The Town of Annapolis Royal is twinned with the city of Royan, France. We have a very  important historical tie as Royan is the birthplace of Pierre Dugua, sieur de Mons. It is de Mons who financed an expedition to New France in 16o4-1605 and built the Habitation at Port-Royal: North America’s first permanent European settlement north of Florida.

Port-Royal is considered the birthplace of Acadian language and culture in North America.

The Annapolis Royal Twinning Committee, which is a volunteer committee, works to promote Dugua de Mons, often overshadowed by the exploits of his cartographer, Samuel Champlain.

This year, 2023, will mark the inauguration of Pierre Dugua Day on June 18^th. We will be hosting a delegation of eleven visitors from Royan, including the Mayor of Royan, M. Patrick Marengo, to mark this public community celebration at 2 pm at the Oqwa'titek amphitheatre in Annapolis Royal and the unveiling of a new bilingual panel on Dugua de Mons.

We are also working towards a joint celebration in 2028 of the 400^th anniversary of the death of Dugua de Mons.

Funding is being sought to help raise awareness of the contribution of Dugua de Mons to our Canadian history. Funding that would enable us to improve  and create bilingual public signage, create bilingual leaflets for 2023 and future visitors and host public events such as conferences and presentations.

We thank you for your support.