France

On arrival in Paris to relieve his mentor Benjamin Franklin as Minister to France Jefferson remarked: "I am not his replacement, only his successor."

The following five eventful years revolutionized Jefferson's thinking in virtually all aspects of his life and expanded his friend network.

Architecture

As American Minister to France, 1784-1789, Jefferson was inspired by the neo-classical architectural style then in vogue in Paris, particularly the Hôtel de Salm, the Hôtel de Langeac, and the Maison Carrée.

French Cuisine

The women of Paris - his daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph; his charmer, Maria Cosway; his correspondent, Madame de Tessé; and his compatriot, Abigail Adams, as well as Sally Hemings - forged life-long connections with Jefferson.

Jefferson was both witness to, and a participant in, two Revolutions: the American and the French.