Twinners annual trip across the Channel

By Tristan Harris 15/06 Updated: 15/06 12:00

Buy photos » The French Twinning Group enjoyed a variety of activities in Voiron. s

SEVENTEEN members of the Droitwich Spa French Twinning Group went to Voiron, south east France, for the annual exchange visit.

There they took part in a variety of activities, including a tour of the Chartreuse distillery, a trip to Voiron Cathedral and visits to the Chirens Priory Church, Chateau Virieu and Voiron’s Conservatoire.

Visitors also enjoyed a celebratory evening called ‘Soiree festive du Jumelage’. That included a French magician and Droitwich musical duo, Mike Johns and Ian Peden. The songs they performed celebrated the Spa’s unique history, with references to the canal and salt.

Voiron is famous for its jazz festivals and musicians from the town have been invited to come over to perform at Droitwich Music Festival which starts on June 23.

The visitors joined their hosts for a special Sunday lunch in a restaurant on the banks of Le Lac Bleu in Charavines.

And some of them went to visit the nearby mountain range that includes the Chartreuse mountains and the Vercours Plateau.

The Vercours was the base for the French resistance (the Maquis) during World War II because the only way the enemy could

invade the area was by using parachutists and airborne gliders.

While the Droitwich visitors were over there, the election took place and they were able to see their hosts exercise their right to vote.

As well as the attractions, the visit was also a great opportunity for the English visitors to improve their French and their hosts to perfect their English.

As well as the French Twinning Group, other organisations, including Droitwich Spa High School, the tennis club and cyclists have also visited Voiron recently.

The group is hoping to forge further links between individuals and organisations from Droitwich and their French counterparts.

These include some mature French students of English who are looking for penpals.