The delegation, consisting of 45 year 13 students and two English teachers from Lycée Général Et Technologique Julien Gracq in Beaupréau-en-Mauges, Western France, embarked on a six-day educational tour last month.
Their project aimed to explore the role of the Welsh language in Welsh and British society.
The group stayed in Barry and visited several Welsh landmarks, including the Senedd, Principality Stadium, St Fagans National Museum of History, and Blaenavon’s Big Pit National Coal Museum.
A significant part of their trip was a visit to Abergavenny, where they were warmly welcomed by the Twinning Committee.
Pauline Dilay, who led the delegation, said: “The students discovered several monuments of the town.
“An official reception at the Town Hall also allowed an exchange of flags with the Mayor and his advisors.
“The students continued their day by visiting a school where teaching is done exclusively in Welsh, providing total immersion in the unique culture of Wales.”
John Prosser, chairperson of the Abergavenny Twinning Association, said: “The whole visit was a great success with guided tours of St Mary’s Priory, Tythe Barn, Abergavenny Castle and Museum, and a very interactive visit to Ysgol Gymraeg y Fenni.
“In particular, the reception given by the town council team in the Borough Theatre certainly thrilled the students when they were able to try on various regalia.”
Councillor Kyle Jamie Eldridge, who represents Park Ward on Abergavenny Town Council, said: “Given what happened to Abergavenny recently with The Magic Cottage fire, it was particularly pleasing to have the delegation from Beaupréau-en-Mauges to visit and Wales as a whole.
“I very much hope they enjoyed their stay and I am looking forward to the continued partnership that our two towns and countries share.”
