Citizens' trip to Aurillac and Arpajon-sur-Cère

Bocholt and the French towns of Aurillac and Arpajon-sur-Cère in the Massif Central are linked by more than 50 years of partnership. For this reason, the city of Bocholt and the German-French Society of Bocholt are organising a one-week citizens' trip to the two twin towns from 30 September to 6 October 2023.

For information on the programme, please contact the European Commissioner on 02871 953-1286 or send an e-mail to petra.taubach(at)bocholt(dot)de.

"The basis of any town twinning is the widest possible range of contacts between the citizens of the participating municipalities, but unfortunately there were only very limited opportunities to meet during the Corona pandemic. But now is the time for new initiatives," says Taubach.

Creative ideas for town twinning

Many creative ideas for a new impetus in the twinning cooperation emerged last autumn during the trip of a six-member delegation of the city of Bocholt led by Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff to Aurillac and Arpajon-sur-Cère. This includes the project of a citizens' trip to the French twin towns, which is now jointly organised by the DFG Bocholt and the city administration.

Bus trip via Beaune in Burgundy

The coach trip in the first week of the autumn holidays will not be non-stop to Aurillac and Arpajon-sur-Cère. On the outward journey there will be an overnight stop in Burgundy, namely in Beaune. Here a visit to the Patriarche Père et Fils winery (with wine tasting) is planned. A visit to the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune) is also planned.

Circle of Friends organises programme

The programme in Aurillac and Arpajon-sur-Cère is organised by the local twin-town friends' association. The meetings with the citizens are to be facilitated by joint evenings and - if desired - stays with French families. In addition to guided tours of the city, the programme includes excursions to the charming mountain landscape of the Volcans d'Auvergne.

Stopover in Paris

On the return journey, there will be a stopover in Paris. There, there will be the opportunity to find out about the status of the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is necessary after the fire catastrophe. There will also be a flying visit to the Arc de Triomphe and Montmartre.