Bennecourt's art group sent paintings over with the visitors and their work was on display in Deakins Café.
Coffee and scones were enjoyed by visitors and hosts at the welcome ceremony in the Eildon Centre, followed by a welcome meal in the Rodger Hall later that day.
On Monday a visit to Edinburgh had been arranged, where a delegation was invited to meet the French Consul at the Consulate, who showed a real interest in the twinning activities and was impressed by the longevity of the association between Coldstream and Bennecourt.
Tuesday saw a visit by the children to two local schools. The younger children attended Coldstream Primary School, and the older children went to Berwickshire High School, and Coldstream Twinning Association would like to thank both head teachers, Mr Bell and Mr Kelly for allowing this to happen.
A special joint memorial service for those lost in the wars was led by Rev Jim Watson and Rev Malcolm Lockey on Tuesday evening and during the service a wreath was laid by M Didier Dumont, the Mayor of Bennecourt.
In the evening a ceilidh, led by Pat Harrower, ably assisted by Gordon Brown on the accordion, was enjoyed by everyone.
Wednesday brought awful weather and so the planned trip to the Farne Islands was replaced by a visit to The Mining Museum at Newtongrange.
Thursday, May 1, meant that the Riding of the Bounds in Berwick-upon- Tweed was a must. This was followed by a visit to the Guildhall and coffee with the mayor where the visitors were made most welcome. The day was completed with a trip to Chain Bridge Honey farm and a ride back to Coldstream on the big red London Bus.
In the evening a memorable safari supper was held in the pubs in Coldstream, 102 visitors, hosts and people from Coldstream enjoying a three-course meal, each course in a different pub with different groups of people. Thanks are extended from the Coldstream Twinning Association to the Eildon Centre for the pre and post dinner drinks, and The Besom, The Newcastle Arms, The Commercial Inn, and The Castle Hotel for the meals and everyone who took part in making this such a fun evening.
The final day of the visit started with a guided history walk around Coldstream with a visit to the Coldstream Museum, culminating in a 'Haste ye Back' farewell meal in the newly refurbished Coldstream Town Hall.
John Forrest performed the address to the haggis although whether the French guests quite understood every word is in some doubt! M Didier Dumont (the Mayor of Bennecourt) paid tribute to the twinning association and especially Rob Smith who was at the inaugural meeting between the two towns in 1989. The chairman of Coldstream Twinning and the President of the Jumelage in Bennecourt both made excellent speeches and the Pipe Band led the final celebrations before the Coldstream hosts waved goodbye to their visitors.
The twinning committee would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to this memorable week, particularly the sponsors Stormonth Darling, Greenvale AP, Scottish Borders Council, and Jus Rol.
If you are interested in joining the twinning association please telephone Linda Holmes 01890 882542.