250th anniversary of the independence of the United States
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, which was adopted in Philadelphia on 4 July 1776. It is an opportunity to celebrate 250 years of US-French relations, long-standing friendships, shared sacrifices in the name of freedom, and democracy.
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France: the United States’ longest-standing ally
Our shared history stands out due to France’s support for American revolutionaries during the American Revolutionary War, in which thirteen colonies from North America fought the Kingdom of Great Britain between 1775 and 1783. To fight the British, dozens of French officers set sail for America from 1776. Among them, the Marquis de Lafayette remains the most beloved hero of the American Revolution and dozens of cities, streets, parks and schools still bear his name today.
By signing the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance between France and the United States in Paris on 6 February 1778, France became the very first country to officially recognize US independence.
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From Versailles to Washington D.C., a programme of celebrations
This anniversary invites us to (re)discover the history of the Revolutionary War, prominent figures such as the Marquis de Lafayette and Benjamin Franklin, and the shared heritage from the ideas of the Enlightenment. It includes celebrations in the major French-American historical sites, from Versailles to Martinique to Washington D.C.
In the United States, the French Embassy and Villa Albertine are setting out a programme with a wide variety of cultural and educational events, honouring in particular La Patrouille de France (Acrobatic Patrol of the French Air Force). Celebrations officially began in Washington D.C. on 16-17 December 2025.
View the proghramme (in french) (PDF 1.2 Mo)