MEMBERS of North Tawton Twinning Association enjoyed a taste of the French way of life during a recent visit to twin town Blagny-le-Chateau.

Nine members of the association visited the small town in Normandy’s Calvados country in April, it being North Tawton’s turn to make the trip this year. Jill Whiteley, chair of the North Tawton Twinning Association, said the group had been made ‘very welcome’ by their French hosts.

The group travelled to Normandy by ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff on April 25, arriving in Blagny-le-Chateau the following afternoon. Welcomed by deputy mayor Isabelle Pivert and the French twinning committee, the North Tawton group presented their hosts with a framed picture of North Tawton circa 1900 and a Devonian calendar.

After getting together with their French hosts, they spent the evening together at a barbecue hosted by Isabelle.

The next three days involved a packed schedule of meals out in cafes and restaurants and visits to nearby historic towns known for their half-timbered houses, including Pont l’Eveque of the cheese fame.

They learned more about the region’s most famous export, Calvados, as well as sampling it, and also visited castles and the pictuesque fishing village Honfleur and its famous half-vaulted Church of Sainte Catherine.

Jill said the informal time spent with the French families had been just as enjoyable, with plenty of eating and drinking.

‘Our French hosts made us very welcome in their homes, we enjoyed their hospitality very much and building our friendships together,’ she said.

‘We left Blagny-le-Chateau at 9am on the Tuesday (April 30) after saying farewell in Place de North Tawton by the town hall.’

A return visit to North Tawton from Blagny-le-Chateau is planned for next year and the twinning association is looking for families to host French guests and join in the activities.

Find out more from Jill on 01837 880233 or visit the association’s Facebook page.