France/ "An exchange takes place every two years": the Ganne family helps maintain links between Donville and Alsace

Although exchanges between young people from Donville-les-Bains (Manche) and Fellering (Haut-Rhin) have ceased, the ties that bind the inhabitants of the two towns 800 km apart remain strong. As proof of this, around fifty Donvillais will be heading for Alsace on Wednesday May 13, 2026.

This Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6 p.m., Jean-Claude and Bernadette Ganne, their daughter Rachel Hayot, and some 50 Donvillais will take the bus to Fellering, an Alsatian town of 1,569 inhabitants, twinned with Donville (Manche) since 1984. At the end of an 810 km journey, according to the sign nailed to the Midsummer bonfire commemorating the twinning, near the water tower, they will be reunited with their friends from the Haut-Rhin, with whom they will spend some quality time until Sunday May 17, the day of their return. Jean-Claude Ganne, president of the twinning association from 1995 to 2020, would not miss this exchange for anything in the world, despite being 79 years old and having to make a journey that is not easy.

Children discover the mountains and the sea

The twinning between our towns was born out of a meeting between the mayors of the time: René Muller from Donvillais, and Doctor Pierre Sutter from Felleringe," recounts Jean-Claude Ganne. As Fellering town councillors were visiting their former sub-prefect, who had been transferred from Thann (Haut-Rhin) to Avranches, the mayor of Donville invited them to share a glass of friendship in his commune, in memory of his Alsatian origins.

The first objective set for both committees was to introduce young Normans to the mountains and snow, and young Alsatians to the sea and beaches. Until 2010, around twenty children took part in each exchange.

Since then, it's more likely to be retired people who maintain the bonds of friendship. " An exchange takes place between the twinned towns every two years. In May 2024, 49 Felleringeois came to Donville-les-Bains," recalls Rachel Hayot, who succeeded her father as head of the twinning committee.

Alsace wine and Manche oysters

Local excursions and accommodation are provided by the Alsatian hosts. Each participant pays €120 for the trip. This is made possible by the participation of members of the twinning committee in the braderie and Christmas village, where they run a stand selling crêpes, galettes saucisses...

Source: www.ouest-france.fr/