French visitors enjoy North Devon thanks to twinning initiative

Nearly 30 French visitors recently enjoyed a taste of North Devon, thanks to Ilfracombe’s twinning association. 

Since 1991, when Ilfracombe Academy and Collège Claude Monet in Ifs swapped students, the bond between the towns has flourished.

Ifs, a town in Normandy, France, swapped places with Ilfracombe. 

The French visitors stayed with local families in Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Lee, and Berrynarbor, experiencing the sunny charm of Devon.

Their trip included bingo at The George and Dragon in Ilfracombe, dancing at The Lee Memorial Hall, and visits to places like the historic Hall home in Bishop’s Tawton, Wistlandpound Reservoir, and the Lynmouth and Lynton Cliff Railway. 

ABOVE: Barn dance in Lee Memorial Hall

They also explored Ilfracombe's Art Trail, admiring local artists' work.

Terrena Howse, Chair of the Ilfracombe/Ifs French Twinning Association, said: “It was wonderful to welcome our French friends back to Ilfracombe, to see them

enjoying what the town and the surrounding area has to offer, to hear the laughter

and feel the friendship.”

Next year, Ilfracombe will visit Ifs. 

The association welcomes new members and can be contacted through their Facebook page.