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.
21. A look back over the years since Wigan was twinned with French town Angers
French ambassadress Rose Pelletier, who is based at Wigan Investment Centre, and colleague Stuart Hurst show their support for their respective teams ahead of the France v England game in Euro 2004 Photo: Nick Fairhurst
22. A look back over the years since Wigan was twinned with French town Angers
Adrian Hardy, head of economic regeneration, and Mayor Anonini of Angers on a trip to the JJB stadium, part of a tour of Wigan and the Commonwealth Games developments in Manchester Photo: John Leatherbarrow
23. A look back over the years since Wigan was twinned with French town Angers
Clare Breen, ambassadress to twin town Angers Photo: Submitted
24. A look back over the years since Wigan was twinned with French town Angers
Young French visitors from Angers who have been staying at Coop's Foyer living alongside the residents Photo: John Leatherbarrow