Deauville, France was twinned with Lexington, KY in 1957. Both are known for their horse cultures. Student exchanges, adult trips, and professional exchanges have been a constant throughout the relationship. There is also a strong university exchange program between the two cities along with opportunities for graduates to find teaching jobs in France.

 Lexington and County Kildare, Ireland were twinned in 1984. County Kildare is also Deauville, France's Sister City. County Kildare boast beautiful horse farms throughout. Student exchanges, university programs, and professional exchanges continue yearly, cementing a close friendship between the two cities. 

In 1988, Lexington was twinned with Shinhidaka, Japan. At the time, Shinhidaka was known as Shizunai, but has since been merged with another city to make Shinhidaka. The cities have student exchanges, partnered agricultural schools, and a new internship for college students to teach in Shinhidaka. 

Newmarket, England is Lexington's newest Sister City, having been twinned in 2003. Newmarket is the birthplace of horse racing in England. The British Racing School is located in Newmarket along with several racetracks. There have been many student exchanges and adult visits between the two cities.