The official twinning of Wigan and the Loire Valley city took place in 1988, with the arrangement starting informally several years earlier.
We have looked through Wigan Today’s archives for a selection of photographs relating to the twin towns from over the years.
17. A look back over the years since Wigan was twinned with French town Angers
Westleigh High School pupils Louise Barnett, 16, and Leanne Starkie, 15, ready for work experience in Angers Photo: Paul Simpson
18. A look back over the years since Wigan was twinned with French town Angers
Liz Edwards, development officer for Wigan Pier Theatre company, with Stewart Aitken, artistic director, Steve Fairclough, Victoria Fleming and Audrey Carett, ambassadress for Angers, before they set off to perform a play in France Photo: Gary Kelman
19. A look back over the years since Wigan was twinned with French town Angers
Robbie Swanson, from Shevington, was one of the ambassadors to Angers Photo: Nick Fairhurst
20. A look back over the years since Wigan was twinned with French town Angers
Visitors from Wigan's twin town of Angers are welcomed by the Mayor Coun Wilf Brogan, who is seated with the Mayoress and the Deputy Mayor of Angiers, Michelle Morreau Photo: Geoff Shryhane