France/ A Warm Reunion for Friends of This Sister City Committee Near Dieppe
Fifty-eight years of Franco-German friendship were celebrated in the Béthune Valley during a warm reunion among friends of the sister city committee.
There was a great deal of excitement on Friday, July 31, 2026, for the residents of the valley’s towns, who had the pleasure of welcoming, in Saint-Aubin-le-Cauf (Seine-Maritime), thirty-four German friends from the sister-city partnership between the Béthune Valley and the town of Baustetten.
Indeed, it has now been 58 years since the Béthune Valley has been nourished by a strong current of friendship flowing from across the Rhine, which has its source in Baustetten. This beautiful friendship unites the two regions through sincere exchanges, encounters, and strong bonds forged between the residents.
In 1968, Father Retout, then assistant director of a boarding school in Normandy, organized a trip to southern Germany to foster encounters among young people. He partnered with German Pastor Spohn, a fervent advocate for Franco-German reconciliation.
In 1973, after several school exchanges, the first official gathering of adults took place in Normandy, sealing a lasting friendship despite the wounds of the postwar period. This twinning has become a true human adventure, and its spirit has never waned. Exchanges have been constant and have always been marked by the original spirit of brotherhood, respect, and sharing that led to the signing of the twinning charter.
Passing on Values to Young People
Over the years, deep friendships have been forged and have grown between the residents of both regions. The twinning has become everyone’s shared endeavor. “We are convinced that getting to know one another and the exchanges between our two communities have become strong bulwarks against the ignorance and mistrust that breed hatred and conflict. Together, let us continue to pass these values on to younger generations so that this friendship may endure for many years to come,” said Christophe Dequesne, mayor of Saint-Aubin-le-Cauf.
Dietmar Kögel, former mayor of Baustetten and chairman of the committee, then took the floor: “We set out this morning for this new gathering. It’s a joyful day for us; we’re happy to be welcomed after a 900-km journey. We’re also happy to once again enjoy the taste of Camembert and Neuchâtel, as well as good cider and Calvados. And to see the hills and cliffs of the English Channel again.”
Dietmar Kögel then thanked the volunteers, elected officials, and members of the twinning committee who had prepared this gathering, which had been eagerly anticipated for several months.
As usual, the German committee members were then hosted—either alone or as couples—by French members for a pleasant, unpretentious stay, which included visits to Dieppe and Pourville, good meals with friends, and a Mass celebrated in honor of the twinning partners.
Source: actu.fr/normandie/
