Paris, Birthplace of the USA

Experience the allure of Paris through a captivating historical journey, retracing the footsteps of prominent figures who shaped American history. This remarkable excursion immerses you in the very locations that solidify Paris as the first American city outside the United States. Walk in the esteemed paths of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and numerous other influential personalities.

Unveil the sites where the two treaties of Paris were signed and gain insights into the era of Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase while discovering the residences of former U.S. Presidents during their Parisian sojourns. This meticulously curated tour aims to explore the profound connections between France and the newly formed Republic during the War of Independence, shedding light on the shared values and intertwined destinies.

Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide, a university graduate, will meet you at your hotel or apartment in a private luxury vehicle. Before commencing the tour, your guide will provide a comprehensive introduction to the historical context and present you with a meticulously planned itinerary displayed on an appropriate map. Having extensively traveled to notable American landmarks such as Monticello, Mount Vernon, Yorktown, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., your guide possesses firsthand experiences that enhance the accuracy and depth of their commentary throughout the tour.

Embark on this enlightening journey from Concorde Square, strategically situated between the illustrious Champs Elysées and the Tuileries Gardens. Discover how France became the first nation to recognize the independence of the new Republic in 1778, a remarkable feat accomplished five years before the final treaty was signed with Great Britain in Paris in 1783. Notably, the present-day U.S. Embassy stands near Place de la Concorde, serving as America's inaugural diplomatic mission. Founding fathers such as Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were among the first envoys to France.

Continuing on, you will delve into the Parisian life of Thomas Jefferson while exploring his residence on the esteemed Champ Elysées. Jefferson, renowned as a key architect of the American Revolution and the drafter of the Declaration of Independence, assumed the role of the second ambassador to France from 1785 to 1789, residing in Versailles during the nascent stages of the French Revolution. Subsequently, your revolutionary adventure will lead you through the 16th arrondissement, specifically the Auteuil district. Auteuil, situated ideally between Paris and Versailles in the late 18th century, emerged as the American hub in Paris. Accompanied by your guide's expertise, you will discover significant sites such as Yorktown Square, Place des Etats-Unis adorned with statues of Washington, Lafayette, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin's former residences. Benjamin Franklin, revered as a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a key contributor to the U.S. Constitution, spent substantial years in France between 1776 and 1785.

Subsequently, venture to the Left Bank, where more prominent landmarks associated with the American Revolution await. Explore the captivating district of St-Germain-des-Prés, where notable figures like Thomas Paine and John Paul Jones (the father of the United States Navy) resided during their Parisian stays. Take the opportunity to meander through the cobblestone streets, perusing art galleries and authentic bookstores. Notably, Thomas Jefferson himself purchased a significant portion of the Library of Congress's book collection from these very streets.

A momentous event in American history unfolded at 56 rue Jacob, on September 3, 1783, at the Hotel d'York. It was here that the Treaty of Paris, signifying the end of the American Revolution and granting the U.S. its independence, was signed between Britain and the United States. This pivotal agreement came to fruition following the American victory at the Siege of Yorktown, made possible through the assistance of the French fleet and army. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay were among the esteemed American delegation present during this historic moment.

As the tour concludes, your guide will escort you to Café Procope, Paris's oldest coffee house, which opened its doors in 1686. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of the time as you savor a cup of coffee surrounded by exquisite paintings and furniture, including Voltaire's table and Napoleon's hat. This iconic establishment served as a meeting place for luminaries such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Voltaire, and Diderot during the late 18th century, serving as the birthplace of revolutionary ideas in France. It is undoubtedly the perfect setting to conclude your extraordinary revolutionary adventure before returning to your hotel, enriched by the captivating tales and historical knowledge gained throughout the tour.