Goslar and Arcachon are celebrating 60 years of strong city partnership!

Goslar and Arcachon are celebrating 60 years of strong city partnership!

A special anniversary caused a great stir in Goslar on October 15, 2025: The twin town relationship between Goslar and Arcachon celebrated its 60th anniversary with a festive event in the historic town hall. No one could escape the magic of this event when Mayor Urte Schwerdtner and her French counterpart Yves Foulon signed a new partnership document. This ceremony is not only a solemn moment, but also a sign of living friendship that has continued since the original certificate on October 2, 1965, signed by the then representatives Lucien de Gracia, Helmut Schneider and Dr. Hermann Pfaffendorf.

“This partnership is like a diamond wedding,” said Schwerdtner, making an impressive comparison and emphasizing how strong and valuable the bond between the two cities has grown over the years. She emphasized the importance of friendship and trust at a time when nationalism is on the rise again. Foulon agreed and thanked her for the warm welcome that the French delegation received in Goslar.

Warm encounters and new benches

His deputy Lummeaux and a delegation from the council and administration traveled with Foulon. At 4:30 p.m., additional symbolism was presented as part of the celebration when two new partnership benches were dedicated at City Hall. These benches, decorated with plaques, are intended to commemorate the long-standing friendship and will also be used for future meetings between citizens.

The town twinning is not just a formal document, but has developed into a lively community that is characterized by citizen encounters, student exchanges and the exchange of clubs as well as a close connection between the fire departments. In front of those present, including many interested people, even if they had no direct connection to France, musical performances by Julia Lahmer (piano), Eszter Vörös (cello) and Maria Balajti (violin) created a special atmosphere.

A look into the past

The roots of this town partnership go back to the post-war years, when the focus was on new beginnings and reconciliation. Today there are more than 2,200 town twinnings that connect Germany and France [pole-franco-allemand.de](https://pole-franco-allemand.de/die-deutsch-franzoesischen-staedtepartnerschaften-gestern-heute-und-morgen/#:~:text=Mehr%20als%202.200% 20St%C3%A4dtepartnerships%20connects%20Germany%20and%20France,friendship.%20Your%20Origin%20f%C3%BChrt%20to%C3%BCck%20in%20the%20Postwar period.) reported. These partnerships not only promote exchange between cities, but also understanding and friendship across borders.

Over the last six decades, Goslar and Arcachon have provided an impressive example of living international understanding. Today's celebratory act is not only a look back at what was, but also a look forward to what may come and a sign that the idea of ​​a united Europe continues to be of great value.

In the spirit of this friendship, the next generation will continue what the previous generations started. So all you can say is: Here's to the next 60 years of shared memories and experiences!