A group of students from Saint-Quentin is visiting San Lorenzo de El Escorial as part of the exchange program maintained since 2006 by Colegio La Inmaculada Concepción and the Lycée Henri-Martin. This educational and cultural project marks its 20th anniversary, having allowed numerous young people to experience another language, culture, and way of life firsthand.
The French students are staying with host families from the local school, integrating into daily life and participating in the school activities of Colegio La Inmaculada Concepción, attending classes and sharing experiences with local students.
The schedule of activities includes a reception at the Town Hall, a visit to the Royal Monastery, and excursions to La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia, and Madrid. The experience will continue in April 2027, when students from San Lorenzo de El Escorial will travel to Saint-Quentin.
Since the initiative began in 2006, seven exchanges have taken place, involving over 150 students. The aim is to introduce young people to the respective educational systems and showcase the main cultural and tourist attractions, as well as fostering direct coexistence with host families.
The Town Hall acknowledges the constancy and dedication of the coordinating teachers, Mar González (Colegio La Inmaculada Concepción) and Aurélie Albano (Lycée Henri-Martin), whose involvement has been crucial in keeping the exchange alive over these two decades.
The ties between San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Saint-Quentin date back to April 1987, with the visit of 25 French students. In 1990, 55 local students traveled to the French town. In 2027, the 40th anniversary of the twinning agreement will be celebrated.
