Cheltenham residents are invited to an organised visit to the French twin town of Annecy.
The visit, capsule from 3 August to 10 August 2016, check marks the 60th anniversary of the twinning link between the two towns. The visit will coincide with Annecy’s spectacular ‘Fete du Lac’ (lake festival) which takes place on the first Saturday in August every year.
The eight day trip by coach will include overnight stop in Reims, on the outward journey, and on the outskirts of Paris on the return journey with five nights in Annecy, either staying with a family or in a hotel/hostel.
Visitors can look forward to a guided tour of the town, a boat trip on the lake and a reception at the Annecy Town Hall which will be provided courtesy of Annecy Town Council, as well as a visit to the spectacular Fete du Lac show and firework display. Excursions will also be organised for the group whilst in Annecy.
Annette Wight, the council’s twinning officer, said: “The 60th Anniversary visit is open to all Cheltenham residents plus anyone interested in making contacts in Annecy. The trip may be of particular interest to those who have been involved in twinning over the years. The Fete du Lac is a spectacular event and one not to miss.’’
Councillor Garth Barnes, chairman of the twinning association, added: ‘’Our French twin town is a place that once seen is never forgotten and together with our friends and colleagues in Annecy will provide the setting for a memorable visit in this anniversary year.’’
The cost of the trip is £255 per person staying with a host family or £395 staying at the Centre St Jean XVIII in Annecy Le Vieux. This includes: use of Marchants coach for the duration of the eight day visit; channel crossing, a coach tour of Paris on the return journey and overnight accommodation with buffet breakfast on the outward and return journey. There is a single room supplement of £72, which applies to the overnight accommodation on the way out and return journey. Excursion entrance fees or other fees will have to be paid for.
If you are interested in participating in this trip you can find out more information on the Twinning Association website. If you would like to attend please return the booking form with a non-refundable deposit of £55 per person. For further details about the visit, please contact Annette Wight, 01242 264311, annette.wight@cheltenham.gov.uk
Our twinning officer would also like to hear from anyone who could offer host family accommodation in their home for visitors from Annecy when they visit Cheltenham from 7-12 July 2016 for the 60th anniversary celebrations here and indeed from anyone who would like to get involved and could help linguistically or otherwise.