Cléder Twinning Visit
From 22–25 May, Ashburton was delighted to welcome visitors from its twinned French town of Cléder as part of the annual twinning exchange programme.
Published: 3 June 2026
Cléder Twinning Visit
From 22–25 May, Ashburton was delighted to welcome visitors from its twinned French town of Cléder as part of the annual twinning exchange programme.
Many residents will have noticed Cléder’s name displayed on the “Welcome to Ashburton” signs at the entrances to the town. Located in the beautiful Brittany region of north-west France, Cléder is a rural community just 15 minutes from Roscoff and close to some of the area’s stunning coastline and beaches.
Each year, members of the Ashburton Twinning Association enjoy exchange visits with their counterparts in Cléder. One community hosts in the spring and the other in August, with the arrangement reversing the following year. During each visit, guests stay with local host families, giving them the opportunity to experience everyday life, practise the French language and develop lasting friendships across the Channel.
On the Saturday of this year’s visit, residents, host families and French guests gathered for a welcome reception and horse racing evening, celebrating the 51-year partnership between the two towns.
The fun continued on Sunday, with many of the visiting families attending the popular Rails & Ales Festival hosted by the South Devon Railway at Staverton Station, giving them another opportunity to experience local traditions and hospitality.
Throughout the year, the Ashburton Twinning Association organises a range of fundraising and social events on behalf of the town council to support the exchange programme and bring people together. The association is always keen to welcome new members, and becoming involved is a fantastic way to make new friends, learn about another culture and create memorable experiences for the whole family.
We would like to thank the Twinning Association, host families and everyone who helped organise another successful visit. More than five decades after the partnership was first established, the twinning relationship continues to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Ashburton and Cléder, enriching the lives of all those who take part.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Ashburton Twinning Association is encouraged to get in touch and discover the many benefits of being part of this unique and long-standing community partnership. Ashburton Cléder Twinning Association Facebook Page