french (icarian) heritage days
come celebrate with us!
Join us to honor the French history and culture of Nauvoo, Illinois.
The Festival will take place July 1st through the 3rd. The month of July connects with France because of Tour de France Bicycle Race (the race usually starts the last week of June and ends the middle of July) and Bastille Day (July 14).
Attend any or all of the events by registering on Eventbrite!
Donations are suggested, but not required and will be accepted at any time
(to provide funding for next year’s event)
Friday, July 1st Events
Choose between two fantastic evening events!
Legacy Boat Cruise
4:30 PM: Greetings to French Heritage Days attendees. Riverboat Cruise from the end of Parley street (site of the Latter-Day Saints Exodus) 45 Minute Cruise - $16
Wine and Juice Tastings
5:30 PM: Greetings to French Heritage Days attendees. A car will be needed to get to The Press House Winery. Wine and grape juice tastings. Cost per tasting. Tips accepted.
Music by Secondhand Bliss.
BBQ provided by Big Guys BBQ FM
Map to The Press House Winery
Saturday, July 2nd Events
Last day registration is accepted!
We have a number of events all day for your enjoyment :
Introduction: The Inn at Old Nauvoo
8:30 AM: Introduction and playing of La Marseillaise, LIVE 9:00 AM: Opening Talk by Randy Soland, Private Practice Counselor, Historian and Nauvoo Native: “Who Were the French Icarians? Why Did They Come to Nauvoo? Why Did They Leave?” - FREE
Walking/Driving Tour of Icarian Properties
10:30-11:30 AM: Guided walking tour of downtown Icarian properties (Tour Guide: Randy Soland) and a visit to the Weld House Museum to view Icarian artifacts. - FREE
The Cambre House
12:00-1:30 PM: A car will be needed to reach The Cambre House. Talk by Rebecca Williamson, President of the Nauvoo Historical Society, and tour of the French Cambre House - Box Lunch $15
Map to the Cambre House
Stroll around Nauvoo, Illinois
2:00 - 5:00 PM: You're on your own. Check out the town's shops, The Nauvoo Fudge Factory, The Flood Museum Gem and Rock Show, some of the historic homes and buildings on the flats, or take a nap at your hotel!
Cruisin' for the Kids
5:00 -5:30 PM: Check out some of the old cars at the 10th Annual Cruisin' for the Kids by the old grade school and site of the new Nauvoo Community Center.
Fireworks and Music
9:00 -10:00 PM: Fireworks! Go to the area west of the Nauvoo Temple to hear the Nauvoo Orchestra perform and to watch the fireworks display.
Sunday, July 3rd Events
Leisurely Bike Ride
8:30 AM: Join us at Baxter's Vineyards and Winery to take a leisurely bike ride of Nauvoo with members of the Nauvoo Bike Club
Tour de Nauvoo Bike Race
12:00 PM: Participate in the Tour de Nauvoo - a 2-mile bike race. Prizes will be given for first, second, and third places - $20 Entrance Fee also gets you a lifetime membereship in the Nauvoo Bike Club, and a bottle of water for the race!
Wine and Juice Tasting - Tour and Music
1:00 - 5:00 PM: Join us back at Baxter's Vineyards and Winery for wine and grape juice tastings - cost per tasting. Tips will be accepted. Enjoy a winery talk and tour with music by the Elijah Boyer Band, followed by announcements and dates for next year's festival!
Did You Know?
Our sister city, Le Havre, France, is the city where the Icarians departed for America.
Before You Go
Nauvoo Fairy Door Trail
The Nauvoo Fairy Door Trail is a fun a new way to experience Nauvoo. Visitors can see many varieties of Fairy Doors up and down Mulholland St.