See photos HERE

Another successful trip to Saint Hilaire took place just over a week ago. Attached are some photos of the visit which was described by some as the best ever!

We were collected in St Malo by some of our hosts and taken to the small town of Ducey. Having driven through this beautiful place several times over the years it was nice to stop and wander around the interesting streets and shops and the fascinating Chateau Des Montgomery - all after a great informal lunch of course, at which several members of the Saint Hilaire Association joined us.

Saturday evening and Sunday morning were time spent with our host families enjoying their generous hospitality, relaxing in their homes or strolling around Saint Hilaire. As I commented at the time, 'there is something very special about sitting around a dinner table with people who speak a different language and do things differently than you do'

On Sunday afternoon, the group met up at a Wine and Gastronomy Fair in the adjacent commune of Parigny. This was a great opportunity to try and buy local foods, wines and specialities. There was still time afterwards for what turned out to be a unique and very special visit to Chateau de Parigny. Monsiuer and Madame de Fauchon de Villeplee greeted us and gave the our group a fascinating tour around the grounds our their home and then unexpectedly allowed us inside, a privilege usually reserved for visitors a couple of months a year when they are not present. - Proof that twinning really does open doors!  Sunday evening saw the traditional get together at which we enjoyed a lovely buffet meal. We were able get to know new members a little better and catch up with old friends. It was also an opportunity for our Association to present outgoing Saint Hilaire Association President Irene Saladin with a 'thank-you' gift for all her had work.

And then it was Monday. The rendezvous today was at the local Leclerc supermarket - an opportunity to stock up on all those 'essentials'. Then after bidding our farewells we headed to the the ever popular Maison Tirel-Guerin at Saint-Meloir-des-Ondes for a fantastic lunch accompanied by a few of our Saint Hilaire friends who we treated to lunch as a thank-you for getting us safely back to St Malo

Enjoy the photos. And on behalf of  your committee, next time we really hope that you will be with us.

Bryan