Exeter set to welcome visitors from twin city of Rennes in France

Published: 10 April 2024

Exeter is all set to host a party of 12 visitors from its French twin city Rennes.

The group is being hosted by the Exeter Twinning Circle (ETC) which was set up in 1973, although the twinning links between the cities go back to 1956.

Exeter also has twin cities in Bad Homburg, in Germany, and Terracina, in Italy.

“Twinners” are a voluntary group with members hosting visitors from the twin cities and arranging activities to highlight the city and the wider area.

The Rennes delegation will be hosted from 14 -19 April and a wide-ranging programme of activities has been arranged for them, including a tour of Exeter’s historic churches following a reception at Exeter’s historic Guildhall, hosted by Lord Mayor Cllr Kevin Mitchell.

This year marks the 120th Anniversary of the Entente Cordiale signed between Britain and France in 1904.

Marija Lees, Chairperson of ETC, said twinning is a great way to get to know people from other European cities, and exchange visits are at the core of the work of ETC.

She said: “Twinning is also about bringing people together through cultural, professional and organisational links.”

Last year saw a joint choir concert at Exeter Cathedral between Exeter Festival Choir and a choir from the twin city of Bad Homburg.

In addition, thanks to the links established by ETC, there was a joint Exeter/Rennes photographic exhibition held in Rennes last year.

ETC has also facilitated an exchange of the teaching staff of Exeter College Catering Department and Institute Filosi in Terracina in Italy, to strengthen links with our twin cities for the benefit of the wider community in Exeter. 

Membership of ETC is open to all and costs £15 per year, £20 for families.  For further information visit https://exetertwinningcircle.org.uk/