27 - 30 May 2023 -Visit to Saint Georges 

30th anniversary visit

Our visit began with a welcome meeting in the media library where we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the first exchange visit back in 1993.

A fantastic display of photographs over the years were on display, and we celebrated the occasion with an anniversary cake.

Patrick our chairman presented St Georges with a commemorative picture to mark the anniversary.

An anniversary stone was laid in the village to mark the anniversary.

Family day out

Our first full day was spent with our individual hosts who took us to a variety of interesting places. Some went to Montmorrillon, an old town which straddles the Gartempe river known as "the city of writing". 

Others went to Saumur and Montamise and went for country walks. 

Others visited futuroscope and had lunch in the space restaurant (see picture) where the food is brought down on rails!

A great day out with a lot of fun and laughter, good food and good company.

Sunday evening - gala dinner

A fantastic evening celebrating our 30th anniversary at Chez Juliette in Migné-Auxance. 

Our hosts laid on a fantastic meal followed by live music and dancing. 

A great way to end the day and to celebrate this milestone in twinning.  A toast to another 30 years.

Thank you St Georges!

Rochemenier troglodite village 

On the official day out on Monday we visited Rochmenier, a fascinating troglodyte village in the Loire Valley. Farming families excavated deep, open-air pits to serve as central courtyards, and then hollowed out the stone walls to create their homes, barns, and workshops.

Today, the site is a beautifully preserved  as an open-air museum. Walking through the underground rooms, we got a real sense of what rural life was like here from the Middle Ages right up until the mid-20th century. 

The vist ended with a magnificent lunch inside the cave restaurant.

It was an incredible glimpse into France's rural history and a truly memorable highlight of our twinning exchange.

Chateau de Montreuil Bellay

Before returning to St Georges we visited the breathtaking Château de Montreuil-Bellay. 

This remarkable medieval fortress was the perfect blend of grand history and timeless charm. 

With its towering walls rising majestically over the surrounding countryside, nestled beautifully above the River Thouet, this stunning riverside fortress, was a fascinating glimpse into French history.

We then returned to Saint Georges where we spent our final evening sharing a meal with our hosts before saying our goodbyes and departing the next morning. 

A very successful visit celebrating our 30th anniversary.