Why is Clisson the ideal setting for the Masquerades?

Clisson alone embodies the spirit of the Mascarades de Clisson : an Italian-inspired setting, cobbled streets bathed in light and a heritage that seems to have come straight out of Tivoli . With its stone bridges, ochre facades and reflections of the River Sèvre, the town offers a natural, open-air stage for celebrating the elegance and fantasy of Venetian costumes.

What's the atmosphere like at the Mascarades de Clisson?

The Masquerades de Clisson plunge visitors into a spellbinding atmosphere where everything becomes a spectacle : masked faces wander around, music blares under the halls, and laughter mingles with the murmurs of the amazed public. It’s an experience that’s both poetic and popular, where every street corner reveals a new emotion.

How to prepare for your visit to the Mascarades de Clisson?

To make the most of the Mascarades de Clisson , plan to arrive in the early afternoon to stroll through the historic town, discover the market stalls and attend the presentation of the keys to the town. The events are free and open to all. Take the time to sample the local flavours in the cafés and markets: it’s a chance to experience the dolce vita à la clissonnaise, combining culture, conviviality and good food. If you can, come by tram-train or TER (regional express train) to limit the inconvenience of parking.

The European Artistic Crafts Days | Destination Vignoble Nantais

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Discover the art professions of the Vignoble Nantais

Every spring, the European Artistic Crafts Days take place in the Vignoble Nantais to celebrate the beauty of the craft, the passing on of skills and the boldness of designers.

Between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, the region reveals an unsuspected wealth of handicrafts carried out by passionate artisans. Here, materials are worked, transformed and shared, revealing the uniqueness of a living heritage.

2026 program

From the 7th to the 12th April 2026, the Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art, a national event organised by theInstitut pour les Savoir-Faire Français, returns to celebrate craftspeople and their skills. The theme of this year’s event is “Cœurs à l’ouvrage”, and the spotlight will be on the regional roots, transmission and creativity that keep the arts and crafts alive.

Several meetings in the Vignoble Nantais

The 2026 European Artistic Crafts Days in Clisson

To mark the 2026 European Artistic Crafts Days, the town of Clisson is offering a rich programme open to all, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and collective energy around the theme of “Hearts at Work”.

The programme in Clisson includes

Art and craft fair under Les Halles – April 11 & 12 (free admission): ceramics, leather goods, sewing, jewellery, glass, wood and much more.
Meet the artisans and showcase their creations.
Art trail in shop windows – from 30 March to 30 April: free discovery of crafts in the town centre.
Exhibition in the media library – from 31 March to 29 April: showcasing the crafts and unique creations of our artisans.
Discovery workshops – weeks of 6 and 13 April: workshops open to all to try out different arts and crafts.
Interludes in the media library – Wednesday 8 April: discussions with the artisans about their careers, their skills and their links with the region.

A programme to discover, learn and share the wealth of arts and crafts in the Vignoble Nantais. More information on the full programme to come.

The 2026 European Artistic Crafts Days in the Vignoble Nantais

Every year, other emblematic sites in the Vignoble Nantais take part in the European Crafts Days, including the Château de Goulaine and the Liveau paper mill in previous years. Every encounter in these venues is a gateway to a craft, a technique or a material, and every workshop is an invitation to learn, experiment and pass on. These events highlight the diversity of local talent and the richness of the region’s craft heritage.

The programme for the 2026 European Artistic Crafts Days in the Vignoble Nantais is coming soon.