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 on which to celebrate 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 from 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 Masquerades of Clisson | Destination Vignoble Nantais

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Surtitle Masquerades of Clisson Let yourself be seduced by La Dolce Vita

Every spring, the town of Clisson, a historic Italian town and landscape, vibrates to the rhythm of the Mascarades de Clisson, a festive interlude where the streets are transformed into an open-air theatre. Along the cobbled streets, let yourself be carried away by an explosion of flamboyant costumes, dances, shows and emotions.

Inspired by the spirit of the Commedia dell’arte and popular Venetian folklore, the Clisson Masquerade Festival invites young and old to experience a suspended moment, combining tradition and creativity.

Driven by the passion of local artists, residents and associations, the Masquerades de Clisson offer a unique opportunity to savour the excitement of a living heritage, in a setting with an Italian flavour.

See you in May in Clisson For the 2026 edition

Once again this year, the Mascarades de Clisson 2026 and its 130 costumed characters will be bringing you the enchanting atmosphere of Venice for 2 days: free entertainment, exhibitions, concerts, street shows, farmers’ markets and much more!

While you wait for the 2026 programme, take a look back at images from the 2025 edition.

The Masquerades of ClissonKey figures

130

Costumes from all over France

40 000

Visitors in 2025

More than 20

Concerts and entertainment

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The Clisson Masquerades: costumed women stroll through the town in 2024

Programme of the Masquerades de Clisson 2026

Saturday
Sunday

Download the 2026 programme (coming soon)

Restaurant la Crêperie du Chat BottéCREPE RESTAURANT

Traditional creperie since 1986, located between Les Halles and the castle in a typical street in the heart of Clisson.

Clisson

The Masquerades of Clisson An association project

The members of the ” Les Axantiennes ” association and the ” Costumés Vénitiens de France ” are partners of the Mairie de Clisson in the organisation of this authentic popular festival, which gives pride of place to people and cultural exchanges. They share and promote an artistic and technical passion for the theme of Venetian Costumes.

FAQ

Why is Clisson the ideal setting for the Masquerades?
What's the atmosphere like at the Mascarades de Clisson?
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.