The British twinning with Chaville began in 1959, between Chaville and Friern Barnet. Chaville is a suburb of Paris, 13km from the city centre and 5km from Versailles. Area 360 ha Founded 860AD Population about 18,000
Extracts from a report from a student on work experience in Chaville. "Chaville is a lovely area, the main street runs towards Versailles, between two hills covered in red-roofed shuttered houses and woodland. It was nice that our group accommodation and work placements were close to one another, so that we were able to meet up nearly every day.
I was slightly anxious beforehand about what I would do in a vet's surgery - cleaning kennels? - but the vet, the nurse and their dog were really friendly, and they refused to let me do more than watch, saying that I was 'en stage' to learn and not to do housework.
It was very interesting seeing the various consultations, talking to the customers, and playing with their pets and listening to the vet's diagnoses. I also watched some fairly gruesome operations. Although I did feel a bit squeamish at first, I managed to overcome this and the vet told me all about what he was doing. Apart from the vet's dog the only long-term residents of the surgery were a deaf and moody cat and a poor rabbit with an abscess. No kennels thankfully! I 'worked' in the vet's surgery for two whole days and two mornings. The rest of the time we were able to enjoy going around Paris.Our visit happened to coincide with the Paris sales and we went with the French girls to some of the most well-known Parisian shopping centres. We were also taken to visit the Louvre where we saw the Mona Lisa and many other works of art. Finally we were taken on a picnic and a tour of the extensive grounds of the Palace of Versailles.We were very sorry to leave on the Saturday afternoon. It was a great week with perfect weather, and my French improved by leaps and bounds. A big thank you to the Friends of Chaville for organising the trip.
E de J
This is from one of the many young people whom we have helped to visit our twin town and demonstrates how they have benefited from the experience. Please talk to us to find out more.