Messigny-et-Vantoux Square
The communities of Harxheim and Messigny-et-Ventoux in Burgundy have been linked by a partnership since 1982.
The Messigny-et-Ventoux square received its name in 1983 on the occasion of the first German-French partnership meeting in Harxheim.
Syringe Heisje on today’s Messigny-et-Ventoux Square
Image source: Unknown
In 1982, the municipal council decided to form a twinning committee
Image source: Partnerschaftsverein Harxheim e.V.
The German-French community partnership between Harxheim and Messigny-et-Ventoux in Burgundy has existed since 1982 and thus followed – like many surrounding communities – the partnership (jumelage) between Mainz and Dijon founded in 1958. The partnership is guided by the idea of a united Europe. Its aim is to promote and deepen understanding and friendship between Germans and French through personal encounters.
After the partnership deeds were signed by the mayors of Harxheim (Heinrich Müller) and Messigny-et-Ventoux (Henri Revol) in June 1982, two buses carrying Harxheimers went to Messigny-et-Ventoux in September of the same year, where the first partnership meeting took place. In 1983 the first return visit of the French to Harxheim took place. On this occasion, the square by the fountain at the junction of Bahnhofstrasse and Rheinhessenstrasse was named Messigny-et-Ventoux Square in honor of the new partnership. A new sign with the inscription “Square Messigny-et-Ventoux” and the local coats of arms of the two municipalities now adorned the square.
Unveiling of the new sign on the square, now called Messigny-et-Ventoux Square, during the twinning meeting in 1983.
Image source: Partnerschaftsverein Harxheim e.V.
The Messigny-et-Ventoux square before the transformation in 2001
Image source: Gerhard Buchert
In 2001, Messigny-et-Ventoux Square was redesigned, but the sign remained. Towards Gaustraße, the square was also given a new large plaque on which the names of Harxheim’s wine majesties appeared. As part of the renovation of the town’s thoroughfare in 2019/2020, Messigny-et-Ventoux Square has been reduced in size and will again need to be redesigned. The project is currently (2022) in the planning phase.
Redesign of the Messigny-et-Ventoux square in 2001
Image source: Gerhard Buchert
Messigny-et-Ventoux square after the transformation in 2001
Image source: Gerhard Buchert
The Harxheim partner community Messigny-et-Ventoux is located 7 km north of Dijon and has about 1600 inhabitants. Based on decades of existence, the partnership is characterized by cordial and familiar interaction. Regular reciprocal visits, joint hikes and privately organized meetings of participating families keep the relationship between Harxheim and Messigny-et-Ventoux alive.
By the way, until the early 1960s, the “Spritze-Heisje” stood on today’s Messigny-et-Ventoux Square. Here, sprays were mixed until the 1950s to control leaf diseases and pests in the Harxheim vineyards. The story of the syringe Heisje can be read here.
Farewell photo at Messigny-et-Ventoux square on the occasion of the twinning meeting 2011
Bildquelle: Birgit Korte
References:
Partnership Association Harxheim e.V.
