The second city of Maine-et-Loire, Cholet built its reputation on textiles and the red-and-white handkerchief that bears its name. Between industrial heritage, unusual religious buildings and green spaces, here are the places not to miss.
Looking for things to do in Cholet, places to visit near Cholet or an idea for a day out this weekend? Here is a selection of the finest sights to see, all explorable directly on the interactive map.
Open Cholet on the interactive mapSet in a former 1881 laundry, this museum brings the linen-making history of Cholet back to life through still-working looms and the last workshop making the Cholet handkerchief.
See on the map →Recognisable by its two spires reaching 65 metres, this neo-Gothic church dominates the town centre and remains a must-see landmark of Cholet.
See on the map →Perched on a hillock, this listed historic monument is directly inspired by the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre. Its 132-step campanile offers an open view over the city.
See on the map →Laid out on the former ramparts of Cholet castle, this garden also holds a prehistoric menhir, the 'Pierre à l'huile', a witness to a far older occupation of the site.
See on the map →From 18th- and 19th-century academic painting to contemporary art, this museum also retraces the history of the Vendée Wars that marked the Cholet region.
See on the map →At the gateway to the city, this vast 35-hectare natural area at the edge of a forest is the favourite playground of Cholet's walkers and joggers.
See on the map →The heart of Cholet life, this square is home to the Grand Café (the former town hall) and the old theatre. A good starting point to explore the centre on foot.
See on the map →Find these places and hundreds more — restaurants, places to stay, activities — on the BornToVisit interactive map. Filter by theme, find things to do around you and plan your outing.
Explore the map of Cholet →