Discover Cholet in 1 hour…
At the bend in the cobbled alleys, dead ends and boulevards, the heritage of the region of Cholet reveals itself, original, rich and varied. A walk, from typical weavers' houses to seigniorial abodes, from Haussmann buildings to contemporary neighbourhoods, allows to see the vitality characterizing the city.
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The Art and History Museum, unexpected encounter...
In the heart of the city, the Art and History Museum proposes to discover an exceptional collection, in spacious and bright rooms, where sculptures, paintings, tapestry and objects of memory cohabit. The visit is composed of two parts. First, around fascinating galleries mainly dedicated to the history of the Vendee War and then, Art development from the 16th to the 20th century.
The “Espace St Louis”
The creative Cholet committed itself to art and cultivates it in its two institutions. The municipal school of Arts and Plastics and the National school of Music, Dance and Drama have recently been settled in the pole “Espace Saint Louis”.
The castle ramparts:
A first fortress was erected after the conquest of the Mauges and the region of Cholet by Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou, on a feudal clod, present from the 10th century. Until the mid-19th century, during wars, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times before being burned down during the taking of Cholet people from Vendée region.
The Guard's standing stone:
This imposing standing stone is the symbol of the setting of Cholet in a thousand-year-old history. In the 19th century, it was removed from the Guard's land, to Cholet and Mazièresen-Mauges's limits, on the Mail garden. It was registered in the Additional inventory of Historic Monuments in 1976.
The Law courts:
With the transfer of the Beapreau’s sub prefecture to Cholet in 1857, the district's county town was given some new administrative functions. It became necessary to build a law courts with the norms of the end of the 19th century.
The Town and Agglomeration Hall:
The Town Hall was inaugurated in 1976 and is friendly nicknamed “the typewriter”. It has a truly modern and functional architecture.
The Place Rougé and The Commerce Street:
The Place Rougé and The rue du Commerce (rue Jean Paul II) were creatited according to the Count of Rougé’s wish to make of the seigniory of Cholet a city worthy of his rank. The owners' names and the dates of construction are carved on some façades.
The “Salt loft” Tower: (41, rue des vieux greniers)
The “Salt loft” Tower was built in the 16th century, it is registered as a Historical Monument. The renaissance decoration into this medieval tower contributes to its originality, and its watch-tower made with red bricks to its charm.
The tree with Weather vanes
It pays tribute to Roland Garros, the famous French aviator who was the first one to cross the Mediterranean Sea. He obtained his pilot's licence in Cholet.
The rue Nantaise
One of the oldest streets of Cholet, it was the shortest access to the city center for the travelers coming from Nantes.
Notre-Dame
This church is registered in the additional inventory of historic monuments. On the 11th century, it was founded by the monks from St Michel-en-l'Herm. During the Revolution, it was used as a stable and a prison. In July 1813, the duke of Angoulème put the first stone of the current NotreDame church with a 19th century new-Gothic style. From 1881 to 1900 the nave and the church towers, 65 metres high beams, were achieved. Also see the 14th century Virgin Mary, a copy of the sculptor Biron.
The Arcades Rougé:
This area in the city center (3 hectares) invites to conviviality. This relatively contemporary place matches the historical identity, completely anchors Cholet in the 21st century.
