The year 2026 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the twinning between Montmélian and Höchst im Odenwald, towns separated by 700 km but united by friendship since 1966. To commemorate this event, two Franco-German meetings are organized, bringing together members of twinning committees, residents, and sports and cultural associations.
From Friday, October 16 to 19, 2026, Montmélian will welcome a delegation of about a hundred German participants for a weekend full of festivities. The program includes festive and musical events, sports and cultural activities, heritage discoveries, and an official ceremony. This intergenerational meeting aims to celebrate the 60 years of twinning and strengthen friendship ties.
Public events begin on Friday, October 16 at 6:30 PM at the Espace François Mitterrand with a welcome concert by the Children's and Teen Choirs of the municipal music and dance school, directed by Nicolas Amet.
On Saturday, October 17 at 5 PM, also at the Espace François Mitterrand, Yves Bertoncini, a consultant in European Affairs and former Director of the Jacques Delors Institute, will give a conference titled 'The Meaning of Europe'.
The official ceremony for the 60th anniversary will take place on Sunday, October 18 at 10:30 AM at the Espace François Mitterrand, in the presence of the Mayors and Presidents of the twinning committees, with participation from the Choeurs de la Citadelle, the Harmonie de Montmélian, and the Rallye Cor. Later that day, at 4:30 PM, a piano concert by Alexandre Guhéry will be held outdoors at the Fort de Montmélian.
This project is supported by the Franco-German Citizen Fund, which finances initiatives promoting Franco-German friendship and Europe. Launched in April 2020, it is managed by the Franco-German Youth Office (OFAJ).
In return, a delegation from Montmélian visited Höchst from May 22 to 25, 2026, for the 'Europe Day' celebration, which also marked the 20th anniversary of Höchst's twinning with Belotin (Czech Republic). This trip brought together 111 French participants, including choir members, students, elected officials, and residents, as well as cyclists who covered the 700 km by bike.
During this meeting in Höchst, the German town inaugurated the recently renovated Montmelianer Platz, symbolizing peace and unity. The Mayor of Höchst, Jens Fröhlich, and the Mayor of Montmélian, Béatrice Santais, reaffirmed their commitment to friendship between European peoples.
The town of Montmélian offered a wooden sculpture, a reinterpretation of the dove of peace from Place Albert Serraz, engraved with words by Victor Hugo in French and German, symbolizing peace and freedom.
