecture by Lynne Davis on the organ music of France, especially the music of Louis-Nicolas Clérambault.

Participating Organizations

Festival Sponsors

Exclusive French Culture Sponsor

French Festival Logo designed by Louise Ann Noeth