Founded in 1906 and taking place every April, Cholet Carnival was initially a celebration of Lent; the burning of the float on the pyre symbolised the start of the fast. Nowadays, it’s a week-long festive extravaganza bringing the streets of Cholet alive.
Accompanying the brass bands and music groups that set the atmosphere, grand floats parade past thousands of visitors, each one more impressive than the next. They are designed by a creative team of carnival organisers who work tirelessly for several months to bring their ideas to life.
The jewel in the crown of this crazy week is the night-time parade that closes the celebrations, astounding visitors with its scope and the ingeniousness of the technological devices it uses. Inventiveness seems to know no bounds here, making the carnival a must-see on your visit to the Loire Valley this spring.