Musée du textile de Cholet

The Musée du textile de Cholet is a museum housed in a former bleaching factory built in 1881 that documents the textile industry. The building contains weaving machines and displays showing how fabrics and textiles were manufactured.

The building was originally a textile processing factory that played an important role in Cholet's economy. It was converted into a museum in the 1990s to preserve the city's industrial heritage.

The museum demonstrates how traditional weaving techniques work and the importance of red handkerchiefs in local identity. Visitors can observe these distinctive textiles being made using methods that have remained largely unchanged.

The museum is open multiple days a week with morning and afternoon sessions, making it convenient for different schedules. The galleries are laid out clearly so visitors can easily follow the displays about machines and manufacturing processes.

The museum still operates an active workshop producing the famous red handkerchiefs using the same methods as centuries ago. Visitors can watch this living production process and see firsthand how these traditional textiles are created.

Location: Cholet

Official opening: 1995

Phone: +33241752540

Website: https://museedutextile.com

GPS coordinates: 47.06820,-0.89773

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45