France/Twinning Blois-Lewes-Waldshut-Tiengen: a dense program for 2026

From October 17 to 19, the Three Towns Summit was held, bringing together the elected representatives and twinning associations of Blois, Lewes (UK) and Waldshut-Tiengen (Germany). Chaired by Marc Gricourt and Emily Clarke, Mayor of Lewes, the meeting had three objectives: to take stock of twinning activities in the three towns in 2025, to enable local associations and structures to make contact with the twin towns' delegations present in Blois, and to draw up a program of activities for 2026.

Multi-generational, cultural and sporting activities

In Blois in December, high school students from Waldshut-Tiengen will be selling Christmas pastry specialties at the Place Louis-XII market on December 6. Then, on March 8, the Bonfire company from Lewes will parade as usual in the Blois carnival. In May, Blois secondary school students will host their counterparts from Waldshut-Tiengen for a school exchange. At the end of May, the Lewes Operatic and Musical Theater will perform an evening of operetta and musical comedy. In July, the Blois and Lewes veterans' soccer tournament will be held at the Saint-Gervais-la-Forêt stadium. And as every year, the Fête de la Musique on June 21 will feature musical groups from the twin towns.

In Lewes, the highlight will be a trip by residents of Blois and the surrounding area. From April 21 to 25 (school vacations), residents of Blois and the surrounding area are invited to take part in a sightseeing trip to this pleasant part of East Sussex. Details will be announced shortly. Accommodation will be with local people and Lewes, with a hotel option for those who wish. A valid passport and visa (IRA) are required for travel to the U.K. This multi-generational trip usually attracts between 30 and 40 participants.

In Waldshut-Tiengen, three traditional festivals are open to Blésois and Lewesiens: Fasnacht (February), Schwyzertag (July) and Chilbi (August).

Summer jobs

In conjunction with the municipalities of the twin towns, it has been decided to renew the "Summer jobs in the twin towns" scheme, enabling students from Lewes and Waldshut-Tiengen to be hired at the Château Royal de Blois and supported (accommodation and cultural outings) by the association. Lewes and Waldshut-Tiengen will also welcome students from Blois on a reciprocal basis.

Source: www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/