Surprising US History in Paris with The Women’s Travel Group
There is more Americanism in Paris than a dancing Gene Kelly. On our November trip we pass many connections to our history. Street names emphasize our mutual friendship dating from before the American Revolution and continuing today: Rue Benjamin Franklin, Avenue Franklin, Avenue du President Kennedy.
George Washington is honored with monuments in Paris. One is in Place d’Iéna which runs into the famous Arch de Triple we will pass. It thanks the French for fraternal assistance given during the American Revolution. Did you know that France recognized the US 5 years before its independence.
Benjamin Franklin came to Paris in 1776 to lobby French support for our War of Independence. Franklin remained in Paris and was celebrity. According to one source, Franklin and Voltaire kissed in public to express mutual admiration.
In 1783 Franklin, John Jay and John Adams signed The Treaty of Paris at 56 Rue Jacob. The treaty ended the war with England and established the independence of the United States.
The Left Bank which we visit on WTG trip to Paris was home to famous colonials. Thomas Paine and John Paul Jones, founder of our Navy, lived on the Left Bank. Thomas Jefferson resided there also. As we pass the many charming stores; think about Jefferson buying books here formed the basis of our Library of Congress. The Left Bank is full of tiny unusual stores scattered on its many medieval lanes.
Near the Grand Palais, which hosts events and major art exhibits, is a statue of Lafayette, the 19 year old Frenchman who visited the colonies in 1771. He returned to France to convince France to aid the revolutionaries.
The American Church in Paris was founded in 1814, the first English language American church founded outside of the US. Its current location is 21 Rue de Berri. The church hosts concerts and events in English. There are self guided and docent tours.
The Statue of Liberty was given by France to the US to commemorate the centenary of our independence. There is another Statue of Liberty, 1/4 the size, given by the American community for the 100th anniversary of French independence. If faces the direction of New York City on Île aux Cygnets in the Seine Our river cruise will pass it.
The independent Republic of Texas had an embassy until 1845 in Paris at magnificent 17century Place Vendome.
Fast forwarding to the World Wars, there is a touching memorial to Americans who volunteered in WW1, several to US volunteers and resistance members in WW2. The building with WWI’s General Pershing offices became a store where wealthy Parisians could buy popular American products like Coca Cola and chewing gum!
The Marshall Plan with the aim of rebuilding Europe post WW2 was signed in Paris.
Americans are welcomed and liked by the French. Join our Paris trip in November for a complete experience in the City of Light with a full time escort and inclusive sightseeing. A room share is available to save $. For more information: click here. Or call our office: 646 309 607. We love to talk about travel.
