In 1988 Chanlonnes Sur Loire and Ballinasloe were twinned by The World Federation of Twinned Towns.

In July 1988 representatives from Chalonnes paid an informal visit to Ballinasloe.

In July 1989 The First Student exchange took place.

In July 1991 The official twinning ceremony and charter.

Over the following 15 years there were visits by both towns involving among others students, the town bands, French cycling club, French farmers group, Camogie teams. Chalonnes holds its wine festival in February each year. Ballinasloe is generally represented there as is Chalonnes, in Ballinasloe for our October Fair.

In 2001 Ballinasloe was to have received 30 Chalonnais but the visit had to be cancelled due to Foot & Mouth precautions.

In May 2005 a group of 25 Chalonnes service users including nurses and doctors from the psychiatric services spent a week in Ballinasloe. A group from Ballinasloe will pay a return visit May 2007.