Through the works of Malmesbury Twinning Association, Malmesbury twinned with Gien in the Loire Valley on 19th February 2000 with a second signing in Gien on 15th April 2000.
Gien is a town which has benefited from restoration after the depredations of World War II, resulting in a charming ensemble of riverside quays with a 16th century bridge and lovely houses built around the chateau. This now houses a hunting museum.
A new church was built after the war to replace the old Eglise Ste Jeanne d’Arc, and stars stained glass windows by Max Ingrand.
At Briare-le-Canal is a bridge canal designed by Gustave Eiffel, which carries water from the Briare-Long canal to the Canal Lateral across the Loire itself. It is an extraordinary sight and you can stroll across it, or take a bateau-mouche along its length.
Today Gien is known world-wide for it's high quality earthenware made at the Gien earthenware factory.
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