Early in the morning, our group embarked on a journey from Toulouse by train, eager to experience more of France. We enjoyed scenic views as the train traveled through the picturesque countryside, making brief stops along the way. After changing trains in Narbonne, we passed through Nîmes and eventually arrived in Lyon. From there, we took one final train to Givors, a small village where we would spend the next two days.
Upon arrival in Givors, we were warmly welcomed by two representatives of the municipality. Givors is twinned with Vila Nova de Famalicão, and it has a significant Portuguese community. This connection made us feel immediately at home. Our first evening in Givors included dinner at a local restaurant with a Portuguese chef, where we had the opportunity to socialize with a Portuguese resident. It was a heartwarming experience that bridged the gap between our cultures.
The next morning started early in Givors, and we were greeted by a bustling street market filled with fresh fruits and local products. This was a great chance for us to practice our French, interacting with vendors and learning more about the local produce. Afterward, we enjoyed another typical French breakfast, this time with one of the representatives who had welcomed us the day before.
Our day continued with a guided tour of Givors, giving us a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural and historical significance. We visited Saint Nicolas Church, the Town Hall, the media library, local schools, social housing, the theater, and a museum. One particularly memorable moment was learning about the importance of bees in Givors. They symbolize teamwork and community, which resonated with the goals of our cultural exchange program.
In the afternoon, we explored the commercial area, practicing our French as we interacted with local shopkeepers. We also held discussions about the upcoming activities in our program, reflecting on the enriching experiences so far. To close our time in Givors, we took a relaxing evening stroll, soaking in the charm of the city. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to this welcoming place before heading back to our apartment to rest.
