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Jefferson and France

"In what country on earth would you rather live? - certainly in my own. Which would be your second choice? - France."

- Thomas Jefferson, 1821

Minister to France ... Lasting Influences ... Complex Connections ... Travel ... Revolution

Minister to France

 

Minister to the Court of Versailles Jefferson’s eventful five years as Minister to France revolutionized his thinking in virtually all aspects of his life
William Short Jefferson described William Short, his personal secretary in Paris, as his adoptive son.
Benjamin Franklin On arrival in Paris to relieve his mentor Benjamin Franklin as Minister to France Jefferson remarked: "I am not his replacement, only his successor."

Lasting Influences

"Behold me at length on the vaunted scene of Europe!"
Thomas Jefferson, 1785

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.

Hôtel de Langeac Jefferson's two-story, 24 room Paris townhouse, the Hôtel de Langeac, inspired his reimagining and remodeling of Monticello.
The Maison Carrée Jefferson visited the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, France in 1785, incorporating its classical elements into his subsequent architectural designs.
Paris Jefferson enjoyed the diverse architecture of the capital city. The neoclassical domed Hôtel de Salm, under construction when Jefferson arrived in Paris, inspired his addition of a dome to Monticello.

French Cuisine

Haute Cuisine In Paris, at the President's House in Washington, D.C., and at Monticello, Jefferson cultivated a taste for French cuisine.
Wine In this recorded livestream, Thomas Jefferson, interpreted by Bill Barker, looks at Jefferson's taste in wine and how his time as Minister to France helped him become one of the most knowledgeable wine connoisseurs of his time.
James Hemings Enslaved chef James Hemings trained as a master of French cuisine in Paris.

Complex Connections

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

Martha Jefferson Randolph As she matured in Paris from child to adult, he influence of French design, culture and cuisine remained with Jefferson's eldest daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph, throughout her life.
Sally Hemings It was in France that the lives of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson became forever entangled and entwined. Learn more about the life of Sally Hemings.
Maria Cosway Jefferson and the Italian-English painter Maria Cosway both enjoyed art and architecture. Briefly forming a relationship with romantic qualities, he corresponded with her until his death. Read the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia entry on Cosway.

Abigail Adams The American Revolution and her husband, John Adams's career brought Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson together. She grew to enjoy "Mr Jeffersons Society" as an intellectual compatriot.
Madame de Tessé Jefferson and Madame de Tessé shared a passion for horticulture, literature, architecture, and the fine arts.

Travel

"Travelling is good for your health and necessary for your amusement"
Thomas Jefferson, 1788

Journey through France and Italy In 1787 Thomas Jefferson travelled as a private citizen on a three month journey to southern France and northern Italy.
Notes of a Mediterranean Journey Jefferson kept a meticulous record of his observations while travelling along the Mediterranean coast.
Jefferson's Travels In this recorded livestream, Thomas Jefferson, interpreted by Bill Barker, discuss his various trips, his fastidious record-keeping during travel, and what he learned from those experiences.
Thomas Jefferson's Travels to England In this livestream, Thomas Jefferson (interpreted by Bill Barker) discusses Jefferson’s English sojourn, and what he learned along the way.
London Jefferson said of his 1786 visit to London that "both town and country fell short of my expectations" but he left behind a detailed written record of the sites he saw.
The Netherlands In this recorded livestream, Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Bill Barker, talks about his tour through the Netherlands in 1788.

Revolution

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

The French Revolution Behind the scenes, Jefferson helped orchestrate the French Revolution.
Liberté, Unité, Egalité Monticello's Olivia Brown discusses Jefferson's reaction to the French Revolution and the role he played in it.
Jefferson, Lafayette and the French Revolution Jefferson and Lafayette -- portrayed by Monticello’s Bill Barker and Colonial Williamsburg’s Mark Schneider-- discuss the French Revolution, the alliance between their nations and their personal friendship.

Livestream: Thomas Jefferson and Shopping

Jefferson sent 85 Crates of Purchases Home From France
During his time as the U.S. Minister to France, Jefferson began what has been described as "shopping for a lifetime," buying furniture, kitchen utensils, books, scientific instruments, candlesticks, teapots, tablecloths, fabric, and many other items. Watch Now

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Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham gives us a complete vision of Thomas Jefferson the man, from birth to his last days - through the Revolutionary War and his years as President

Jefferson: Architect of American Liberty

John B. Boles plumbs every facet of Thomas Jefferson's life, including Jefferson the politician and political thinker; the architect; scientist; bibliophile; paleontologist; musician; and gourmet.

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