Bridging Communities Through Friendship
Fostering cultural exchange and historic ties between Totnes and Vire. Join our association to be part of an active community of international friendship.
The twinning between Totnes and Vire was formally established in 1972, when a delegation from Totnes travelled to Normandy to sign the twinning charter. What began as a symbolic pledge has grown into more than fifty years of exchanges, visits and friendships between the two communities, sustained through changing times, political cycles and generations of local organisers.
The connection is reflected in the geography of both towns. In Vire there is a Place de Totnes, while in Totnes we have Vire Island — everyday reminders of a partnership maintained across generations.
In recent years the relationship has gained renewed momentum. During an Advent visit to Vire in 2024, the Totnes group joined Christmas celebrations and sang carols at a festive concert. Totnes mayor Emily Price was invited to switch on the town’s Christmas lights. Delegates also attended the naming of two roundabouts marking Vire’s wartime history: Giratoire des Libérateurs Britanniques 1944, honouring the British forces who helped liberate the town during the Normandy campaign, and Giratoire de la Résistance, recognising the role of the French Resistance during the occupation.
A road was also named after former Totnes mayor Jim Parkes, recognising individuals who have helped sustain the relationship between the towns.
Connecting Totnes and Vire Through Friendship
The Totnes Vire Twin Town Association fosters deep artistic and cultural ties between our communities. Our annual activities include celebratory friendship visits, sports, concerts, schools twinning, youth project twinning, business twinning and heritage projects that preserve the unique character of both towns. In March this year we did a five way video concert with France, Spain, Romania and Germany! We did our bit from the Bay Horse Inn! Join us in building a future of international cooperation founded on mutual respect and shared fun!
Upcoming Events & Community Gatherings
Join us at our upcoming seasonal celebrations and cultural exchanges as we strengthen our bond with Vire.
Totnes Vire Cycle Race
Organized by The Totnes Bike Hub details to follow.
Vire Island Discs
Every Wednesday between 5 and 6 join Alex for the best in Totnes radio on Soundart Radio
We'd love you to join us!
Membership is just £20 per year or £25 for a family membership, which helps us organise events, publish our newsletters and exchange trips to Vire. Every year we go there or they come here, we get discounts on Brittany Ferries travelling as a group and we get free accommodation during our stay in Vire, plus a chance to make life-long friendships! Or just make a donation if you prefer!
Memberships are Valid from March 31st each year and run for 12 months.
We are a very friendly group and we always encourage our members to come along with any ideas that they think might be fun and worthwhile, if you have any questions please contact us at info@totnesviretwins.com
Town twinning expanded across Europe after the Second World War as a way of rebuilding trust between communities that had recently been enemies. Instead of diplomacy taking place only between governments, ordinary citizens were encouraged to meet, host one another and form lasting friendships across borders.
For Vire this history carries particular resonance. The town was heavily bombed by Allied forces during the Normandy campaign in June 1944, while it was occupied by German troops, and around 95% of the town was destroyed before it was eventually liberated. Much of the town seen today is the result of post-war reconstruction.
Seen in that context, a lasting friendship between a Normandy town and a Devon community represents something quietly powerful: reconciliation built through visits, music, shared meals and everyday human connection. (Not to mention the cheese and the Calvados!)