Thomas Jefferson

The Thomas Jefferson statue on Quai Anatole France depicts the former American president holding a quill pen and paper, gazing toward the Seine. Created by sculptor Jean Cardot, this bronze monument stands about 3 meters (10 feet) tall and sits near the Hotel de Salm.

Jefferson served as American minister to France from 1785 to 1789, spending considerable time walking along the Seine's banks. His years in Paris shaped his understanding of architecture and political ideals that he later brought back to the United States.

The monument honors Jefferson's role as an American diplomat in France and his interest in French architecture. Its placement along the Seine symbolizes the historical connections between the two nations that he personally shaped.

The statue sits easily accessible on Quai Anatole France with convenient access via Metro line 12 and several bus routes serving central Paris. The location is within walking distance from the main city areas and offers a straightforward visit without special arrangements.

The Hotel de Salm standing beside the monument inspired Jefferson's design for his Monticello estate in Virginia. This connection reveals how his French experience directly influenced his vision for American architecture back home.