The Barrow upon Soar Twinning Association began their bi-annual visit to Marans on June 21st. We left England in the midst of a heat wave and arrived in La Rochelle to cloudy skies, a most unusual turn-around. Our hosts were there to meet us, and friendships were renewed. In some cases, friendships that have spanned 27 years.

There were 18 members who took part in the visit; we were very happy that two of our new members, Rammah and Samar Taan were able to join us. It was their first visit to Marans and they were made to feel very welcome. I know they enjoyed themselves.

A varied and interesting programme had been arranged for us, starting with the Tall Ships Festival in La Rochelle. It was a sunny day and the thousands of visitors created a wonderful atmosphere. We were given passes to go on board three of the magnificent tall-masted ships; it was a lovely experience.

Many of you may know that Marans stands on the river Sèvre, it is a much larger river than the Soar and you can sail along it until you arrive at the large sea gates that protect the town.

There are restaurants alongside the river, where you can have the delicious mussels that the area is well known for and also pineau. This is wine that has brandy added to it, and then matured in brandy barrels, giving it a unique flavour… lovely.

One of the other visits we made was to the Parc Oriental de Maulévrier. This is home to the largest Japanese garden in Europe. It was a beautiful day, and to stroll around the gardens with an English-speaking guide, who pointed out the various ways that trees were pruned and buildings were placed to give maximum impact, was truly wonderful. The trees I liked the most were clipped to represent clouds. The lake in the gardens was full of Koi carp, I have never seen any as large, they were enormous.

Before we entered the gardens we had a meal at L’Entre Deux. There were about forty people seated for the meal, which was excellent and the service was first class.

On our last full day in Marans, we were invited to the official reception at Marans Town Hall, where we were given a welcome by the mayor and enjoyed nibbles and of course pineau to drink. I must point out that soft drinks were also provided!

After lunch we were taken to an ornithological park at St. Hilaire-la-Palud. The birds here were mainly local birds but also ones that migrated to the area. The first one that we saw was a very proud Marans Cockerel strutting about. The eggs that the hens lay are a dark chocolate brown.

Our last evening was spent as usual with us all gathered together, for food and a singalong. Our hosts had decided to put on a Spanish evening, so there was plenty of sangria and a delicious paella.

All too soon we were back at La Rochelle airport, heading for home, but already looking forward to our friends coming to Barrow in 2025.

Val Gillings