About the Association – the twinning

How it all began

Relations between Thonon-Les-Bains, the French side of Lac Leman and Mercer Island, State of Washington have established in May 2000, when Mercer Island was reaching a twin sister town in Europe. An American delagation arrived to look over a nember of towns and Thonon-Les-Bains was eventually selected by Alan Merkle, Mayor of Mercer Island, and his committee.

At the begining of July 2000, a delegation of local conseillors headed by Jean Denais, the Mayor of Thonon-Les-Bains, proceded to the United States to formalize the twins operation.

A large number of exchanges involving official delegations, French and American high scool students, training courses, summer jobs and individual tourist visits, have taken place since then.

Exchanges on the American side are organised by the Mercer Island Sister City association presided by Jane MEYER while on the French side they are arranged by the Thonon Franceleman Sister City association presided by Dominique Mouillet.

THONON LES BAINS DAY

Following the first exchange of French high school students who arrived at Mercer Island in November  2002, Alain Merkle the Mayor proclaimed at a meeting  of the Municipal Council that 4 november would hence forth he celebrated as Thonon-Les-Bains Day.