![Since its ninth-century beginnings, Noirmoutier’s château — castle — has fended off invaders including Vikings, revolutionaries and the Wehrmacht. Crestview residents can discover its history during “A Journey Into Noirmoutier’s Heritage.” [Brian Hughes | Crestview Area Sister City Program]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4ac9930a-fcd9-6182-e053-0100007fe93d-60fe1193.jpeg)
CRESTVIEW — European Union nations and communities annually celebrate their respective heritages during the Journey of Patrimony weekend.
This year, Okaloosa County residents will be there during the Crestview Area Sister City Program’s “A Journey Into Noirmoutier’s Heritage” trip.
Membership in Crestview’s Sister City program is open to anyone, and any dues-paying member can attend the Sept. 7-19 trip.
Details and itineraries are being finalized, but participants can anticipate:
•Hospitality: A fundamental of a Sister City relationship is the “people-to-people” relationship. Hence, participants never stay in hotels.
“We are welcomed into a Noirmoutrin home as part of the family,” Sister City program treasurer Pam Coffield said. “That means everybody’s experience is a little different.”
•Gastronomy: Visiting a nation world-renowned for its cuisine, the Crestview contingent will dine in style. Food-centric events include a beach “pique-nique” and a gala including local entertainment.
•Exploration: Participants will discover beaches; shady forests; winding old streets; a towering château (castle); St. Philbert’s church, which was begun in the ninth century; villages; sea salt production marshes; the market; and monolithic World War II bunkers.
•Heritage: The Sept. 15-17 Patrimony Weekend features visits to historic sites, including the château and its museum, historic homes and other venues. Re-enactors will recreate traditions, crafts and historic events.
•World War II re-enactment: Members of the Atlantic Wall Memory World War II re-enactment and vehicles club will display and demonstrate restored weapons, vehicles and equipment, including an American searchlight refurbished partially through support from Crestview donors.
Participants travel to Nantes on their own and rendezvous in Nantes. For the next 10 days, expenses are minimal — limited to souvenirs and a few meals. An optional Puy du Fou experience is $320; a Chateaux of the Loire trip is $350.
To join, reserve your spot or for more information, including the trip’s full cost, contact President Brian Hughes, brian_abroad@yahoo.com or 603-2584, or Treasurer Pam and Joe Coffield, jcoffield@cox.net or 682-8437.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview residents plan trip to French Sister City