In 2026 the town of Groß-Umstadt marks a historic anniversary: exactly 60 years ago the twinning with the French town of Saint-Péray was sealed. What began in 1966 as a political sign of reconciliation has developed into one of the most vibrant town twinnings in the region. Under the new anniversary logo, which unites heart and vine, the coming year is entirely devoted to Franco-German friendship.
The promotion of an international outlook and tolerance in all fields of culture is the core mission of the Twinning Committee. But paragraphs alone do not create friendship – it is the encounters between people that have sustained this connection for six decades. On the occasion of the “diamond wedding”, the town of Groß-Umstadt and the committee present an annual programme combining cultural highlights, culinary delights and European symbolic power.
Kick-off of the Élysée anniversary
The festive year begins in January, historically deliberately. In reference to the anniversary of the Élysée Treaty, a chanson evening takes place on Thursday, 22 January 2026. From 7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm) the hall will not only be filled with French melodies but also offer space for history: an accompanying exhibition is dedicated to the Élysée Treaty, the foundation of Franco-German relations. Culinarily the evening will be rounded off with wines from the winegrowers’ cooperative and typically French pastries.
A spring for Europe
May 2026 is traditionally devoted to the European idea. On 9 May (Europe Day) the organisers invite everyone to a ceremony at the Gruberhof. While the morning has an official character, the afternoon offers cultural enjoyment in a relaxed atmosphere with an informal “folding-chair concert” by the group Herznah.
The central aspect of the association’s statutes, the “promotion of encounters between Germans and foreigners”, will be put into practice at the May encounter from 14 to 18 May. A delegation from Groß-Umstadt travels to Saint-Péray. In their luggage: six visual artists as well as the choir “The Mondays”, representing the cultural diversity of Groß-Umstadt in the Ardèche.
Summer festivities in blue-white-red
In the summer months the anniversary moves outdoors. The International Summer Festival on 14 June invites everyone to a “Bal Folk”, before the Johannisfest at the end of June is enriched with French accents – a “breakfast warm-up” with croissants is planned on the market square.
The French national holiday promises an atmospheric highlight. On 14 July the Wendelinuspark turns into a picnic landscape in the colours of the tricolour. At the “Dîner en bleu-blanc-rouge”, accordion sounds and dishes brought along by everyone create French joie de vivre in the heart of Groß-Umstadt.
A special highlight is the Twinning Festival on 7 and 8 August in the Wendelinuspark. Here we celebrate not only with Saint-Péray but put all our partner towns – including Santo Tirso and Dicomano – in the spotlight. It is the perfect opportunity to make the twinning tangible for all citizens and to experience the diversity of our friendships together.
Wine connects: the festive autumn
As a partnership between two wine towns, the juice of the vine plays a leading role in the anniversary year, symbolised by the stylised grape in the new anniversary logo.
3–7 September: return visit to the Wine and Twinning Festival in Saint-Péray.
- 18–21 September: Winzerfest in Groß-Umstadt with an official ceremony for the 60th anniversary.
- 24 October: French wine tasting at the Pfälzer Schloss.
In December a festive gathering of all partner towns is planned as part of the Advent market in Groß-Umstadt.
Become part of the friendship
Such an anniversary thrives on the commitment of citizens. The Twinning Committee works on a voluntary and non-partisan basis. Anyone who would like to actively support this European connection is warmly invited to join the association.
Membership is a direct contribution to international understanding:
- Annual fee for adults: €18.00
- Family fee (parents & at least 1 child): €36.00
- Young people (from 14): €12.00
Want to be part of it? Membership forms are available from the town administration (town marketing) or can be downloaded online. Celebrate 60 years of friendship with us – for an open Europe and living traditions.
60 years of living friendship between Groß-Umstadt and Saint-Péray
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