Friendship across borders: Mering and Ambérieu celebrate 51 years of town twinning

Friendship across borders: Mering and Ambérieu celebrate 51 years of town twinning

33 guests from the French twin town of Ambérieu-en-Bugey spent an exciting time in Mering. The three days were filled with activities that included both cultural and social aspects. A highlight of the trip was the trip to Eichstätt, which offered the visitors many unforgettable impressions.

The town partnership between Mering and Ambérieu-en-Bugey has now existed for 51 years. This connection began in 1972 when a group of students had to stay in Mering due to a broken bus. The mayor of Mering at the time then proposed an official partnership, which formed the basis for today's friendship. Laurence Bonant, a member of the tour group, recalled those beginnings and the development of relationships over the years.

Visit and exchange

City councilor Stéphanie Paris, who was already in Mering as a student in 1989, traveled with Patricia Grimal this time. Mayor Daniel Fabre was unable to attend in person due to a trip to Canada, but sent gifts and an invitation for a return visit in 2025. The Meringer guests are expected in Ambérieu from September 19th to 21st, 2025.

The arrival of the French guests was celebrated with a warm welcome. Committee chairman Jochen Hartmann and his team organized a varied program that included, among other things, a visit to Willibaldsburg and a farewell dinner at the Schlosserwirt inn. Participants enjoyed time with their host families and took part in various activities, including playing boules and the market run.

The young people from Meringen were also actively involved in the planning. They presented their ideas and projects that they had developed as part of the twin town partnership. Lilith Weizenegger reported on participation in various events and plans for future activities, such as a trip to Brussels to strengthen friendship across borders.

Laurence Bonant, who was back in Mering for the first time in many years, expressed her joy at the reunion. She recalled previous exchanges and regretted that these had been limited in recent years. Her enthusiasm for Germany and the German language remains unbroken, and she plans to report on her experiences in the French newspaper “La voix de l’Ain”.

On Sunday, guests had the opportunity to take part in various activities. While some attended the Oktoberfest in Munich, others took part in a celebratory mass in the Catholic Church of St. Michael or ran in the Meringer market run. The event attracted numerous participants, including members of the German and French committees.

The French guests, Wendy and Bruno Charvet, were proud of their achievements in the market run and received medals and gifts. The meeting ended with a festive dinner where participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate the new friendships they had made.