France/ Members of the German sister city committee presented Valdallière with an oak tree during a three-day visit to the town

In 2026, it was the turn of the Germans from the Triefenstein-Valdallière sister city committee to visit France. The Germans and the French spent three eventful days together, enjoying museum visits, social gatherings, food tastings, and an excursion to the Cotentin Peninsula (Manche).

In Germany, the oak symbolizes strength, steadfastness, resilience, and loyalty, and it was the gift chosen for the town of Valdallière (Calvados) by the German visitors from the Triefenstein–Valdallière sister city committee. The president of the German committee, Jessica Thamm, explained that this young oak tree represents the values that have united Triefenstein (Bavaria) and Valdallière (Calvados) for so many years.

In 2026, it was the German members’ turn to make the trip to France. Forty-eight of them traveled from Bavaria to Normandy, including fifteen young Germans. Their bus arrived in Vassy, a village within the municipality of Valdallière (Calvados), on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in the early afternoon, and departed for Germany on Sunday, August 23, 2026, in the morning.

Three Days of Flavors and Fellowship

A packed schedule awaited them. Twenty-five residents of Valdallière welcomed the visitors into their homes and joined them in the planned activities. This year’s theme was “Shared Flavors: A Culinary Journey.” La Chèvreline had organized a farm tour and a tasting of goat’s milk-based treats. Some participants sampled Valdal beer at the Pierres brewery, and everyone strolled through the weekly Friday market in Vire.

Music, Youth, and the Cotentin Among the Highlights

When asked what the highlights of this gathering were, the president of the French twinning committee, Sabine Besnier, hesitated. For her, the three days were full of memorable moments. Undoubtedly the most memorable moment was Friday evening at the Pierre-Geoffroy Hall, attended by Alain Declomesnil, president of the special delegation representing the municipality of Valdallière (Calvados). “Our German friends had prepared two songs to celebrate our twinning. Music and dance play a major role in our gatherings. German and French musicians brought their instruments, and the evening, hosted by Richard Berry, was extraordinary,” recalls Sabine Besnier.

Source: Ouestfrance