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America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour)

5 (2)

Paris, FR

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Step back in time and experience the shared history of America and France on the America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps tour. Delve into the fascinating story of how France played a crucial role in the success of the American Revolution, and how America helped shape the ideals of the French Revolution. Walk in the footsteps of our great patriots, visiting the places where they lived and worked in Paris. From the city's first café, frequented by Franklin and Jefferson, to the Luxembourg Gardens, where John Paul Jones found his final resting place, this tour brings history to life. Discover Thomas Paine's home near the Odeon Theatre and the location where Jefferson lived during his time as Ambassador to France. Embark on this small group tour and join the Franco-American friendship that has endured for over two centuries. School groups are welcome, so gather your friends and let your shared history with France come alive in Paris.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
2 hours
Suitable for 1-8 Participants
Private Tour, Small Group Tour
Self Guided Experience & Audio Guided

Highlights

Walk in the footsteps of America's Founding Fathers
Visit the city's first café frequented by Franklin & Jefferson
Explore Luxembourg Gardens and learn about the final residence of John Paul Jones
Discover the home of Thomas Paine, author of "Common Sense"
Experience the location where Jefferson lived during his ambassadorship

Included

Audio commentary

Not included

Coffee and/or tea
Bottled water
Snacks

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the captivating history of America's Founding Fathers in Paris with the "Walk in their Footsteps" small group tour. Without the support of France, the American Revolution may not have succeeded, and without America, the French Revolution may not have happened. These two nations have a shared history that predates the founding of America itself. This tour takes you to the very places where these great patriots lived and worked, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the deep bond between America and France.

What to Expect?

Embark on a journey that unveils the untold stories and hidden gems of America's Founding Fathers in Paris. Join this small group tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of both nations. Discover the significant contributions made by France in ensuring American victory against the British, and explore how America influenced the French elite with its revolutionary ideals.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone with a passion for uncovering the intricacies of the past. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, this tour is designed to cater to all. School groups are also welcome, with special group rates available upon request.

Why Book This?

Delve into the captivating history of America's Founding Fathers in Paris and witness firsthand the places where history was made. This tour offers a unique perspective on the Franco-American friendship, which has endured for over 230 years. Gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal role France played in the American Revolution and how America influenced French society. Expert guides will provide fascinating insights, ensuring an educational and immersive experience.

Good to Know

During the tour, you'll enjoy audio commentary that brings the historical sites to life. Please note that coffee, tea, bottled water, and snacks are not included, so it's advisable to bring your own refreshments. The tour ends near the Luxembourg Gardens, allowing you to continue exploring the beautiful surroundings at your leisure.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on this small group tour have been captivated by the rich history and expert storytelling. They praise the knowledgeable guides who provide unique insights into the Franco-American relationship. Visitors have expressed their satisfaction with the tour's educational value and the opportunity to visit significant historical sites. Don't miss out on this immersive experience that will transport you back in time to witness the remarkable influence of America's Founding Fathers in Paris.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

End point

Your Itinerary

Le Procope

The city's first café, opened in 1686, was frequented by our forefathers - both Franklin & Jefferson came here to meet with fellow Revolutionaries, drink coffee & play chess

Luxembourg Gardens

Not far from the gardens was the home of John Paul Jones, his final residence. He died here in Paris & his remains were placed in a cemetery that was paved over & forgotten. It took several years to find his tomb, repatriate his remains & give him a full mililtary burial in the US.

Odeon, Theatre de L'Europe

Nearby is the home of Thomas Paine, who lived in Paris for 5 years after publishing his best-seller "Common Sense"

Rue Bonaparte

We visit the location where Jefferson lived briefly during his 5-year stay in Paris. Following in Franklin's footsteps, he became Ambassador to France in 1784.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour requires 2 hours of walking - not recommended for those with difficulties in walking
Please note that I am entirely vaccinated

Reviews

(2)

5 (2)

David R

This tour is really something special for every American visiting Paris and so wonderfully unexpected. A quote Ellen taught me on the tour was by Thomas Jefferson, A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.” That's exactly what this tour is about. Imagine being taken through Paris by a history professor, equipped with an iPad that displays images, video clips, charts, etc. that all work together to bring the egos, eccentricities, context, and motives of important historical figures to life. In many ways, this walking tour packed the punch of a fully-immersive, college lecture, but it was delivered into laymen's terms in a way that everyone will find enjoyable and approachable. So, don't fret if you didn't do any pre-readings about the American or French Revolution. Ellen will fill you in and then take you deeper than you could've imagined. That's what touring with Ellen felt like in the most marvelous way. The biggest thing that impressed me was Ellen's keen attention to detail, which was as careful and deep as her kindness and passion. One of the most notable yet subtle moments from the tour was when Ellen displayed a graphic to demonstrate the taxation controversy that careened France towards Revolution. Beyond the graphic, which conveyed the core data, there was an illustrative figure representing each social class. That really helped imagine the parties at conflict in my mind's eye. It was a little detail, perhaps missed by most, but it epitomized the way Ellen combines academia, context, and storytelling. Another favorite moment was when we watched a film clip of John Adams requesting aid from the Dutch, during a moment where we visited a building where he was party to a treaty and were caught up on his rivalry with Ben Franklin. The way Ellen develops and presents each character is almost similar to the way a TV series would develop the backstory and dramatic arc of each character. A lot of thought and careful attention went into this tour and it shows. I don't want to give away any spoilers, because a lot of what I loved about the tour is how many things you'll be surprised to learn and discover. However, I will say that I was astonished to learn that the previous two bookings of this tour where by people who were writing books on Ben Franking (coincidentally) and had done this tour as part of their research. I can easily see Ellen being a historical advisor on a Hollywood movie production of Ben Franklin. That's the caliber of quality she brings and to be able to be led through the streets of Paris with her was really something special. At the end of the tour, Ellen also gave my wife and I recommendations to where we could find a high-profile mall that had all of the big brands but wasn't wildly overcrowded like Champs-Élysées where people were waiting outside for 30-40+ minutes to get into a store. Ellen even took us there by bus, as she carries bus passes for all of her guests (just in case of situations like this) and she even walked us inside of the mall and gave us a grand introduction to where we were. That reminds me of another thing that made the tour special. Ellen also leads antique and vintage shopping tours. So on our commutes from each location to the next one, she'd be able to point out interesting details about the stores we passed. In a way, it almost felt like 2 tours in one. Normally, when I'm on a tour, the tour guide talks at a location and then everyone walks to the next place in silence. But with Ellen, she knows everything about everything and the entire tour is filled with constant intrigue. If you are a history buff or just a geek like me, you'll love this tour. It was the hidden gem of my visit to Paris and I walked away with an understanding of American (and French) values, spiritedness, and aspirations that I would not have been able to get in the U.S. France and the U.S. are truly sibling nations. Understanding how that is so is one of the most profound lessons. Ellen is perhaps the best tour guide I've ever experienced on my travels. Passing through an alley, she started to explain mid-eval Paris architecture and carriage doors still evident in buildings today. My only critique is that I think Ellen charges too little for what she offers. I can see people paying 200 euros per person for a curated experience such as this with a tour guide as spectacular as Ellen. Walking through Paris with Ellen is like getting a personalized tour of the kitchen of a three Michelin star restaurant with the head chef. It's just remarkable the way she knows the ins and outs of her city's past, present and future across so many different verticals. A famous quote says, "Every man has two countries – his own and France." This tour really helped me understand why. Thank you so much for such an enlightening and profound life and cultural experience, Ellen! :) You are a national treasure.

hlc333

America’s Founding Fathers in Paris is a definite “must do” on your next trip to Paris. Our tour guide, Ellen, was fantastic! Ellen is friendly, knowledgeable, and loves to share her love of American and French history. The information on the tour was presented in a way that was fun, easy to understand, and easy to remember. Ellen even tailored the tour’s content so that the pace was appropriate for me and my two children, ages 8 and 12. We learned so many interesting facts about the lives of four of America’s founding fathers who lived in France for short periods during America’s formative years. We also visited historic sites and learned about some of the shared history between America and France. I definitely plan to take other amazing tours with Ellen in the future.

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2024-06-28 06:14