LIFESTYLE

French delegation visits Gonzales

Staff reports

Mayor Marie-Christine Tardy of Meylan, France and Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux attended a function at the Ashland Belle Helene Plantation put on by Shell Chemical Company April 8. Also pictured is Gonzales City Councilman John Cagnalotti, right.

The City of Gonzales and Ascension Parish played host last week to delegates from Gonzales’ Sister City of Meylan, France.

The cultural exchange between the two cities began in 1984 and has continued uninterrupted since that time.

The trip was almost curtailed this year due to the economic recession in France. In the end a smaller delegation including the Mayor of Meylan came to Gonzales.

The trip this year was designed to promote business, tourism, education, sports and the arts between the two cities.

Part of the entourage from sister cities Meylan, France and Gonzales, pose at the Ashland Belle Helene Plantation last week. Mayor Marie-Christine Tardy of Meylan, was presented a key to Ascension Parish by Tommy Martinez at the event held in honor of the delegation from Meylan coming to Ascension Parish this year.