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Twinning Association
The towns of Bridport and St Vaast La Hougue are twinned by official
charter, ratified in 1979. The aims are to forge “closer relationships
in social, cultural, sporting and business activities leading to
mutual understanding and the exchange of ideas”.
Coastal UNESCO status, harbours, bustling Saturday street markets,
and quality local foodstuffs are common threads linking both communities.
St Vaast La Hougue is a small Normandy coastal town just 30 minutes
by car from Cherbourg. It has a thriving fishing fleet and a large
marina. Harbourside, the Promenade de Bridport was dedicated in
recognition of the friendship between the two towns. To reciprocate,
in 2005 a plaque was placed on part of the coastal defence development
at West Bay, dedicating it as Place St Vaast La Hougue.
The town has UNESCO World Heritage status for the two historic towers
and fortifications designed by Vauban that dominate La Hougue and
the island of Tatihou.
St Vaast has a bustling Saturday Street market where a range of
local produce is sold. The quality of vegetables and salad is excellent;
much of it is organic, being grown in the exceptionally fertile
soil around the town. There are extensive oyster beds in the sheltered
bay; St Vaast oysters are famous throughout France.
Locally sourced produce is featured on the menu of many restaurants
and cafes around the town.
The twinning association funds annual bursaries, enabling Bridport’s
young people to visit our twin town to further their understanding
of the French language and French culture.
Strong friendships have developed over the years and people from
both towns make regular independent visits across the Channel. Members
of both communities visit each other’s town for a weekend
visit in alternate years.
If you wish to find out more about Bridport’s twin town or
the association, please contact the Chairman on 01308 423400.
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