Mayor LaToya Cantrell traveled to Antibes Juan-les-Pins, France, on July 14 to participate in an official signing ceremony finalizing a sister city agreement between New Orleans and the Mediterranean resort town. Cantrell signed the formal agreement with Mayor Jean Leonetti of Antibes Juan-les-Pins as part of the 61st annual International Jazz à Juan Festival and the Bastille Day celebrations throughout the city.

“This trip to Antibes Juan-les-Pins is an important part of a long-standing friendship between our two cities, one that is built on a shared appreciation for jazz – as evidenced by their annual International Jazz Festival,” said Cantrell. “Since 1994, when New Orleans and Antibes signed a twinning agreement between their city and the French Quarter, we’ve recognized this shared affinity for New Orleans culture. With this new sister city agreement, Mayor Leonetti and I look forward to increased possibilities for cultural, educational and economic exchanges between us.”

Famed New Orleans jazz musician Sidney Bechet, who worked with some of New Orleans’ most influential culture bearers, including Louis Armstrong, married and settled in Antibes in 1951. Bechet lived there during the origins of the International Jazz à Juan Festival, which grew into a celebration of jazz and has featured both French and New Orleans-based bands over the years.

For more information about the International Jazz à Juan Festival, visit here.