France/Nogent-le-Rotrou: 60 years of twinning with Baïersbronn celebrated in style with a trip to France

It was a Franco-German event! Nogent-le-Rotrou and Baiersbronn celebrated 60 years of twinning. In 1964, the two mayors initiated the signing of a treaty.

Between May 16 and 20, 2024, a delegation of fifteen people travelled to Baiersbronn, a German town that has been twinned with Nogent-le-Rotrou for sixty years. An anniversary celebrated in style!

The Huwart family (father and son) were even there. "François and his wife made a point of being present. François even slept in the hotel he and his father used to stay in back in the day. He was so happy to be there," says Carole Forcieri, new president of the twinning committee.

60th anniversary of the Nogent-le-Rotrou - Baiersbronn twinning: "Received like royalty".

The reception of the Nogent people in Baiersbronn went off with a bang. And that's putting it mildly! "We were received at the college by singing pupils. What's more, a large "60" in Franco-German colors was erected in the town's central square.

The mayor of Baiersbronn, Michaël Ruf, followed the tour and the group over the three days. "He's very involved in this project to relaunch the twinning. He's been there the whole time," says Carole.

On site, Harold Huwart gave his speech in German, and his counterpart in French, as is tradition. The official ceremony ended with the presentation of a gift.

We had had a weather vane made by Thierry Soret from Mâge (61). It represented symbols of our two cultures.

Carole Forcieri, twinning president

Three days of visits followed one another. Wineries, hiking, gastronomy, good times with pen pals... "We were truly welcomed like kings. We'll never be able to live up to that standard of welcome back home," says Carole, scrolling through photos of her stay on her smartphone. With stars still in her eyes!

She wants new exchanges

In her office, she strives to maintain this relationship with her German colleagues.

Back in the day, there were trips organized by the judo club, the Alliance nogentaise, the Cheminots... We want to get that going again.

Carole Forcieri

That's why Damien, a fireman and volleyball player, agreed to take part in the trip. "For him and his son, it was a first. They're ready to go again tomorrow if need be! Damien Renou gave me a very touching message when we got back" Alain Vergnol, town councillor in charge of sports, was also on board.

So Carole insists, but doesn't give up hope. "Young people need to go there to meet new people. It's something other than virtual! Whether it's through the sports association, the school... But we have to go back to the way things were before."

The German mayor is fighting for European funding to organize more regular trips.

Source: actu.fr/