U.S. President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande tour Thomas Jefferson's plantation estate Monday in a show of solidarity for Franco-American ties that have endured for more than two centuries - despite the occasional tempest.br br The visit to Monticello, home to America's third president, showcases a relationship that stretches back to the founding of the U.S. in the late 18th century.br br (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMAbr br "This home represents the bonds that helped to lead to the American Revolution, help to influence the French Revolution, figures like Lafayette, who helped play such a central role in our own Independence. All this, signified here at Monticello, and our hope in starting our visit this way, is that just as we can extend back through generations to see the links between the United States and France.