Cholet is the second-largest city in the Maine-et-Loire region after Angers. A short weekend in this pretty town allows you to discover its rich textile past, while immersing yourself in a thriving artistic and gastronomic scene. Between preserved traditions and creativity, Cholet promises a captivating and deliciously French getaway. Let yourself be seduced by the authenticity of this must-see destination, with these 13 things to do in Cholet.
1. The Sacré-Coeur, Cholet's architectural marvel
Erected majestically on the mound of boulevard Guy Chouteau, Cholet 's Sacré-Cœur is much more than an imposing 45-meter-high church. It's a journey through time, a discovery made "for and by the people of Cholet". Whether or not you're a fan of this type of edifice, the Sacré-Coeur leaves no one indifferent. TheRomanesque-Byzantine architecture, inspired by the Sacré-Coeur basilica in Montmartre, blends harmoniously with local history in its frescoes and mosaics.
Best of all, the church is firmly rooted in history, evoking the"Battle of Cholet" in 1793. Strong symbols of resistance, such as caricatures of Hitler and Mussolini as gargoyles, permeate the building. Want to see more? Discover the carillon, accessible after climbing 132 steps. You've just taken in a superb panoramic view of the city!
2. Parc Oriental de Maulévrier, a green oasis
OK, we're cheating a little, because the Parc Oriental de Ma ulévrier is just a few kilometers from Cholet. It's such a must-see that we simply couldn't pass it up! Prepare yourself for a plunge into a parallel world of 1000 wonders. The perfectly manicured Japanese gardens invite contemplation. An enchanting mosaic of shapes and colors awaits your gaze, filled with wonder and beauty. Waterfalls, red bridges, flowers, rivers, magical islands: the show is complete! We particularly recommend discovering "Sunset Island", one of the last islands to be created in this Remarkable Garden. The garden also takes on a whole new dimension during nocturnal visits, when the play of light sets the surrounding scenery ablaze.
3. Notre-Dame-de-Cholet church, a historic treasure
The Maine-et-Loire region is brimming with beautiful religious buildings. Thechurch of Notre-Dame de Cholet stands like an invitation to travel through the ages. Its two white spires rise elegantly above the roofs. Listed as a Monument Historique since 1999, its history begins in the XIᵉ century, with a first chapel that became a parish church, demolished in the early XIXᵉ century, only to be reborn after six years of intense reconstruction. Have fun observing the gargoyles on the side facades, once protective, which add a touch of enigmatic history to the building. A must-see in Cholet, especially rain or shine!
4. Ribou leisure park, a family paradise
Here's the ideal meeting point for the whole family during a stay in Cholet! You can easily spend several days at the Ribou leisure park without getting bored:
- the 11 km Ribou'cle walk around the lake,
- water sports: canoeing, rowing, catamaran, windsurfing, etc,
- sports field,
- mini-golf,
- swimming,
- fishing.
Of course, the most important thing is to relax in this little haven of peace, with Lac de Ribou as a backdrop! We recommend that you visit in fine weather, so you can make the most of the swimming. In Cholet, you don't need a beach to enjoy yourself!
5. Visit the Musée Textile et de la Mode
Textile expertise is historically linked to the town of Cholet. Known as the "City of Handkerchiefs", it was a major centre for the manufacture of this small square of fabric, before the arrival of the paper handkerchief which flooded the market. Since 1995, the Musée Textile et de la Mode (Textile and Fashion Museum ) has been housed in a former bleaching plant : logical, historic, we love it!
You're in for a treat. Children themselves are sure to find the visit interesting, as you can watch demonstrations of weaving on old looms. How exciting!
6. Parc de Moine, a green heart in the city
It's so good to see greenery in the middle of the city! Parc de Moine is the place to find this hidden treasure. Much more than just a green space, it's a place where sports and family activities blend harmoniously. Friendly joggers, pleasant trails await you. You may also come across a few pétanque enthusiasts and athletes from the sports fields.
Travelling with children? Here's an ideal place for them to ride their bikes, play on the games and slides, or enjoy a picnic lunch. Committed to an eco-citizen approach, the park is home to the "sentinel pollinator", alerting visitors to allergy-prone periods, as well as the "insect hotel", home to a welcome biodiversity.
Good to know: a path links the park to Lac de Ribou, offering walkers a stroll along the Moine.
7. Lac du Verdon, a nature getaway around Cholet
This is another man-made lake, complementary to the Parc de Moine. Lac du Verdon is a birdwatcher's paradise. This nature reserve is home to a rich fauna, a veritable paradise for many species. To preserve their serenity and respect their natural environment, many human activities are prohibited. Only windsurfing is permitted.
Above all, the lake is a haven of peace and greenery, ideal for a bucolic stroll. Here, you can take the time to disconnect from the world around you, and immerse yourself in the contemplation of a natural landscape evolving between plains, bocage and forest.
8. The Parc du Champ de Bataille Cholet, a historical memory
Visiting Cholet also means immersing yourself in a piece of French history. Cholet's Parc du Champ de Bataille, nicknamed Mont-Ligot, stands as an immutable witness to history, steeped in the exciting story of the French Revolution. Overlooking the industrial districts, this hill was the scene of a memorable battle pitting republicans against royalists at the end of the XVIIIᵉ century. To follow this historic circuit, leave your car at the Champ du Bois parking lot. Along the way, you'll pass streams, a railroad line and an airfield. If you feel like it, climb up to the orientation table to relive the key moments of this historic conflict.
9. Discover Cholet's Museum of Art and History
Discover a focus on the Vendée wars, but also more varied themes through art exhibitions at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Cholet. Period paintings, sculptures and tapestries immerse you in the history of the town and its artists. Discover the evolution of art, from the XVIᵉ century to the present day, in this modern museum which opened in 1993. More generally, the history of the region, from Gallo-Roman times to the early XXᵉ century, is represented in this superb, exceptional museum.
10. Les Halles de Cholet, stock up on fresh produce
Where can you find fresh, local produce? At Les Halles de Cho let, of course! Butchers - such as the Boucherie Bio Choletaise - bakers, greengrocers, fishmongers and other specialized food retailers await you 5 days a week:
- tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6am to 1pm,
- friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Meetauthentic craftsmen and authentic products. Would you like to prepare a tasty local dish? Don't hesitate to ask these specialists for advice: you've got everything you need for a delicious meal!
11. Cholet's menhirs, an unusual leap into the past
In the heart of Cholet and the surrounding area, a surprising discovery awaits you: menhirs! Obélix may be absent, but when it comes to these unusual blocks of stone, you'll have a front-row seat. These astonishing relics of a bygone era stand proudly, telling the mysterious story of the region. The Grand Menhir de la Garde, a masterpiece right in the center of town near the Hôtel de Ville, catches the eye at first glance. The Parc du Menhir, meanwhile, reveals other treasures, including the majestic Pierre Plate de la Pochetière.
12. Lots of leisure activities at l'Autre Usine
Fill up on fun activities with family and friends at L'Autre Usine, a vast leisure complex spread over 16,000 square meters. This innovative venue offers a wide range of activities. Thrill-seekers can go electric karting on a 400-meter indoor track. Are you a laser game aficionado ? Explore the 450 square meters on two levels of this leisure center. Then why not try your hand at bowling, billiards or arcade games? And the list goes on:
- air-conditioned squash courts,
- 3-on-3 basketball courts,
- 5-a-side soccer pitches,
- volleyball courts, etc.
And if you're a karaoke enthusiast, there are private rooms available to get your audience up and dancing. As you can see, there's plenty of entertainment to suit all tastes. An ideal place to discover with the whole family, even when it's raining!
13. Taste the specialties of Anjou
Dear gourmet travelers, this section is for you! Explore the culinary delights of Anjou, starting with the must-try rillauds, delicious pieces of candied pork belly. They're renowned for pairing perfectly with a Cabernet d'Anjou or a Rosé de la Loire.
Continue your gustatory journey with Loire fish. On the menu :
- pike,
- pike-perch
- eel cooked with beurre blanc, crème fraîche or sorrel.
How about a little dessert, ladies and gentlemen? On the sweet side, crêmet d'Anjou, an exquisite blend of crème fraîche and stiffly beaten egg whites, is a must. We also invite you to try our plum pâté, bottereaux and beignets choletais. Anjou is a symphony of flavors, with each bite telling its own little gourmet story. Let's be polite: let's hear it!
Where to stay in Cholet?
There's no better area to spend a weekend in Cholet. If you like peace and quiet, however, we'd advise you to move a little further away from the city center, as many interesting activities are a little out of the way.
- The most practical
Take advantage of the hotel/restaurant combo at La Godinière, on rue Saint-André, which you can book simply here. This modern establishment offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. And while the decor is very simple, the welcome is no less pleasant. The parking lot in front of the hotel is also a great plus.
- The best value for money
Find modern comfort at theIbis Hôtel de Cholet, which you can book here in just a few clicks. This brand has succeeded in making its establishments very comfortable, while keeping prices low. Its parking lot and small patio, combined with a prime location close to amenities, make it an interesting option for the weekend.
- The best location
Set down your suitcases at theHôtel de l'Europe, a simple, comfortable establishment that you can book right here. The rooms are adorned with wooden details, adding a warm touch to your stay. Situated not far from the Autre Usine and the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, it offers an interesting proximity to some of the city's points of interest.
What to do in Cholet when it rains?
Good news: some of Cholet's best points of interest are indoors! Among them, you can't miss the Autre Usine and its many leisure activities for the whole family. Even if the rain persists, you won't be bored.
The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire and the Musée Textile et de la Mode are two other interesting places to visit come rain or shine. But what to do with children in Cholet when it's raining? Go to Kidi Mundi, of course! This indoor playground will keep them happy while they wait for the sun to return. Couples can take refuge at Spassimawhose Thai-inspired wellness treatments offer a gentle interlude.
Of course, we haven't forgotten the religious buildings, interesting places to visit when it's raining:
- notre-Dame-de-Cholet church,
- the Sacré-Coeur
- saint-Pierre church, etc.
A great program, which won't leave the slightest room for boredom when it's raining!
What family outings are there in Cholet?
Go to Glisséo for pure family fun. In addition to the swimming pool, there's a water garden for younger children, and a skating rink. In addition to classic skating, you can also go karting on ice: it's all fun and games!
You can also fill up on leisure activities at Lac de Ribou, where there's a wide range of water sports on offer. Of course, we always come back to l'Autre Usine, this incredible place that will delight the whole family!
Finally, we invite you to discover Géocaching Adventure Lab, an application that will take you on a treasure hunt of a lifetime. You can also spend some quality family time at the Musée du Textile et de la Mode, which offers a fun booklet for children. Finish off with a visit to the Parc le Moine's playgrounds and green spaces, a trip to the toy library and a ride on the Place Travot merry-go-round, and you're all set!
Which villages to visit around Cholet?
To start with, head for Les Epesses to see the unmissable Puy du Fou! Located just 25 minutes from Cholet, it offers a great day out or two for families on vacation.
Just 15 minutes from Cholet, the next stop is Maulévrier. Here you'll find, among other things, the famous Oriental Park, gracefully lit up by its many lanterns at nightfall. The rest of the village is equally beautiful, nestling in its green setting. In Mauléon, vestiges of the past await you, also surrounded by lush vegetation. The area, close to Cholet, invites you to escape and contemplate. Looking for calm and serenity? Head for Mallièvre, a charming weaving town offering an idyllic living environment.
Have you enjoyed your visit to Cholet? Don't hesitate to discover the 15 most beautiful places in Maine-et-Loire to extend your stay! This département is definitely full of surprises. There's no shortage of beautiful towns to visit, and nature is everywhere: a real little paradise! If Cholet is perfect for a weekend away, you'll find plenty to keep you busy in Maine-et-Loire for a week's vacation or more. From Parc Terra Botanica to Château d'Angers, via the Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine, you're in for a treat!
