American Revolution in Paris — Fundraising Month
Celebrate 250 Years of American Independence

The American Revolution in Paris

Here’s your chance to explore the critical alliance between France and the upstart colonies that was forged in the bloody war for American independence. With expert guide Mary Jo Padgett, you’ll meet the players, study the strategies, and follow the money in a series of eye-opening walks and talks.

Dive into the secret history — stories of daring, diplomacy, and audacious friendship — that shaped the modern world. Once you know the backstory, Paris will never look the same.

Sign up below to reserve your spot! Choose from four talks, three walks, or the entire package.

Based on the book, "Paris: Birthplace of the USA," by Daniel Jouve, Alice Jouve, and Alvin Grossman.

Paris: Birthplace of the U.S.A. book cover

Walks & Talks

Talks

Beaumarchais walk — WICE
Beaumarchais
Talk 1 — Mon, 03 Nov

Early French Aid to the Revolution

See where Beaumarchais plotted covert military aid… where crucial treaties were signed… where Lafayette is buried. Explore the Paris homes of John Paul Jones and General Rochambeau and discover their surprising contributions.

Learn More and Register Here

Beaumarchais walk — WICE
Treaty of Paris
Talk 2 — Mon, 10 Nov

The Franco-American Alliance

Uncover the French battlefield coordination and dashing diplomacy that were so crucial to the American cause. Stand at the Hôtel d’York where the Treaty of Paris recognized American autonomy. How Benjamin Franklin took Paris by storm.

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Beaumarchais walk — WICE
Hôtel des Invalides
Talk 3 — Mon, 17 Nov

Jefferson, Paine, and the Paris Salons

Follow the lives and revolutionary ideas of Jefferson, Paine, and Franklin from Paris cafés to high-society salons and influential publishing houses. Trace the secret network that fueled the revolution.

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Beaumarchais walk — WICE
Thomas Paine
Talk 4 — Mon, 24 Nov

From Revolution to Republic

Dive into the post-revolutionary era and discover how continuing Franco-American exchanges shaped not only politics but also art and architecture on both sides of the Atlantic.

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Walks

Benjamin Franklin — WICE
Franklin in Passy
Walk 1 — Wed, 05 Nov

Franklin & Adams in Passy

From Autueil to the Champs Elysées

Visit the hôtel particulier where John Adams and family lived. Explore Benjamin Franklin’s office and print shop where he studied electricity. Admire the statue of George Washington at Place d’Iena and discover why Rochambeau’s nearly statue points left. Check out where Thomas Jefferson hung his hat as America’s second ambassador to the Court of Versailles.

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Café Procope
Café Procope
Walk 2 — Wed, 12 Nov

Sites of the Treaty of Paris

From Palais du Luxembourg to Rue Jacob

Discover the French prison where Thomas Paine was held for treason. Walk along the Quai des Grands Augustins where Jefferson bought the books that established the U.S. Library of Congress and stop by the Royal Mint where he researched coin production for the new American government. Lift a glass at Café Procope where patriots plotted then sign the Treaty of Paris at Hôtel d’York.

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Café Procope
Hôtel d'York
Walk 3 — Wed, 19 Nov

Enduring Franco-American Ties

From Musée d’Orsay to la Bourse de Commerce

Stroll through the Tuileries to Place de la Concord and Hotel de Coislin, where multiple treaties were signed and France recognized USA independence. Stand in the spot on rue Saint-Honoré where Lafayette met with Marie Antoinette on a visit home during the war. Visit the garden of the Palais Royale where Americans gathered. View La Bourse de Commerce and discover why it was so important to Franklin and Jefferson.

Read More and Register Here

Ticket Packages

The walks and talks packages cover the same people, places, and events. Either series will give you new insights into crucial Franco-American connections. The full package of walks and talks offers an even deeper experience.

Bundle

All Walks Pass

  • Access to all 3 guided walks
  • Expert commentary
  • Answers to your questions
Book All Walks
Bundle

All Talks Pass

  • Entry to all 4 illustrated talks
  • Visit all the historic sites in pictures
  • Q&A with Mary Jo Padgett
Book All Talks
Bundle ★ Best Value

Full Series Pass

  • All 4 talks and all 3 walks
  • Most complete storyline & savings
  • One click does it all
Book Full Series
Mary Jo Padgett leading a tour

Meet Your Guide, Mary Jo Padgett

Journalist, teacher, and independent historian, Mary-Jo Padgett has a special interest in the far-reaching French connection to the American Revolution.

While living in Paris, she encountered the book, "Paris, Birthplace of the U.S.A.,” and has used it since 2013 as the foundation to her very popular series of walks and talks, conducted for the American Library in Paris, WICE, the American Embassy, and private groups.

Mary-Jo lives in North Carolina where she does presentations at Lifelong Learning programs at community colleges, Furman University, Wofford College, and others. Find out more at her website: maryjopadgett.com

Don't miss the fascinating backstory
of American independence

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before you join us


Meeting Points

Exact locations listed on each event page and in your confirmation email. Please arrive 10 minutes early.

Duration

Walks and talks each last about 90 minutes, including time for questions.

Language

All sessions are conducted in English.

Accessibility

Routes use public sidewalks and crossings; accessibility varies by site. If you have mobility questions, please get in touch before booking.

Weather

Walks take place rain or shine; please bring appropriate clothing.

Tickets & Confirmation

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details for your selected events.