YOUR STORIES: Vincennes Welcomes Special Guests from France

VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - More than 4,200 miles separate the Vincennes, Indiana and Vincennes, France.

This weekend, that distance felt much smaller as Vincennes, France Mayor Charlotte Libert and a group of French exchange students from Notre Dame de la Providence visited Indiana’s First City.

The visit began with a ceremony at Vincennes City Hall, where Mayors Joe Yochum and Charlotte Libert came together to celebrate the Sister City friendship that’s united both Vincennes communities since 1935.

With help from translator Bailey Hacker-Powell, Mayor Libert reflected on the importance of this lasting connection with WAKC News Now.

“I am very proud to be here for the 90th anniversary of the friendship of Vincennes, Indiana and Vincennes, France,” she said.

“Having a rooted friendship like this, where we can truly connect and build community across cultures, is an incredibly important part of this exchange.”

Following the signing, the 18 visiting students were named honorary citizens of Vincennes, Indiana by Mayor Yochum.

Riley Smith, a Lincoln High School student and lifelong Vincennes resident, says she’s looking forward to helping them explore.

“I can’t wait to show them some of our historical places and local restaurants,” Smith said.

For many of the exchange students, nearly everything feels new — from the size of the city to the food on the table.

“I’ve seen that the school is very different from ours,” said Sofia Dossantos.

“The way teenagers drive cars and work jobs is very different from us.”

“In Vincennes, France, we’re very close to Paris,” added Mayline Labarre.

“We don’t have to take the car — we just take the metro and can be in Paris in about 10 minutes.”

Juliette Lepagnol said one of her favorite parts so far has been trying American foods.

“I love the cinnamon rolls and bacon that my host mother has made me,” she shared.

The students have also been surprised by the kindness of the people they’ve met.

“I would definitely come back because people are so nice,” said Arthur Godin.

“I like how it’s a small community. It’s very cozy and comfortable,” Lepagnol added.

Since arriving this weekend, the students have wasted no time exploring the city.

According to Mayor Libert, one of their first stops was the Indiana Military Museum.

“There’s so much history for the students to learn. It’s all very accessible and very interesting for them to experience.”

Each student came to Vincennes with a different goal for the week ahead.

“I want to learn more about American sports, like baseball,” said Godin.

“I want to improve my English and meet different people,” added Lepagnol.

The exchange students will stay with local host families and attend classes at Vincennes Lincoln High School before returning to Vincennes, France next weekend.