France/ In this town in Calvados, the sister-city relationship with Poland fosters meaningful exchanges, particularly in the culinary arts
From August 11 to 16, 2026, the Souleuvre-en-Bocage Sister City Committee hosted a 14-person delegation from Krzywin, Poland.
Since 2013, Marie-Line Levallois has chaired the twinning committee that links Souleuvre-en-Bocage with Krzywin, Poland. A delegation of 14 Poles arrived on Tuesday, August 11, for a stay lasting through Sunday, August 16. “We host them once every two years, alternating with our trip to Poland,” notes Marie-Line Levallois.
A Visit Combining Heritage and Fellowship
During these few days, the Polish visitors alternated between exploring local heritage, learning about history, and enjoying each other’s company.
On Friday, August 14, the Polish delegation set out to explore the local heritage. They visited the exhibition “Granite—Memory in Stone,” on display at the Porte-Horloge in Vire, Normandy, before following the Granite Trail to the Granite Park-Museum in Saint-Michel-de-Montjoie.
In the Footsteps of Polish Commitment
The trip also focused on history, with a segment dedicated to the Polish contribution during the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy.
On Wednesday morning, the delegation paid their respects at the grave of Édouard Podyma in Gouvix. A symbol of Polish involvement in the liberation of Normandy, this veteran of the 1st Polish Armored Division had fought in the Falaise-Chambois Pocket, notably at Montormel, where he distinguished himself.
After the war, Édouard Podyma settled in Gouvix, about fifteen kilometers from Caen. Eager to pass on his experiences to future generations, he dedicated himself to keeping the memory of his comrades-in-arms alive. He passed away in 2018.
We also visited the castle of William the Conqueror in Falaise, as well as the Museum of Civilians in War and the Museum of Automata
Between the Sea and Religious Tradition
Thursday was a free day. “Many went to the beach, since their hometowns in Poland are far from the coast,” explains Marie-Line Levallois.
Saturday, August 15, was a particularly significant day for the Polish visitors. To mark the Feast of the Assumption, they went to Mondaye Abbey to attend a solemn Mass.
Cooking: Another Opportunity for Sharing
Another aspect of the trip is particularly close to the visitors’ hearts: cooking. “We exchange recipes, prepare them together, and then enjoy them. We organize real cooking workshops. They’re very fond of French cuisine,” notes Marie-Line Levallois.
It all began with exchanges between students from the agricultural high school in Vire, Normandy, and Polish students
The history of the twinning then developed around the bonds forged during the D-Day commemorations. On the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings, on June 6, 1994, Jean-Claude Duchêne, then mayor of Bény-Bocage, attended the ceremonies at Omaha Beach, alongside Lech Wałęsa, President of Poland, among others .
“Alain Tourret, mayor of Moult—whose town is twinned with Pakosław, Poland—then proposed the idea of establishing additional twinning relationships between towns in Normandy and Poland,” adds Marie-Line Levallois.
Next year, the twinning committee will celebrate its 30th anniversary. This milestone will be an opportunity to continue the exchanges and celebrate the bonds of friendship forged over the years between Souleuvre-en-Bocage and Krzywin.
Source: actu.fr
