ESPERANCE has always had a deep historical connection with France, and it is this connection that will be celebrated at the upcoming La Recherché Weekend, from July 11-13.

Twin Towns committee member, Leigh Scott, said the committee will be dressing up the town, organising some special events and offering some new French experiences for locals and visitors.

A highlight of the weekend will be the two-day Tour d’Esperance cycle race, beginning Saturday at 2pm with a 20 kilometre time trial event, with the main race held on Sunday, which will be a 50 kilometre race taking in five circuits of the town.

Culture lovers will also have a lot to look forward to with a performance by world renowned cabaret singer Pascale taking place Saturday night at the Civic Centre, the opening of the art exhibition, Our French Connection, and a screening of the French period film, Moliere at Fenwick 3 Cinemas on Sunday night.

The Museum Village markets are set to come alive on Sunday, with French themed market stalls and food stalls with crepes and croissants, and there will even be a few friendly games of boules taking place.

Our French connection began in 1792, when Admiral D’Entrecasteaux, in command of the frigates L’Esperance and La Recherche, named Esperance Bay when they sought shelter behind Observatory Point from wild weather.

La Recherche Weekend also celebrates the connection with our twin town, St Martin de Re, in France – a connection which will celebrate its 20 year anniversary this year.

“Getting involved in La Recherche Weekend activities is a great way to celebrate the rich history behind our town, and it will also be a lot of fun,” Mr Scott said.

The Esperance Shire Council is also planning to reinvigorate the partnership between the twin towns, and will be sending a delegation of councillors and community representatives to St Martin de Re later in the year to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the twin towns.