Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Cholet, France

This town in the Pays de Loire experienced the French Revolution’s impact more severely than any other location in the country.

A significant conflict occurred here in 1793, resulting in extensive destruction throughout Cholet.

The battlefield is now commemorated with an orientation table, while the municipal museum details the battle and introduces its key figures.

However, this is just one chapter in the rich history of Cholet; the town was also a major hub for textile manufacturing, renowned for producing elegant handkerchiefs across France. This historical heritage is on display at a restored mill.

Moreover, there are two picturesque lakes and extensive parklands available for leisurely walks, water sports, and picnics.

Let us examine the best attractions in Cholet:

1. Musée du Textile et de la Mode

For a comprehensive overview of Cholet’s historic textile industry, this museum housed in a former industrial laundry is indispensable.

The atmospheric factory buildings date back to 1881, and within, galleries showcase nearly a millennium of spinning, dyeing, and weaving history in Cholet.

Visitors can observe historic looms in operation during demonstrations, as well as displays honoring the many weavers who contributed to a nationally-acclaimed industry.

Contemporary textile art exhibitions are also featured, alongside the last working workshop in the town that produces Cholet’s trademark red handkerchief.

2. Musée d’Art et d’Histoire

This area witnessed intense combat during the French Revolutionary Wars, with the Battle of Cholet occurring in 1793 between Republican and Royalist forces.

The museum’s History Gallery offers an in-depth examination of the War in the Vendée, highlighting key military figures of the era, including the notable insurrection leader Jacques Cathelineau.

Additionally, the collection features letters, artifacts, and paintings belonging to the Duchess of Berry, mother to Henri, Count of Chambord, the last person to stake a legitimate claim to the French crown.

The art galleries display works by renowned Baroque artists such as Antoine Coypel, Charles André van Loo, and Giovanni Battista Salvi.

3. Parc Oriental de Maulévrier

As one explores, it becomes evident that Cholet is home to numerous captivating parks.

However, the one park you must see first is this Japanese garden located on the southeastern shore of Lac du Verdon.

This park was designed at the turn of the 20th century by the Parisian architect Alexandre Marcel, who was inspired by oriental styles. He famously recreated Cambodia’s Khmer temple for the Paris Expo in 1900. The Parc Oriental de Maulévrier is situated within the grounds of Château Colbert and is the largest Japanese garden in France.

Featuring 300 plant species, bonsai displays, Japanese porcelain, a pagoda, water features, and an ornamental bridge, this park provides a serene escape.

4. Parc du Champ de Bataille Cholet

From this hillock overlooking Cholet’s commercial and industrial areas, it is difficult to envision the sounds of cannon fire and muskets.

Yet, this very site was the setting for a crucial event during the French Revolution on October 17, 1793, when the Republicans triumphed over the Royalists, resulting in nearly 12,000 casualties in this surprisingly serene location.

At the summit, a large orientation table details the positioning of various factions, their movements, and commanding officers.

A memorial cross marks the battlefield, alongside an 18th-century Gribeauval cannon placed along the trail.

5. Église du Sacré-Cœur

Although it may seem older, Cholet’s Sacré-Cœur Church was constructed in the early 1940s in a Neo-Byzantine style.

Despite its relatively recent origin, several features make the church worth a visit.

Notably, its architecture stands out from other churches in Vendée or Maine-et-Loire. Additionally, it was constructed solely from local materials: red bricks, an orange slate known as Pineau, pink granite from Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges, and blue granite from Vezins.

Furthermore, the church was financed entirely through donations from the citizens of Cholet.

6. Cholet’s Menhirs

A number of prehistoric megaliths are scattered throughout the city, skillfully hewn, carried, and positioned by human hands thousands of years ago.

The local tourist office can provide directions to each one, with the most notable being the Grand Menhir de la Garde, located directly in front of the old ramparts a short distance from the town hall.

Its smaller counterpart, the Petit Menhir de la Garde, is only a few hundred meters away and is considered “small” only by comparison, as it stands over three meters high.

Additionally, in Parc du Menhir lies the Pierre Plate de la Pochetière, which reaches a height of 2.3 meters and, like the others, is recognized as a French historical monument.

7. Église Notre-Dame

It is impossible to overlook this Neo-Gothic church with its towering spires, which rank as the second-tallest in the Angers diocese.

The spires rise to 65 meters and are adorned with Gothic-style pinnacles.

This structure appears older than it is, having been completed in 1887. Its predecessor fell victim to the Revolution, surviving fire and cannon fire yet subsequently deteriorated into a warehouse and collapsed due to neglect.

While it pays homage to medieval artistry rather than being a historical artifact itself, the Norman-style stained glass, window tracery, and organ feature exceptional craftsmanship.

8. Small Sights around Town

Cholet is rich in smaller historical sights that can be grouped into an educational excursion around the town.

Here are a couple of highlights to consider: The large public garden situated high above the town near the tourism office once housed the castle of Cholet.

This edifice was destroyed during the War in the Vendée; however, remnants of the outer walls remain, allowing visitors to climb for a panoramic view of the town.

Additionally, Rue des Vieux-Greniers features a rare structure that survived the war unscathed.

The Tour du Grenier à Sel, a 16th-century tower for storing taxed salt, boasts a corbelled turret and a weathered yet dignified entrance.

9. Lac de Ribou

This tranquil artificial lake was created after the damming of the Moine and Trézon Rivers in 1958. Shortly thereafter, the residents of Cholet recognized the leisure and recreational potential of its 90-hectares of pristine water.

Bridleways, cycling paths, and hiking trails circle the lake, winding through the surrounding forest.

The CISPA activity center offers all the necessary equipment and expertise for children to engage in archery, sailing, pedal boating, and canoeing.

In addition, the Raymond Russon tourist center provides tennis courts, a mini-golf course, playgrounds for children, and a volleyball court.

10. Parc de Moine

Cholet has preserved over seven hectares of green space along the banks of the Moine River, located just south of the town center.

The Parc de Moine serves as a haven for leisurely strolls and social gatherings among friends.

The winding paths lead beside the river, shaded by mature trees, bordered by lawns, shrubs, and flowerbeds.

If desired, visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk through this verdant setting all the way to Lac du Ribou, which is four kilometers from the center.

The park also features pétanque courts, a skate park, and football fields, all established as part of a substantial regeneration project in the 1970s.

11. Puy du Fou

Puy du Fou is a unique theme park offering a blend of historical re-enactments and stunt shows.

Renowned for its exceptional production values and creativity, it captivates even the most seasoned visitors.

With more than 20 themed performances showcasing historical and fantasy narratives, guests can experience chariot races, gladiatorial battles, a siege of a castle, Viking invasions, and sword fights involving musketeers.

Complementing these shows are traditional musicians, falconry exhibitions, and aquatic displays.

In the evening, audiences can witness the grand spectacle of the Cinéscénie, a dramatic portrayal of the history of the Vendée region featuring over a thousand performers and hundreds of horses.

12. Lac du Verdon

As Cholet evolved in the latter half of the 20th century, a larger water reservoir became necessary.

Consequently, in 1979, the Moine River was dammed further upstream to create Lac du Verdon.

Being slightly distanced from Cholet, this lake attracts fewer visitors.

It offers a tranquil and scenic setting, surrounded by lush farmland and hedgerows.

Because Lac du Verdon is more exposed to the elements, it has gained popularity among windsurfers.

The area also features a hiking trail that encircles the lake, providing views of the impressive dam and multiple fishing vantage points.

13. Musée des Métiers de la Chaussure

Located in an old factory in the village of Saint-André-de-la-Marche, this museum showcases the craft of shoemaking.

It stands as the only museum in France dedicated to this profession, preserving an astounding array of century-old machinery.

No aspect of the craft is left unexplored, from cobbling and repairs to leather creation and the industrialization of shoemaking during the 1900s.

The museum also features a collection of antique shoes, and visitors can participate in workshops to create their own wearable sandals.

14. Chemin de Fer de la Vendée

Situated less than 10 kilometers south of Cholet, this heritage train offers scenic rides along a portion of the decommissioned Vouvant-Cezais à Saint-Christophe-du-Bois line.

Reopened as a tourist attraction in 1992 to prevent its destruction, this early 20th-century line allows you to travel 22 kilometers through idyllic countryside, traversing majestic viaducts spanning three deep river valleys.

The round trip lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with passengers aboard vintage railcars powered by steam or diesel engines.

15. Local Specialities

In Cholet, a Mouchoir de Cholet refers to two things: the iconic red handkerchief featuring two intersecting white lines or the chocolate inspired by it. This delectable treat comprises orange-flavored almond paste and pralines wrapped in thin squares of red-tinted chocolate.

These handkerchiefs are widely available throughout the town, including in the tourist office.

Moreover, Cholet is also the perfect place to savor roast squab (young pigeon). The local charcuterie includes high-quality options such as rillauds (cured pork) and boudin noir (blood sausage).