Beaconsfield has been twinned with the French town of Langres, near the city of Dijon, in the Champagne Ardennes region of North East France since 1995.
Dating back to pre-Roman times, Langres' medieval walls and spectacular hilltop defences cut an imposing figure in the picturesque French landscape. The town is full of fascinating architecture and its cathedral, town hall and museum are particularly impressive. Surrounding Langres are four beautiful lakes, a canal linking the Marne and Rhone rivers, and lovely rolling countryside. With its many hotels, there is a wide choice of accommodation in both style and price within the ramparts and outside.
Langres has been voted one of the 50 most picturesque towns in France. Its proximity to France's main Autoroutes means that cities like Paris, Lyon and Basel are all within reach. It is between four and five hours drive due south from Calais on the A26, 60km north of Dijon. The TGV train station is at Chaumont, about 15 minutes drive north of Langres, which has direct trains to and from Paris.
The aims of the Beaconsfield Twinning Association are to:
(a) Promote the exchange of young people between schools and families and through this help lay the foundation for better international relations in future generations;
(b) Enjoy the benefits of cultural exchanges between all manner of individuals in both towns;
(c) Foster, at amateur level, exchanges between our sports clubs and other associations to bring people of all ages together in a spirit of friendship and goodwill.
It's a great way to get to know the people from Langres, to enjoy their hospitality (and they ours!) and generally have fun. There are regular visits to Langres for members of the Association where we stay with families or in hotels and reciprocal visits from Langres to Beaconsfield. There have also been many school visits to and from Langres and families exchanges between our two tennis clubs and other local organisations, e.g. art and embroidery.
Events throughout the year as a varied as gourmet film evenings, cheese and wine parties, concerts, boule and regular coffee and patisseries mornings at the Farmers' Market and newsletters keep members actively informed and involved.
Membership costs just a few pounds a year. And no, you don't have to speak French, but if you can or want a reason to practise, so much the better.
Contact Deborah Sanders, Chairman
Tel: 01494 674634