Like a slice out of a French fairy tale, the Lafayette Square is a beautiful neighbourhood in Saint Louis that is also home to a picturesque park. With pretty and chic little shops, French styled houses with large windows and the oldest park in Saint Louis, this district is one of the loveliest in the city, and with some of the oldest history to boot.

Saint Louis was originally a French village, long before the Americans took over. The area that is the Square was once a vast grazing ground for the village livestock and was free from any ownership. The grounds turned into encampments for bands of criminals who would attack and rob area travelers and soon, after coming under American rule, the area started being developed for recreational purposes. The neighbourhood was named after General Marie-Joseph-Paul-Roch-Yves-Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette, who had visited the city in 1824.

• Lafayette Square is home to gorgeous, Victorian styled French buildings that serve as eye candy for both lovers of architecture and just casual lovers of anything beautiful.
• You can rise early and attend a yoga class, grab some coffee, explore the beautiful square and then eat a healthy lunch at one of the many top notch eateries in the area. At night, the neighbourhood restaurants and bars come alive. You can choose from a variety of cuisines and drinks and then make your way to an old styled bed and breakfast nearby.
• All throughout the year, popular events take place at the square such as marathons and bicycle races.
• The Park House, the Elizabeth Cook Pavilion, the remnants of the 1876 music pavilion, canons from an old British war ship and a statue of George Washington are amongst the numerous beautifully crafted historical points of interests throughout the park.
• Besides its many interesting treasures, the park itself resembled an oil painting, especially during spring and autumn, with its delicate ferns, flowers and shrubbery.
• Twice a year, in June and December, tours are conducted within a few of the Victorian homes.

Lafayette Square and Park is steeped with history and beauty as well as modern day attractions, it’s a mixture of old world romance and contemporary fun. Whether you want to shop, dine, sight see, jog or just wander through, you’re sure to love this iconic little French neighbourhood. 

• Check out the free concerts that are held in the park, especially during summer.
• Parking is free on the streets and in the parking lots.
• There are walking paths, a beautifully landscaped grotto, historic Park House, and a playground. The playground is within the park which features turtle and frog sculptures by Robert Cassilly.
• There is a short walking tour featuring 16 highlights of Lafayette Park.
• Lodgings are many and varied, from the small inns and B&Bs to hotels.

• There will be a MetroLink station to LaFayette Square.

• Eleven Eleven (American)
• PW Pizza (Pizza)
• Laredo of Lafayette Square (Mexican)
• Ricardo’s Italian Cafe (Italian)

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