International Association of Beauforts

     The International Association of Beauforts is a worldwide organization established in 1995 when Beaufort-en-Vallee, France hosted the first Reunion of the Beauforts with the purpose of bringing together all  the residents of the Beauforts around the world to promote collaborative projects, exchanges, interactions, and friendships. Originally comprised of  the Beauforts in France, of which there are thirteen, the organization has expanded across the boundaries of continents and oceans to include  other Beauforts of Europe, Asia , Australia , Africa, and North America .  Each May, delegates from the Beauforts gather at the International Association of Beauforts annual reunion hosted each year in a different member Beaufort.

     In 2002, representing Beaufort, North Carolina , USA and the Beaufort Sister Cities organization, eighteen delegates traveled to the Reunion  in Beaufort-en-Vallee, France . As did other delegates, the American group enjoyed the hospitality and generosity of the of Beaufort-en-Vallee whose residents hosted them in their homes and provided tours of the towns and attractions of the Loire Valley region. They were also treated to welcome reception, fabulous lunches and dinners in local restaurants and in their host's homes, and enjoyed a great grand finale  which included a banquet, dancing, live entertainment and, of course, more wine!

     Since that date, Beaufort, North Carolina delegates have attended the Reunion  in  Beaufort-sur-Gervanne (Drôme) (2004),  Beaufort-sur-Doron (Savoie) (2005).  The 2006 reunion took place in Beaufort (Nord) the home of Chef Alain Capelle, restauranteur of the Aubege de l’Hermitage. Chef Capelle had been selected as the first visiting chef of the Beaufort Sister Cities new exchange program and visited Beaufort, North Carolina in the fall of 2006.  The 2007 reunion will take place in Beaufort, Luxembourg.  The 2009 reunion will take place in Beaufort, North Carolina.

     In fulfilling its own mission statement and goals, following the guidelines of Sister Cities International and in striving to fulfill the goals of the International Association of Beauforts, Beaufort Sister Cities, Inc. has numerous ongoing programs, projects and exchanges with its Beaufort Sister City Partnerships. We invite you to find out more about these programs and exchanges by contacting any of the Beaufort Sister Cities officers or board members.