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

Exploring Paris with a focus on America’s Founding Fathers offers a fascinating perspective that combines history, architecture, and personal stories. This small group tour, priced at $98.90 per person, lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and is perfect for those interested in how Paris influenced figures like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and John Paul Jones. With a maximum of 8 travelers, the intimate setting promises personalized attention and in-depth stories from a knowledgeable guide. The tour is ideal for history buffs, curious travelers, and anyone eager to understand the deep franco-American friendship.

While this tour involves 2 hours of walking and covers several historic sites, its focus on storytelling and unique locations makes it a standout experience for those keen to see Paris from a different angle. Note that it is best suited for those with good mobility, as it requires some walking and navigation between landmarks. No food or drinks are included, but the tour’s highlight is the chance to learn about Paris’s role in shaping American history, all in an engaging, small-group environment.

Key Points

• Private, small-group experience with a maximum of 8 travelers ensures personalized attention.
• Visits to historic sites linked to Founding Fathers, like Le Procope and Rue Bonaparte, offer unique insights.
• Learn about the relationship between Paris and the American Revolution through stories of Franklin, Jefferson, Paine, and Jones.
• Highlights include Le Procope, Luxembourg Gardens, Odeon Theatre, and Jefferson’s former residence.
• Audio commentary is included to enrich the experience, offering detailed narratives.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers but not recommended for those with walking difficulties.

The Origins of the American Revolution at Le Procope

The tour begins at Le Procope, Paris’s oldest café, opened in 1686. This historic spot attracted Franklin and Jefferson during their visits, where they met Revolutionaries, drank coffee, and played chess. It’s a living piece of history that captures the lively atmosphere of political and intellectual exchange during the late 17th and 18th centuries. Visiting Le Procope gives a tangible sense of the revolutionary fervor that also shaped the American independence movement.

The experience here is brief—about 5 minutes—but the significance of this spot as a gathering place for revolutionaries makes it a compelling starting point. The tour’s emphasis on storytelling brings to life the importance of such cafés as forums for ideas that crossed the Atlantic.

Visiting Luxembourg Gardens and John Paul Jones’s Final Home

Next, the tour heads to the Luxembourg Gardens area, where the home of John Paul Jones, the American naval hero, once stood. Jones died in Paris, and for many years, his remains were lost until they were eventually recovered and given a full military burial in the United States. The tour mentions that his tomb was once paved over and forgotten, adding an element of historical mystery. Visitors spend about 5 minutes at this site, gaining insight into Jones’s connection to Paris and his role in the American Revolution.

This stop offers a rare glimpse into the personal history of an American icon while highlighting Paris’s role as a final resting place for many Revolutionary figures. The story of Jones’s remains being rediscovered underscores Paris’s enduring link to American history.

Exploring Thomas Paine’s House near the Odeon Theatre

The tour then moves to the Odeon Theatre de L’Europe, where Thomas Paine lived for five years after publishing his influential pamphlet, “Common Sense”. The story of Paine’s time in Paris emphasizes his role in inspiring American independence as well as his personal journey in France. The location is a short walk from the Odeon, and no fee is required to visit the site.

This stop is particularly notable for illustrating how Paine’s ideas resonated across the Atlantic, and it helps visitors understand the transnational influence that Paris had on the revolutionaries’ thinking.

Jefferson’s Brief Stay on Rue Bonaparte

One of the tour’s key stops is Rue Bonaparte, where Thomas Jefferson lived during his five-year stay in Paris. Jefferson’s tenure in Paris began in 1784 when he became Ambassador to France, following Franklin’s footsteps. The location of Jefferson’s residence is pointed out during the walk, and about 10 minutes are spent here.

The site offers a personal link to Jefferson’s diplomatic career in France and demonstrates how Paris served as a diplomatic hub for early American leaders. The walk through this neighborhood allows visitors to appreciate the daily life and diplomatic environment that shaped Jefferson’s contributions.

The Significance of the Tour’s Locations and Stories

This tour emphasizes historic landmarks tied directly to American revolutionary figures and the long-standing Franco-American friendship. The combination of public sites, such as Le Procope and Rue Bonaparte, with storytelling about individuals like John Paul Jones and Thomas Paine, makes for an educational experience that balances architecture with personal narratives.

The audio commentary enhances understanding, providing detailed context at each stop, and the small group size fosters an intimate atmosphere where questions can be easily asked. The tour is especially valuable for those interested in how Paris influenced the minds and activities of America’s Founding Fathers.

Practical Details and Logistics

This 2 hour 30 minute tour departs from Place Saint-Germain des Prés, a central and accessible location in Paris. It ends near Rue de Tournon, close to the Luxembourg Gardens. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized interaction and a relaxed pacing. The tour involves walking on mostly flat surfaces, making it suitable for most participants, though it’s not recommended for those with walking difficulties.

The tour includes audio commentary but does not include food or beverages. Participants should plan to bring water and possibly snacks if needed, since no refreshments are provided. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for about 2 hours of walking.

Flexibility and Booking Policies

Booking is straightforward, with a $98.90 fee per person, and most bookings are made 50 days in advance. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind. The tour is confirmed with full details upon booking, and service animals are permitted.

In case of poor weather, the experience may be canceled, but partial refunds or alternative dates are available, ensuring flexibility for travelers.

Expert Guidance and Personal Touch

The guide, Ellen, is known for her engaging storytelling and thoughtfulness. She has been praised for sharing amazing stories and for her accommodating attitude, such as arranging a non-walking version for someone with an injury. Her expertise and personable approach greatly enhance the experience, making complex historical narratives accessible and enjoyable.

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

This tour offers a well-rounded look at how Paris influenced some of the most important figures in American history. It combines historic sites, personal stories, and insider details to create a meaningful experience for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. The small group size and personalized storytelling ensure an intimate and engaging exploration of Paris’s role in shaping the American Revolution.

Those interested in American history, diplomacy, or French-American relations will find this tour particularly rewarding. While it involves walking and is best suited for those with good mobility, it offers a unique perspective on the founding of the United States from a Parisian vantage point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering several historic sites around Paris.

Are food and drinks included?
No, the tour does not include coffee, tea, bottled water, or snacks, but participants are free to bring their own.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Place Saint-Germain des Prés and ends near Rue de Tournon, close to the Luxembourg Gardens.

Is this tour suitable for people with walking difficulties?
It involves 2 hours of walking and covers multiple sites, so it is not recommended for those with mobility issues.

How many people are in each group?
The tour operates with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

This small group walking tour offers an enriching, accessible way to explore the historic links between Paris and the founding of the United States. It balances fascinating stories with notable landmarks, making it a memorable choice for anyone interested in history and diplomacy.