Before the invention of modern manufacturing methods, weaving played a key role in textile manufacturing. The Cholet red handkerchief has been passed down through the centuries to become our local emblem.
The Cholet Handkerchief
Traditional expertise
Cholet has a long history of weaving expertise. This tradition has marked the history of the town forever. It began to grow in the 19th century when household linens and handkerchiefs were developing.
A song, a story, an entire legend
In 1990, Théodore Botrel's song "Le Mouchoir Rouge de Cholet" (The Red Handkerchief of Cholet) made him famous. His song highlighted the period marked by the Vendée Wars.A genius idea
This song was discovered by the Cholet industrialist Léon Maret, who decided to produce the handkerchief as it was described by the artist. A publicity master stroke of the time, Léon Maret sent some handkerchiefs to Théodore Botrel for him to hand out wherever he went. The idea snowballed, and so the red and white handkerchief was born with Cholet becoming the handkerchief capital.Find out how the Cholet handkerchief is made and learn about the weavers' working conditions at the Textile and Fashion Museum, the working conditions of the weavers and explore the garden that cultivates the plants needed for fibres and dyes.
The famous handkerchief is available to purchase in a range of different format at the Tourist Office shop; in fabric, or even an edible version!
The famous handkerchief is available to purchase in a range of different format at the Tourist Office shop; in fabric, or even an edible version!