Twinning

The twinning arrangement enables ongoing collaboration in the fields of sport, youth, education, health, transport, the environment and tourism. On April 23, 1986, the two cities signed a complementary agreement in the fields of economic, scientific and technical cooperation.

The capital of Catalonia is a metropolis of over 1.6 million inhabitants (Source: National Statistics Institute, 2016) recognized for its dynamism, its aura, the influence of its port.

Spain's 2nd largest city in terms of population, economy and activities, Barcelona is also the 11th most populous city in the European Union and the 6th if its suburbs are included.

It is considered an important city at a global level due to its importance in the fields of finance, international trade, publishing, the arts, entertainment and the media. Barcelona is therefore a major economic center, thanks in particular to its port and airport.

The city boasts the world's largest metropolitan park, Parc Collserola, even ahead of New York's Central Park. The organization of the 1992 Summer Olympics not only led to sporting events, but also to the realization of an urban project that profoundly altered Barcelona's geography: the creation of beaches in the city, the construction of the Rondas, the doubling of the airport, the renovation of Port Viel...

Twinning life

There are numerous school exchange programs with most of Montpellier's secondary schools, which regularly organize trips to discover their twin city. Montpellier's universities have developed agreements and exchanges, notably as part of the Erasmus + program.

Economy

Spain's leading industrial region, with car manufacturing, electronics, chemicals and textiles as leading sectors and, more recently, agri-food. Services account for 59% of activity, industry 36% and agriculture less than 4%.

Barcelona-El Prat airport and the Autonomous Port of Barcelona are located to the south of the city, as is much of the heavy industry.

Under the impetus of capitals of industry that are more European than Spanish, Catalonia has joined forces with Languedoc-Roussillon and the Midi-Pyrénées region to form the Pyrenees-Mediterranean Euroregion.

Tourism

Catalonia is Spain's leading tourist destination. Catalonia's main tourist destinations are the city of Barcelona, Girona's Costa Brava beaches and Tarragona's Costa Daurada. There are several ski resorts in the Pyrenees. Tourists come mainly from Spain and Portugal, and to a lesser extent from the Benelux countries and France.

Main tourist attractions:

• Montjuic Castle
• Saint Eulalia's Cathedral
• .Eulalie Cathedral
• La Sagrada Familia
• La Plaça de Catalunya
• El Barri Gotic
• La Ciudadela
• Barceloneta
• El Raval
• Barcelona Zoo
• Barcelona Design Museum
• Barcelona Aquarium
• The Barcelona Aquarium
• Frederic Marès Museum
• Barcelona Football Club Museum
• Archaeology Museum of Catalonia
• Picasso Museum

Education

For non-compulsory higher education (bachelor's, masters and doctorates), Catalonia has a total of 12 universities (7 public, 4 private and 1 online).

The University of Barcelona (UB) and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) are among the top 200 universities in the world, with the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) among the top 300 worldwide.

The system is adapted to the Bologna Process in order to be part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), like studies in most European Union and other non-EU countries. This facilitates student mobility between countries and the validation of diplomas.

Aside from universities, Barcelona boasts over 30 internationally renowned business schools, a multitude of Vocational Training Centers and other very important educational centers such as Le Liceu, the Theatre Institute, INEFC, etc..,

Public health

The Catalan Health Service (CatSalut) is public and universal, guaranteeing health coverage for citizens and the provision of quality services. To access the Catalan public health system, each individual must possess the individual health insurance card (TSI).

Website

The twinning with the town of Bethlehem was signed on February 21, 2012. Bethlehem is a town located in the West Bank, a region of Palestine, about 10 km south of Jerusalem. The town is home to a small community of Palestinian Christians, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Bethlehem is considered by many Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.

Bethlehem has around 40,000 inhabitants (2016 - source Le Point International). Its conurbation extends to the towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. It is one of the holiest Christian sites in the world, being the town where Jesus is said to have been born.

The name of the town of Bethlehem means "house of bread", made up of the words beth (house) and lechem (bread). In several languages Bethlehem, means fertility and good soil.

The life of the twinning

This twinning enables the international promotion of historical and tourist sites, economic development, and the preservation and enhancement of heritage.

The areas of cooperation developed are architectural and cultural heritage, tourism, youth, sport and medicine. And since 2013, the establishment of an international mobility program for students.

Economy

The city of Bethlehem is home to Palestine's most important industry, namely oriental crafts, such as mother-of-pearl, olive wood and textiles, as well as stone and concrete factories.

Bethlehem has an area of around 43 km², of which 26 km² are suitable for agriculture and 6 km² of the land is residential. The agricultural sector relies heavily on rainwater, while the irrigated area depends on the public water network. Some Bethlehem residents raise livestock (cows, sheep, goats, chickens) and engage in apiculture (bees).

Tourism

Bethlehem's historic residential neighborhoods and alleyways have evolved over time. These alleys are part of Bethlehem's cultural heritage and are named: Al-Farahya, Al-tarajmeh, Al-Anatreh, AL-Hreizat, Al-Qawawseh, Al-Fawaghreh and The Assyrians.

Main sights

Religious sites:

• The Church of the Nativity
• The Milk Grotto
• The Omar ibn al-Khattab Mosque
• The Church of Saint Catherine

Historical sites:

• Al-Ein
• Manger Square
• Solomon's Pools
• King David's Well
• Water Canal, Jasser Palace,
• King David's Towers
• Rachel's Tomb
• Roman, Byzantine, Islamic and Crusader (Christians who came on crusade)

Museums:

• The Al Bad Museum
• The International Nativity Museum

Heritage sites:

Al-Zararah arch

Education

There are 8 public schools and 3 middle schools in the city, all run by the Palestinian Ministry of Education. In addition, fourteen private schools are run by religious institutions and one school is supervised by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). For higher education, there are two universities in the city of Bethlehem, Bethlehem University and Palestine Ahliya University.

In addition, there are 14 kindergartens, 12 of which are run by private institutions, one supervised by a government institution, and the last by a charitable organization.

Public health

The only government hospital, Dr. Kamal Hospital is affiliated to the Ministry of Health and specializes in mental disorders. In addition, there are three private hospitals, Holy Family Hospital, Caritas for Children and Al -Dibs Maternity Hospital.

There are also several charitable and medical organizations as well as private clinics specializing in health and social development, and numerous laboratories, radiology centers, public health clinics and pharmacies.

Website

The twinning between Montpellier and Chengdu was signed on June 22, 1981, the first Franco-Chinese city twinning. This twinning includes a large number of activities that reflect the lively exchange and ongoing collaboration.

Capital of Sichuan Province, in west-central China, Chengdu intra-muros has 4 million inhabitants and its District 14 million (2016- source Courrier International). It is nicknamed the "City of Hibiscus". The city's history dates back to at least the 4th century BC, when it served as the capital of the Shu kingdom (a Jinsha Site Museum is dedicated to it). The city is also home to the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Center, where visitors can watch this endangered species evolve in its natural habitat. Chengdu is renowned in the fields of economics and science. For example, it is the birthplace of the world-famous Dujiangyan irrigation system.

Lowest temperatures are around 6°C in winter and around 34°C in summer. The city of Chengdu is known for the number of tea houses. The official language is the Chengdu dialect of Southwest Mandarin. As far as religion is concerned, Chengdu is one of the major centers of Taoism.

The life of the twinning

The Montpellier-Chengdu twinning has enabled exchanges in many fields:

City politics, social action, youth, sport, teaching, education, science and technology, local economic development, environment, urban planning, trade, agriculture and agri-food, culture, heritage, architecture and tourism...

This twinning has existed since 1981 and includes a large number of activities that reflect the lively exchange and ongoing collaboration. Represented by agreements and conventions, cooperations, various missions and welcomes since 2011, the last of which in May 2018, focused on sharing scientific knowledge in the field of Health and Medicine.

Exchanges illustrated by very rich cooperations existing between hospitals, universities and sports or cultural players in the territory. FISE is even exported to Chengdu!

Economy

Chengdu has 3 civilian airports, including one international airport, a military airbase and four railway stations supporting conventional and high-speed lines.

With annual rainfall insufficient for rice cultivation, since the late 2000s China had favored its economic growth towards an external development strategy based on foreign investment generating major disparities between the coastal belt provinces and China's inland provinces.

The 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2016) focuses the economic development strategy on an internal growth model, thanks in particular to the 800 million potential consumers in the central provinces, and by enabling Chinese companies to expand internationally.

Since then, the Chinese state has invested $950 billion to develop health, training and communication routes in these central provinces. Sichuan Province and its capital Chengdu are the gateways to the markets represented by this new economic development strategy.

EUPIC, a European program initiated in 2003, became a Chinese non-governmental organization in 2009, spearheading the implementation of China's new economic deal in the Chinese central zone.

Tourism

Chengdu's giant panda breeding research base, is one of Chengdu's most visited sites. The ancient street of Jῐnlῐ is Chengdu's busiest and busiest pedestrian street. It has preserved its old-world charm with cobblestones and traditional houses.

Other highlights include the Wuhou Memorial Temple, the Du Fu Poet's Cottage which is an old house now transformed into a museum and memorial dedicated to the poet Du Fu, the world-famous Sichuan Opera House, the Wenshu Temple which is an important Buddhist monastery as it is the largest and best-preserved shrine in Chengdu, and the Qingyang Temple which is one of China's most important Taoist buildings.

Education

Chengdu boasts 40 universities, nearly 70 national R&D institutes and 9 leading national laboratories, notably in aeronautics and nuclear power. The main universities are Sichuan University, Southwest Jiaotong University, which mainly teaches science, Southwest University of Economics and Finance, University of Electronic Science and Technology, and National Minorities University for the Southwest (founded in 1951).

Most universities have campuses, located on the outskirts of the city. In addition, the city is home to one of the world's oldest schools, also known as "the stone room".

Furthermore, the 2 cities have agreed to reciprocally open the Ecole Chengdu in Montpellier (inaugurated in 2013) and the Groupe Scolaire Montpellier in Chengdu (staggered between 2018 and 2019).

Public health

The West China School of Medical / West China Hospital, Sichuan University, is located in Chengdu and is one of the best hospitals in China. Hospitals in Chengdu are in high demand due to the large population.

Website

The twinning agreement between Montpellier and the Urban Commune of Fez was signed on June 14, 2003 in Fez. The main areas of exchange are sustainable urban development and biodiversity preservation, culture, education and training, university and health.

Fès, city of a thousand and one nights, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, has a population of 1.2 million (2015 - source PopulationData). Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital, with a universal heritage, its history imbued with the Andalusian influence present in its music, cuisine, art of living and architecture... Fès is a religious, tourist and university center. Like Montpellier, Fès is a thousand-year-old city, founded in 789 by Moulay Idriss I. The name Fès, meaning pickaxe, illustrates the legend that the object was found at the site of the first foundations...

Fès boasts a prestigious historical heritage, notably its monumental gates inside the city walls, which remain one of the finest examples of Muslim art in the Maghreb (Madrasa Bu-Inaniyya, 1350-1357). Fès also boasts a long and varied tradition of craftsmanship, originating with the city's first inhabitants, whether Andalusians (Spain) or Kairouanese (Tunisia), who brought their know-how with them. Today, 30,000 craftsmen in the medieval medina of Fès el-Bali, from potters to ceramists (zelliges), make the city famous. The tanners' district remains a living testimony to an ancestral technique.

Twinning life

The twinning agreement between Montpellier and the Urban Commune of Fez was signed on June 14, 2003 in Fez. The main areas of exchange are sustainable urban development and preservation of biodiversity, culture, education and training, university and health.

Millennial cities, famous for the influence of their two universities, cities with a prestigious historical and cultural heritage, cities of science and knowledge, cities of memory but also open to the 21st century, Fez and Montpellier wish to develop exchanges at various levels: culture, economy, education, youth, health, heritage rehabilitation, transport....

The March 2005 visit by a delegation led by the mayor of the urban municipality of Fez provided an opportunity, during working meetings, to address themes common to both municipalities and to share their experience and know-how: archiving systems, urban transport and travel, culture, rehabilitation of the historic center, water treatment, education, health... It was during this visit that the Fez plaque, installed in the gardens of the Maison des Relations Internationales Nelson Mandela in Montpellier, was officially unveiled.

Since November 30, 2006, the Agsmr (Association générale des sourds de Montpellier et sa région) has been twinned with the Moroccan Association of the Deaf of Fez. The two associations will support each other in terms of sign language teaching, notably by welcoming Moroccan students to Montpellier in July 2007.

Fès is also always present for the Montpellier International Tournament of Saint Martin GAZELEC.

Economy

Fès is the 2nd largest city in Morocco. Investment is a priority in the Fès commune's action plan. It aims to boost investment in order to meet the challenges of youth employment and revitalize economic activity. All initiatives designed to stimulate the act of investing in the region are encouraged: employment bonuses for companies and the creation of free zones following the example of other regions in Morocco.

Tourism

The Fès-Meknès region's craftsmanship and cultural heritage are of great interest, and a major lever for attracting tourists.

Considered the cultural and spiritual capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, tourism has continued to grow (1 million visitors per year) and has become, year on year, an important economic factor. Fès offers cultural events such as the Fès Festival of World Sacred Music in June each year. Many foreigners have settled in Fès and opened guesthouses.

Main tourist attractions:

• The Medina
• Karaouiyine Mosque and University, the world's first university
• Chouara Tanneries
• Medersa bou inania
• Medersa Cherratine
• Medersa Attarine
• Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts
• Borj Nord: Weapons Museum
• Dar Batha Museum
• Merinid Tombs
• Bab boujloud
• The Mellah
• Jnane Sbil Garden

Education

The splendid Quaraouiyyîn or Karaouyine Mosque (9th-12th century) is the first university in the Western world, predating the Sorbonne in Paris. For a long time, it was the only university in North Africa after the Zitouna University in Tunis: it is distinguished by its large library bearing the same name.

Health care

In terms of health care provision, the Fès Region has 133 establishments, accounting for 5% of the national total. The commune of Fès has a total of 3 hospitals.

Website

The twinning agreement between Montpellier and Heidelberg was signed on May 13, 1961. Conventions signed in 1991 and 2016 broaden the scope of this twinning, notably on the themes of transport, the environment, economic development, etc.

The first traces of settlement on today's Heidelberg territory were made by the Romans and Celts. Heidelberg was officially recognized as a town in 1196. In the 13th century, the town was developed according to plan and the castle built. With the foundation of the university in 1386, Heidelberg experienced a period of great development and became capital of the Rhine Palatinate.

With its 160,000 inhabitants (2016, source: United Nations), Heidelberg, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg on the banks of the Neckar, is one of Germany's most beautiful cities, and is considered a romantic city thanks to its architectural charm expressed in the Baroque style. The city also has a strong national reputation for research. For example, the new Bahnstadt district is the world's largest passive housing village (self-sufficient in energy).

Twinning life

The twinning between Montpellier and Heidelberg is a very active one. Numerous official and private contacts are to be counted since the creation of this twinning, which began in 1961 and was created thanks to relations between the universities of the two cities. In particular, the creation of a mobility program with scholarship exchanges that enable students to spend a university year in the twin city, studying there and taking part in the life of the twinning. Virtually all disciplines at the universities of the two towns are involved (law, medicine, Romance studies, German studies, modern literature, geography, Protestant theology, Hebrew studies, sport, university chaplaincies, Crous).

In 1991, the 2 towns signed a complementary agreement in the fields of transport, the environment and economic cooperation. In October 2016, as part of the 50 years of twinning, the City of Heidelberg, the City of Montpellier and Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening trilateral relations linked to economic development, innovation, health and digital.

In 1966, the "Maison de Heidelberg" was created in Montpellier (https://maison-de-heidelberg.org/), and the "Maison de Montpellier" in Heidelberg in 1986, a strong sign of the importance of this twinning (https://www.montpellier-haus.de/).

Education

In Germany, Heidelberg is the leader in school education. Its innovative style has enabled education to exceed the standard level demanded in Germany. With 18 elementary school, 4 Hauptschulen, 4 Realschulen, and 5 Gymnasien (types of school that are comparable with the French lycée or collège), 17 private schools, 4 education centers for special pedagogy, crèches, kindergärten, 6 institutes of higher education and finally the university with its 12 primary faculties, the city offers a large number of institutions that serve to educate young people. The University of Heidelberg is the oldest in Germany and recognized for its excellence.

Social exchanges

• European Pic Horizon program to facilitate the integration of disabled people (CCAS de Montpellier).
• Exchanges of cooks between residential homes.
• Citizens' trips.
• Trip by the Golden Age to the Christmas market in Heidelberg.

Economy

Heidelberg has a tertiary-oriented economy. The Heidelberg Technology Park offers numerous job opportunities in science, business and education. Heidelberg's largest employer is the University of Heidelberg and its hospital, with over 15,000 jobs. Tourism is a very important economic sector in the city, and the "Bahnstadt" district is very attractive for shops and small and medium-sized businesses.

Tourism

Local residents and the many tourists can enjoy Heidelberg's environmental diversity. Around 40% of Baden-Württemberg's territory is covered by forests. Numerous castles, such as Heidelberg Castle, are part of the town's cultural heritage.

A characteristic feature of Heidelberg is the way in which water is used and the various applications it can be put to: drinking water, wastewater treatment, mineral water and therapeutic uses. Art and culture are another of Heidelberg's strong points. The world-famous ballet, located in the capital Stuttgart, is a good example. Culinary specialities, a warm welcome and the presence of the Oktoberfest invite you to discover this region.

Main sights:

• Heidelberg Castle
• Heidelberg Old Bridge
• Museum of the Electoral Palatinate
• Jesuit Church
• Philosophers' Path. (Philosophenweg )
• House of the Knight
• Kurpfälzisches Museum
• Königstuhl

Public health

Heidelberg has dedicated itself to the health of its citizens, officially since 1991, when it joined the national network of healthy towns in the German Republic (Gesunde Städte-Netzwerk Deutschland). The city offers a wide range of medical assistance services. Its public health service continues to enjoy an excellent reputation, attracting many foreigners seeking treatment from Heidelberg doctors.

Website

The twinning between the Towns of Montpellier and Kos was signed in 1962 around shared values and in particular a strong medical tradition, Kos being the home town of Hippocrates, Greek physician and philosopher (460-377 BC). The twinning between Kos and Montpellier has been given a new lease of life since 2012 with the signing of a new partnership agreement.

Partnership focuses: tourism, culture, youth, sport, medicine

Kos, known for its many sandy beaches, is one of the islands of the Dodecanese archipelago in Greece. Located around 330 kilometers from Athens, and around 100 kilometers from Rhodes, Kos has a population of 33,000 (2016, source: Le Figaro).

A harbour town dominated by the 15th-century Neratzia castle, Kos boasts numerous Greek and Roman monuments. To the south of the castle are the ruins of the agora, with a temple, sanctuary and columns. Hippocrates, a Greek physician and philosopher of the 5th century BC, traditionally considered the "father of medicine", is the most famous of its natives. In ancient times, Kos had a renowned medical school, "the brotherhood of the Asclepiades".

Twinning life

Each year, the City of Montpellier in partnership with the association Euro-Greece France which offers various cultural events related to Greece (conferences, readings etc...) as well as the commemoration of Adamantios Korais, great scholar and pioneer of modern Greek philology.

Economy

Tourism is the main industry on Kos, with the island's beaches being the main attraction. Agriculture is the second main occupation, the main crops being grapes, almonds, figs, olives and tomatoes, as well as wheat and corn.

Tourism

The main port is a tourist and cultural center, with whitewashed buildings including numerous hotels, restaurants etc. With beautiful beaches, and interesting views, Kos has a lively nightlife. The two busiest streets in Kos are Nafklirou and Diakonou, right next to the archaeological site.

Main tourist attractions:

• The Plane Tree of Hippocrates
• Folk Museum of Antimachia
• The Sanctuary of Asclepius
• Konitsis Square
• Kos Natural Park
• The wetland of Psalidi
• Therma
• Hippocratia Festival

Education

The Greek education system includes pre-elementary education, elementary education, secondary education (1st and 2nd cycles) and higher education.

In Greece, education is generally provided free of charge at all levels of public education. Compulsory schooling lasts ten years. It begins at the age of 5 and lasts until the age of 15. It includes elementary school and junior high school; and recently the final year of pre-elementary education.

Vocational education used to be provided by the TEE, Etablissements d'Enseignement Technique et Professionnel (Tehnika Epangelmatika Ekpedeftiria). These have recently been replaced by EPALs (Lycées professionnels supérieurs) and EPASs (Lycées professionnels d'enseignement et formation). The EPAL program includes general education courses as well as vocational-technical courses and workshops, over a three-year period.

The EPAS program lasts two years and includes vocational-technical courses and workshops. Alongside the day schools are evening schools for workers up to the age of 50, who want to improve their situation on the job market.

Website

This is the City of Montpellier's 1st twinning. From the very beginning, Louisville has had special ties with France. Montpellier and Louisville have been twinned since 1955, and this twinning has received the Sister Cities International award. It focuses mainly on mobility programs, and economic, cultural and sporting exchanges.

Located in northern Kentucky along the Ohio River, bordering Indiana, it is the largest city in the state of Kentucky and nicknamed Kentuckiana. From a statistical point of view, the metropolitan area therefore belongs to both states. With its 620,000 inhabitants in 2016 (source: United Nations), known as Louisvillians, the municipality is ranked as the 27th most populous city in the country.

Officially, the city's name is pronounced as in French. In addition, Louisville is the birthplace of the famous boxer Mohamed Ali, mythical Scrooge author Don Rosa and Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence. Last but not least, the city is an important center for the tobacco and bourbon industries.

The life of the twinning

The twinning soon focused on regular student exchanges. Scholarship exchanges enable students to spend an academic year in their twin city, studying there and taking part in the life of the twinning. And since the beginning, corporate student exchanges have enabled students from both towns to be employed in the twin city during the summer vacations.

The Kentucky Institutes for International Studies (KIIS) at the University of Louisville has enabled many students from Kentucky to spend a semester studying abroad, and in particular in Montpellier.

In addition, every spring, the Lycée Jules Guesde organizes a study trip to Louisville for the 1ere students in the American international section. This trip is organized by the association A.M.E.R.I.C.A (Association des Membres pour les Echanges et les Relations InterCulturelles avec l'Amérique).

Economy

Louisville's economy initially developed around shipping. Its strategic location near the Falls of the Ohio River and its central position in the eastern United States made it an essential point of passage. Today, Louisville's economy is still centered on transportation, thanks to the presence of UPS, whose main hub is located at the city's international airport. In 2003, the Port of Louisville ranked seventh among the country's largest inland ports. The automotive industry is represented by the American company Ford, which has two plants here, and by the tire manufacturing unit of the French group Michelin. General Electric also has a plant here.

The city's economy has recently expanded into the medical field. Research centers have sprung up around the University of Louisville, making medical advances in heart surgery and cancer treatment. For example: the world's first transplant of a human hand, the first transplant of an artificial heart and the development of the first vaccine against HPV (human papillomavirus infections).

Bourbon production also plays an active part in Kentucky's economy.

Tourism

The city of Louisville has many attractions from a cultural point of view. One of the world's best-known songs originated in the city. It's called Happy Birthday To You and was invented by two local schoolteacher sisters, Patty and Mildred Hill. Louisville is also known the world over for the Kentucky Derby, the world's largest horse race, which takes place every May at Churchill Downs, culminating in the two-week Kentucky Derby Festival attracting more than 500,000 spectators every first Saturday in May since 1875.

The city's many festivals and arts centers benefit from a dense network of public parks, many of which were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of Manhattan's Central Park. One of the country's children to take full advantage of these early morning hours was three-time world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, who trained in Chickasaw Park.

Main sights:

• Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
• Muhammad Ali Center
• Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
• The father of Bluegrass
• Birthplace of Bill Monroe, Rosine
• Kentucky Derby Museum
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail
• Churchill Downs
• Louisville Actors Theatre
• Kentucky State Park Golf Trail

Education

There are numerous universities, high schools, and colleges. The Jefferson County Public Schools system has over 98,000 students in 89 elementary schools, 24 middle schools, 22 high schools and 22 other school centers. Louisville also has numerous private schools, including 27 Catholic schools and several Protestant schools. The latter form the largest Protestant school system in the country in terms of student numbers. The city is also home to a specialized school for the blind.

The city's main universities are the University of Louisville, Bellarmine University, Spalding University, Sullivan University and Jefferson Community and Technical College, as well as Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Simmons College of Kentucky, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Indiana University Southeast is located across the Ohio River in New Albany, Indiana.

Website

It was during its participation in the "Earth Summit" on June 22, 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, that Montpellier finalized the twinning agreement linking Montpellier to the Brazilian capital.

Rio Janeiro is Brazil's second-largest city after Sao Paulo, world-famous for its carnival, its beaches and its statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Mount Corcovado, as well as for its Tijuca forest, the world's largest urban forest.

Located in the southeast of the country, it was Brazil's capital between 1889 and 1960. Today, it is the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro. With its 6.1 million intramural inhabitants (commonly known as Cariocas, the variant "Carioques" existing in French) and over 12 million in the urban area (2016: source: Population.data.net), Rio de Janeiro is one of the most important metropolises on the American continent.

Historically, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal, following the flight of the Portuguese court when Napoleonic troops invaded (1808-1821), then of the Brazilian Empire (1822-1889), the República Velha (1889-1930), the Estado Novo (1937-1945) and the beginning of the Second Republic until 1960.

The life of the twinning

The cooperation actions implemented within the framework of this Agreement translate into 2 main lines of action:

• The development of projects, exchanges of experience and know-how in the following sectors: sustainable urban development and biodiversity, social, educational success, economy, tourism, sports, arts and culture.
• Encouraging the establishment and development of academic, economic, commercial, scientific and technological relations, within the framework of current Brazilian and French legislation

Economy

The economy of the State of Rio de Janeiro ranks second among Brazilian states, with strong tourism and industrial potential. It is also Brazil's second-largest port in terms of volume.

The state stands out in the metallurgy, steelmaking, chemicals, agri-food, mechanical engineering, publishing and graphics, oil, shipbuilding, new technologies and mineral extraction sectors.

The French presence is significant in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Establishments include Axa Assurances, EDF, Total, Essilor, PSA, Michelin, l'Oréal, Sanofi-Synthélabo, etc.

Tourism

Rio, nicknamed the cidade maravilhosa (the marvellous city) owes this not unwarranted reputation to its incredible splendour. Surrounding the majestic Guanabara Bay, which Portuguese explorers mistook for the mouth of a river (hence the city's name, literally River of January), the city has developed wherever possible, in astonishing proximity to nature, which is omnipresent. At its heart lies the Floresta da Tijuca, the world's largest urban forest. It encircles the Corcovado on all sides, which, perched 700 metres above sea level, dominates and protects the city.

Facing it is the city's other symbol, the imposing Sugarloaf, solitary guardian of the entrance to the bay.

From this landmark begin the beaches that open onto the ocean and whose names are already familiar to us: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Barra, ... meeting places for the Carioca people, and veritable temples dedicated to the cult of the body.

Main tourist attractions :

• CORCOVADO
• SUGAR PINE
• HISTORICAL CENTER OF RIO DE JANEIRO
• COPACABANA
• THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF RIO
• LAPA
• MARACANA STADIUM
• LAGUNE RODRIGO DE FREITAS

Education

In Rio, 95% of the population over the age of 10 is literate, an extremely high rate compared with the rest of the country.

The city boasts 1,033 elementary school, 370 secondary schools, 6 universities and 47 private colleges.

Website

Signed on July 5, 2016, the tripartite twinning pact between the City of Montpellier, Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole and the City of Palermo covers the cultural, university, sports and medical fields.

Palermo is located in western Sicily, on the northern coast along the Mediterranean Sea. The city is widely spread over the Conca d'Oro, "golden shell", a plain renowned for its fertile soils. A small river, the Oreto, runs through the southern part of Palermo. Overlooking the plain, several peaks encircle the city, such as Monte Pellegrino to the north, which peaks at 606 m above sea level.

3 nature reserves are located close to the town, including Monte Pellegrino adjacent to the north of the urban area, and Capo Gallo to the north of Mondello.

Palermo is the largest city in the Sicily region with around 670,000 inhabitants (2016, source: United Nations Organization). Together with its suburbs, it forms an urban unit of around 1 million inhabitants. Palermo is Italy's 5th-largest metropolitan city in terms of population and 3rd-largest in terms of surface area, covering an area of 5,009 km and comprising 82 municipalities. Its inhabitants are called Palermitans.

Economy

Palermo is a major tertiary center. As the capital of Sicily, many government departments are headquartered here. Tourism also plays an important role, thanks to the climate and the rich cultural heritage. Industry and agriculture are less developed. Palermo has a very attractive port; a project is underway with the city of Sete for a "freeway of the sea": transporting trucks, cars and people for efficient sustainable development.

Tourism

Palermo is a center of culture whose many museums contribute to its influence.

Palais Abatellis (15th century) houses the Regional Gallery of Sicily (wood carvings, Arab vases, sculptures, Sicilian painting from the 12th to 16th centuries, works by Antonello da Messina including The Annunciation, Gothic crucifixes, etc..)

• Antonio Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum
• Sant'Anna Gallery of Modern Art (GAM)
• Ignazio Mormino Museum of Art and Archaeology
• Giuseppe Pitrè Sicilian Ethnographic Museum
• Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum
• Palazzo Riso, Museum of Contemporary Art of Sicily

The "old Palermo", in the heart of the city, is one of the largest in Europe (240 ha), and contains over 500 monuments between palaces, churches, convents, monasteries and seven theaters.

Education

The University of Palermo (Italian: Università degli studi di Palermo) is a public university in Italy. Founded in 1806, it comprises 12 faculties and had over 49,000 students in 2016.

The tripartite cooperation agreement is also intended to develop relations between the Universities of Medicine and Culture between the Montpellier Opera and the Massimo Theater, as well as with Cinémed in 2017.

Website

Tiberias, twinned with Montpellier on May 10, 1983, is the capital of Galilee in Israel. It has a rich historical past. The twinning covers universities, education, student mobility and cultural exchanges.

Tiberias is an Israeli town located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. A renowned historical and tourist town, it has a population of 42,000 (2016, source: Wikipedia). Built in 21 CE by the son of Herod the Great, the city owes its name to the Emperor Tiberius. After the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the focus of Jewish spiritual life moved north, and Tiberias became the capital of Israel and the center of rabbinic studies. Rabbi Maimonides is buried here. The city prospered until the 11th century, then faded during the Crusader era. It was then handed over to the Jews by Suleiman the Magnificent.

Tiberias was held in high esteem in Judaism from the middle of the 2nd century CE and since the 16th century has been considered one of Judaism's four holy cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron and Safed. Tiberias was the largest Jewish city in Galilee and the political and religious center of the Jews of Israel. The immediate neighboring town to the south, Hammat Tiberias, now part of modern Tiberias, was known for its hot springs, believed to cure skin and other ailments, for over 2,000 years.

Twinning life

The Twinning signed in 1983, is based on university exchanges, educational cooperation and cultural exchanges. Cooperation between the two towns has taken on scientific and technical aspects, with a particular focus on water treatment. An international mobility program for students was set up in 2013.

Economy

Tiberias has played an important and strategic role in the region for over 2,000 years. Tiberias is the gateway to the Upper Galilee. An important crossroads between the coastal region and Jordan, between Egypt and Syria, two major roads intersect here: the ancient route linking Haifa to Damascus and the one running from the Jordan Valley to Metoula.

Today, it's a major seaside resort in Israel, and its economy relies mainly on tourism, and the influx that its historic heritage can generate.

Tourism

Considered one of Judaism's 4 holy cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron and Safed. Tiberias is an outstanding destination for travelers keen on historical and cultural discoveries as well as idleness. Built on the western shore of Lake Tiberias, today it's a seaside resort, renowned for its therapeutic hot springs, where it rains less than 50 days a year and averages 20 degrees in winter.

Main tourist attractions

• Lake Tiberias
• The Sea of Galilee

Education

Tiberias has 8 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools and over 80 pre-school facilities, and 11,000 students live in the town. In recent years, a lot of money has been invested in improving the school curriculum, as well as renovating and building new classrooms, science laboratories and sports facilities.

Tiberias is also home to an excellent higher education institution, Kinneret Academic College. The college is located on the shore of Lake Kinneret, a 10-minute drive from the city center.

Public health

Tiberias boasts a public hospital, the Baruch Padeh Medical Center. To the south of the town, the natural hot springs, whose curative values have been recognized for centuries, rub shoulders with the region's many archaeological and historical sites.

Website

Dating from 2006, the friendship and cooperation agreement with the city of Sherbrooke evolved into a twinning agreement signed on June 14, 2013. Areas of cooperation: universities, youth, tourism, public health and business.

Sherbrooke is a city in the province of Quebec, Canada, located at the confluence of the Magog and Saint-François rivers, the regional capital of the Eastern Townships. Ideally located 140 kilometers from Montreal and 50 kilometers north of the U.S. border, its proximity to major cities such as Montreal, Quebec City, Boston and New York makes it a privileged city.

Sherbrooke is the main economic, cultural and institutional center of the Eastern Townships administrative region, hence its nickname "Queen of the Eastern Townships". Its population was estimated at 161,000 in 2016 (source: United Nations) and it is the 6th largest city in Quebec.

Enriched by the presence of many cultures, Sherbrooke has a unique atmosphere. A city with a human dimension offering an incomparable quality of life, endowed with great economic vitality and remarkable dynamism in innovation and research.

Twinning life

Focused on the "intermunicipal" exchange of business students between the City of Montpellier and the City of Sherbrooke. This program is carried out in partnership between the cities of Montpellier and Sherbrooke, France-Québec and Québec France and the Office Franco-québécois pour la Jeunesse (OFQJ).

Les Rencontres Scientifiques Universitaires Montpellier-Sherbrooke, organized by the Universities of Montpellier and the University of Sherbrooke in association with the CHU de Montpellier, the PRES sud de France and the école nationale supérieure de Chimie in Montpellier.

Set up in 2006, these meetings take place on a biennial basis. In particular, they have led to the creation of joint programs at Master's level and thesis co-supervision. Professorial and student mobility has also expanded thanks to these scientific meetings, which give rise to numerous seminars, colloquia and working meetings enabling Sherbrooke and Montpellier universities to strengthen and develop research and training projects.

Economy

Sherbrooke is a key business hub where the knowledge economy and the manufacturing sector develop in harmony. Its diversified economy is based on the exploitation of numerous natural resources and is growing at the pace of information technologies and other cutting-edge sectors.

Education

Sherbrooke has a very important university hub. The education network offers a complete curriculum in both official languages. The choice of establishments is varied: French and English schools, private and public. The public education system is free at primary, secondary and college levels. The higher and vocational education system is represented by 54 primary and secondary schools and 6 higher education establishments.

Tourism

The Sherbrooke region is renowned for its rugged terrain, many lakes and rivers, and its architectural setting. These features make it an important tourist destination. There are several nearby ski areas and various regional tourist attractions.

Main tourist attractions:

• Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke
• Musée des beaux-arts de Sherbrooke
• L'épopée de Capelton
• Chapelle St-Mark's
• Sanctuaire du Sacré-Cœur de Beauvoir
• Parcours Photo Sherbrooke
• Terra Mutantès
• Théâtre Granada
• Ciné-parc Orford HD
• Les sentiers de l'Estrie
• Strom Spa
• Maison de l'eau
• La balade des clochers
• Festival des traditions du monde de Sherbrooke

Santé publique

The city of Sherbrooke boasts a universal, free healthcare system and a public education network accessible to all, and offers a host of social and community services.

Mobility program for students

Each year, the City offers 3 Montpellier students the opportunity to get a summer job in the twin city, from late June to mid-August, promoting international mobility for young people and the discovery of another culture.

Find out more

Website

On February 5, 2009, the City of Montpellier and the Urban Community of Tlemcen officially established relations of friendship and cooperation between them. The cities of Tlemcen and Montpellier share many historical and cultural similarities, and have always been hospitable and tolerant hosts.

Named the "Pearl of the Maghreb", Tlemcen is a metropolis of 180,000 inhabitants (source: wikipedia), in north-west Algeria, capital of the wilaya of Tlemcen. The second-largest city in Oranie, proud of its glorious and prosperous past, its Hispano-Moorish monuments and suburbs, and its natural sites, it is a "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" as Georges Marçais, the famous French orientalist, called it.

Inland, the city lies at the heart of a region of vineyards and olive groves, renowned for its leathers, tapestries and textile industry. The Berber, Arab, Turkish and French cultural influences of the colonial era have made it a tourist mecca.

Twinning life

These towns, with their historical and cultural similarities, aim to work together to create the conditions for a mutually beneficial partnership, notably through exchanges of experience in the following areas:

• Tourism development, including the restoration of historic sites and monuments,
• Cooperation in economic development,
• Management of public space, the city and urban furniture,
• Management and management of municipal services, in the field of roads and various networks,
• environmental protection, waste management, preservation and development of biodiversity,
• support and encouragement for the efforts made by our two universities, in terms of cooperation and partnership, particularly in the fields of scientific research and training.
• University: the cities of Montpellier and Tlemcen strengthened ties between their universities in 2012 by renewing Montpellier's membership as an associate partner of the Averroès 5 program (an Erasmus Mundus program for student mobility in Mediterranean countries), of which the University of Tlemcen is a member. In 2013, one of the aims of a mission was to set up joint projects between the University of Tlemcen, the Universities of Montpellier and Paul Valery and European players to extend inter-university exchange programs such as Averroès.

Economy

After Algerian independence, Tlemcen's relations with Oran strengthened in the area of goods exchanges. But the city did not benefit from Algerian economic policy, even though its integration into the national economy was strengthened. Tlemcen has succeeded in organizing a network around its wilaya, based on a group of towns: Sebdou, Remchi, Nedroma and Maghnia, which has enabled the city to develop its industrial and commercial activities, and drain agricultural revenues to its benefit. Since the 2000s, the city has experienced a real estate boom and is carrying out major redevelopment work.

Tourism

The wilaya of Tlemcen boasts 45 natural and historical sites listed by the Algerian Ministry of Culture, 20 sites and monuments are in the city itself.

Main tourist sites:

• the Lalla Setti plateau: a plateau equipped with playgrounds and relaxation areas that dominates the town and offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings;
• the tomb of Rabbi Ephraim Encaoua: a place of pilgrimage for the Jewish community of Tlemcen;
• the waterfalls: a place for strolling and swimming with "Le Gouffre" (El Ourit), the name of the oued Mefrouch as it falls in successive basins into the oued Safsaf;
• the Aïn Fezza caves: three underground chambers with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Honaïne
• The Almoravid mosques of Tlemcen and Nedroma
• Abou Madyane
• The medersa of El-Eubbad
• the Sidi Bellahsen mosque
• the Sidi Halloui mosque
• the El Mechouar palace
• the Mansourah ruins
• the Rabb sanctuary du Rabb
• Aïn Fezza caves
• Bab boujloud
• The Mellah
• Jnane Sbil garden

Education

True to its past, Tlemcen is home to several renowned schools and colleges such as the now-defunct Tachfinia medersa, the Khaldouniya medersa, the El-Eubbad medersa, etc.

Tlemcen was one of three cities in French Algeria to host a Lycée Franco-Musulman, an institution that combined an Arabic education with a French secondary curriculum. The school produced many graduates who went on to play an important role in the fight for independence, and later in the young Algerian state, including ministers, heads of public companies and administrative directors. Tlemcéniens who passed through this high school and the Collège Slane, another institution, have long held key positions outside the army and security services.

The Abou Bekr Belkaid University comprises eight faculties spread around main hubs, notably Imama and Chetouane.

Public health

Tlemcen has a dozen clinics and a university hospital (CHU) built in the 1950s with a capacity of 800 beds.

Website