America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour) worth booking?
America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour) is a 2.5-hour experience in Paris, France, from $97 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $97 per person
Without France, the American Revolution would not have succeeded. Without America, the French Revolution might not have happened. America & France are two nations united by a shared history, a history that is older than America itself. Our Founding Fathers sought the help of France to create our nation, and this tour will take you to the places where these great patriots lived & worked. Along the way we will discuss the contribution that France made in ensuring American victory against the British – and the contribution that America made in disseminating Revolutionary ideals among the French elite. The Franco-American friendship has now lasted 230 years, and throughout that time Americans have continued coming to Paris. School groups are welcome on this tour, contact us for special group rates.
What you get
About this experience
Without France, the American Revolution would not have succeeded. Without America, the French Revolution might not have happened. America & France are two nations united by a shared history, a history that is older than America itself. Our Founding Fathers sought the help of France to create our nation, and this tour will take you to the places where these great patriots lived & worked. Along the way we will discuss the contribution that France made in ensuring American victory against the British – and the contribution that America made in disseminating Revolutionary ideals among the French elite. The Franco-American friendship has now lasted 230 years, and throughout that time Americans have continued coming to Paris. School groups are welcome on this tour, contact us for special group rates.
What's included
Included
- Audio Commentary
Not included
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
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
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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"
5 minutes here
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.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Paris
In front of the entrance to the Church St Germain des Prés
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Near the Luxembourg Gardens
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Visit the Hidden Paris
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very interesting. Takes...
Very interesting. Takes you to many historic spots. Can tailor tour to your liking and ask questions.
Response from the operator: Thank you !
via Viator
Really interesting history tour!
Ellen shared amazing stories about the Founding Fathers, many of which were new to me. I sprained my ankle and couldn't walk, so Ellen arranged to meet me separately for a non-walking version. So thoughtful!
Response from the operator: It was my pleasure !
via Viator
This tour changed my life and my understanding of what it means to be an American
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.
Response from the operator: You are more than kind to have taken the time to write such a wonderful review!! I am extremely grateful !! And it was, honestly, a pleasure to share the time with you & your lovely wife. Best of luck with the new baby... come back soon !
via Tripadvisor
America's Founding Fathers - Follow their Footsteps in Paris
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.
Response from the operator: Thanks ever so much ! Would love to have you & your lovely children for another visit in Paris.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon
- Price range
- $97 to $140
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Visit the Hidden Paris, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.5.
See everything Visit the Hidden Paris runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.
How much does America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour) cost?
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Prices start at $97 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Paris usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour) take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Paris is not rushed.
Is America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Paris, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour)?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Paris can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Paris and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Paris within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Paris?
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Paris rewards travelers who book ahead. The headline museums sell timed entry weeks out, the best food walks cap at eight people, and the Seine cruises that are worth doing are the ones that leave after sunset. Everything below is scored by the Outty Ranking so you can tell a genuine local favorite from a coach-tour filler in a single glance. On Outty we rank every Paris experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based), Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included, Louvre Museum Essential Guided Tour Semi Private 6 GUESTS MAX. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
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April to June and September to October, when queues thin out and terraces stay open late. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Paris?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour)?
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Included: Audio Commentary. Not included: Tea and coffee; Bottled water; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour)?
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In front of the entrance to the Church St Germain des Prés Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour) offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour) if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about America's Founding Fathers in Paris, Walk in their Footsteps (Small Group Tour)?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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