Bonjour, Monsieur!

If your knowledge of French culture can be summed up by terms like "French toast," "French fries" and "French kissing," then you're more than likely missing out on a whole world of cultural cultivation. Now's your chance to learn about French colonial Missouri (and to redeem yourself after all of those years of belting out the lyrics of "Lady Marmalade" to less-than-amused speakers of the French language).

The Felix Vallé House State Historic Site (198 Merchant Street, Ste. Genevieve; 573-883-7102) hosts a traditional French veillée from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 9. This old-fashioned French party features candlelit tours, French folk dances and other old-time performances. Sprinkle in some additional festivities like French folktales in the garden and delectable French sweets on the back porch of the house, and voilà: You have the recipe for an authentic French experience for the whole family! This event, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, is free; for more information click here.

-Mabel Suen