Cholet

Cholet is a town in the Maine-et-Loire department, in the Pays de la Loire region, known for its rich industrial heritage linked to textiles and shoemaking. The town lent its name to the famous “Cholet handkerchief”, a red fabric with white polka dots whose history is showcased at the local Textile Museum. Cholet also played a notable role during the Vendée Wars in the late 18th century, and the town centre retains some traces of that period. The Mail de Cholet provides a popular green space for walks, while the nearby Ribou and Ragondin lakes offer outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, walking and cycling. The surrounding countryside, characterised by the bocage landscape typical of the Vendée and Anjou areas, is well suited to nature outings. Cholet enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with mild summers and relatively gentle winters. The town makes a convenient base for exploring Maine-et-Loire and neighbouring departments, including the Vendée, while offering an authentic provincial atmosphere.