Just 45 minutes and 500 years from St. Louis, you’ll find a unique weekend escape for the whole family. That’s where 20 acres in Wentzville, Mo., will be transformed into “petite” Lyons, France, during the year 1523 for the 10th annual Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire. The faire runs from May 17 through June 8 on weekends and Memorial Day.

“As soon as our guests enter the gates, it is as if they’ve walked back in time,” says King Francois I, aka Ted Jander, who has portrayed the king since the 2002 season. “The overall atmosphere is fantastic.”

You’ll hear “bonjour” or “ca va” as you wander through the 16th century village along rolling, wooded acres at Rotary Park. Guests from all walks of life can meet with the king and Queen Claude (yes, that’s her name). You can watch one of the world’s finest artists, Leonardo Da Vinci, at work or catch a glimpse of young Anne Boelyn — a few years before she gets her head chopped off.

Leonardo may be a bit of a stretch for the time period, says Tammy Duncan, Renaissance Faire executive director. Although King Francois was a patron of Leonardo and had him in his entourage, by 1523, he would have been dead.

“We try very hard to be as historically correct as possible,” Ms. Duncan says, “without making it dry. Education is part of our mission. But it’s also entertainment.”

Even with a stretch of a few years, you will find the history more accurate than most Renaissance fairs, she says, which usually are English. And it will be entertaining. There will be close to 200 volunteers dressed as everything from French nobility to beggars and peasants, armored jousting knights on warhorses, and a Kids Kingdom for children. There are nine stages with acts running continuously all day, including two new this year, MooNiE the Magnif’Cent and Willy’s Wenches. You’ll also find Scottish and German encampments with hands-on activities.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a fair without turkey legs. You’ll find plenty of those, Ms. Duncan says, plus three pubs, sandwiches, beef kabobs and a new food booth in a wharf setting serving fish-and-chips-style food.

Some patrons take the fun a step further and dress in costume like the actors. They either bring their own or buy costumes sold from several merchants on site.

“We call them playtrons,” she says, “because they like to come and play.”

The actors are given a 30-year leeway in period dress, but with the patrons, anything goes. So you’ll see men dressed as Roman Gladiators, teens wearing prom dresses and children wearing Halloween princess and knight costumes.

History buffs may want to take the weekend even further by visiting some of the French historical sites in the area. St. Louis has a strong French heritage, says Donna Andrews of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission. In fact, St. Louis got its name from King Louis IX of France.

“It began in Cahokia, Ill.,” she says. “When the British got too close, they ran over here to St. Louis.”

Get more information on the French connection, the Renaissance Faire, hotels and other attraction, by calling (800) 916-0040 or visiting www.ExploreStLouis.com.

WEEKEND AT THE RENAISSANCE

When: May 17 through June 8, weekends and Memorial Day

Where: Rotary Park in Wentzville, Mo.

Tickets: $13 adults, $11 seniors, Children under 12, $8, Children 5 and under, free. Coupon for $2 off and more information available on www.STLrenFaire.com

Lifestyle reporter Sylvia Anderson may be reached

at sylviaanderson@npgco.com